Father Saturnino Urios University

Arts and Sciences Program

What Is Research?
IC-RES 130: Elements of Research

SHERYLL P. LABADAN
Textbook: Research Made Easier Faculty, Humanities Division
splabadan@urios.edu.ph
by Amadeo P. Cristobal, Jr.
Learning Objectives: 

▰ a. define and characterize research;

▰ b. identify the purposes of research;
▰ c. describe the role of research in advancing human
knowledge; and,
▰ d. fill out a checklist.

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 EXPLORE

Think about or consider how your problem-solving experience falls within the purview of the
definition and characteristics of research. Check or mark X the appropriate box.

  Y N Definition or Characteristics of Research

1     Using disciplined and systematic approach

2     Investigating the problem based on facts and available data

3      Eliminating bias in attitude

4      Gathered empirical or verifiable data

5     Distinguishing fact from opinion

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PHILO-NOTES. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h08LB0asVD8
 Chapter 1: What is Research?

D ▰ a “systematic inquiry that uses disciplined methods

E to answer questions or solve problems”
F
I ▰ “the continuing discovery and exploration of the
N unknown”
I
T
I ▰ “a diligent, systematic inquiry or investigation to validate
O and refine existing knowledge and generate new
N knowledge”
S
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D “a critical and self-critical inquiry aimed at
E contributing towards the advancement of knowledge
F and wisdom”
I
N “the careful, unbiased investigation of a problem
I based on demonstrable facts”
T
I
O “a refined technique of thinking, employing specialized
N tools, instruments, and procedures”
S
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▰ “a systematic search for and validation of
knowledge about different issues”

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 Characteristics of Research
Systematic Macro system ( the composition of chapters in an organized, logical, & scientific manner).
Micro system (formulation of the detailed content of each chapter).

Objective
A researcher looks at the bases on which the work is founded. The results after being
determined should be verified & validated. No biases.

Feasible In settings like community, school, or workplace, unusual phenomena happen and turn
into potential problems.

Empirical The researcher must present evidence for details. Referencing of facts & information. All
sources should be properly cited.

Clear The choice of variables used should be explained by enriching the RRL or by discussing
different theories.
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 ROLES OF RESEARCHER
(Nieswiadomy, 2004)

7. Subject/respondent/participant

6. Patient/client advocate during study

5. User of research findings

4. Evaluator of research findings

3. Identifier of researchable problems

2. Member of a research team

Principal investigator
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 Purposes of Research
Research provides a scientific basis for any practice or methodology in any field or
discipline.

Research is undertaken for continuous development of and for further productivity in

any field like education, management, business, engineering, and other areas of endeavor.

Research develops tools for assessing the effectiveness of any practice and operation.

Research provides solutions to problems concerning almost all issues encountered in the
different areas of work.

Research advances the personal and professional qualifications of a practitioner.

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 Types of Research

1. Basic or pure research.

This type of research is 2. Applied research.
primarily concerned with It is concerned with using
generating new knowledge. knowledge to give
It investigates the basic reasons immediate solutions to a
and principle behind the problem. A proposed
occurrence of a particular intervention is a usual
phenomenon or event. contribution of this type of
▰ Driven by pure curiosity and the research.
desire to expand one’s knowledge
on a specific subject-matter or  
discipline.
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 Basic or pure research Applied research

Characteristics: Characteristics:
Examples: Examples:
1. Based on the belief Solution-specific and addresses
How did the universe begin? Improve agricultural crop
knowledge for knowledge’s practical questions
What are protons, neutron, production.
sake 1. Involves collection and
and Involves
electrons composed Treat or cure a specific disease.
2. collection of?and analysis ofthedata to examine the
How do slime moulds Improve energy efficiency
analysis of data to develop or usefulness of theory
reproduce? of homes, offices, or in solving
modes of
enhance theory practical educational problems
transportation.
What
3. is the
Leads specific generiofc
to advancement 2. diagnose
Explanatory butlowusually
To the very use of
knowledge
code of the fruit fly?
4. Explanatory in nature
adescriptive .
certain collection in a library.

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 GOALS IN CONDUCTING
RESEARCH

To produce evidence-based practice.

√ Effective and efficient practices or operations are products of research.

To establish credibility in the profession.

√ Research is essential for a profession
practices.
to produce new procedures, programs, and

To observe accountability for the profession.

√ All tasks must be carried out with circumspect care an awareness that everything has to
be done efficiently.

To promote cost-effectiveness through documentation.

√ The findings of research must be shared with and utilized by the individuals, group, or
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community for which the study was intended.
 THE RESEARCH PROCESS

1.
• Problem Identification

• Review of Related Literature

2.

• Objectives Formulation
3.

• Formulation of hypotheses and assumptions

4.

• Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework Construction

5.

6.
• Research Design Selection
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 • Data Collection and Processing
7.

• Data Analysis and Interpretation

8.

9.
• Report Writing

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