I.

TOPIC: RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE

SUB-TOPIC:

1. Nature of Research
2. Definition of Research
3. Values of Research
a. General purposes
b. Specific purposes
4. Essential Factors for Effective Research
5. Characteristics of a Good Research
6. Research Follows a Basic Procedure
7. Activities of the Research Process
8. Difficulties Encountered in Research

II. CONTENTS

NATURE OF RESEARCH

A century ago, we tapped our messages in Morse Code and sent them along
copper wire that for the most part of paralleled the railroad tracks. At the turn of the
century, we cranked the telephone on the wall to talk to the neighbor over a strand of
wire that served the communication needs of multiple subscribers. Now, on a fiber glass
thinner than a human hair, words are carried across the continent or beneath the sea.
Today, we fax messages and transmit them at the speed of light. Far above them all,
the adequate presence of computers, interests, and other information technology had
revolutionized our way of life.

Research had made all these new discoveries and inventions as a key to
progress. There can be no progress without research.

People began to realize that the operation of the forces of nature were not as
capricious as they had been led to believe before. They began to observe the
orderliness in the universe and certain cause and effect relationships could be predicted
with reasonable accuracy.

In addition, the primary goal of research is to enable man to have a better life,
man therefore is continuously in search for ways by which he could make his life fuller
and richer. A full and rich life encompasses not only the material and economic phases
of his life but also the social, emotional, moral, spiritual, mental, and creative-aesthetic
aspects. Due to the complexities and hard way of life, it was borne out of man’s
necessity to cope with the complex problems which continually beset him of his desire
to become master of the environment and to improve his life. Problems exist
everywhere and unless man conduct researches, he will never cope with demands of
realities of the modern era.

DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

There are almost as many definitions of research as there are authors writing
about the subject. However, the different definitions formulated by such authors have
common elements.

The word research is derived from the old French word “cerchier” meaning to
seek or search. One seeks exhaustively for three reasons: (1) for more explanations,
(2) for verifiable truth, and (3) to make discoveries. The goal of searching is to become
certain of the occurrence or existence of a certain phenomenon.

The Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences defines research as “the

manipulation of things, concepts, or symbols for the purpose of generalizing; to extend,
correct, or verify knowledge whether that knowledge aids in the construction of a theory
or in the practice of an art.”

Webster’s Third New International Dictionary defines research as “newly

discovered facts or the practical application of such new or revised conclusion, theories,
or laws.”

Merton asserts that “research contributes to the development of theory. It

clarifies concepts; it initiates, it reformulates; and refocuses theory.”

According to Thomas and Nelson (1996), “research is a careful and systematic

means of solving problems.”

According to Wiersma (1995), “research is a process, an activity in the search

for knowledge through recognized methods of data collection, analysis, and
interpretation.”

Aquino defined research as “the systematic search for pertinent information of a

specific topic or problem. After a careful, systematized research for pertinent
information or data on a specific topic or problem and after the research worker has
analyzed and interpreted the data, he eventually faces another essential task-that of
preparing the research reports.”

Isidro and Malolos define research as “a process of scientific thinking that leads
to the discovery or establishment of new knowledge or truth.” It is not a subjective
expression of ideas or opinion.
 According to Parel, research is “a systematic study or investigation of something
for the purposes of answering questions posed by the researcher.”
According to Whitney, research is “a scientific approach in terms of accepted
mind process involving all essential steps in problem solving through critical
examination of hypothesis to find tentative corroboration and succeeding search for
certainty as a basis of action.”

J. Soriano looks on research as “a work of love- love for achievement and

discovery, love for creativity, love for innovation or originality, love for one’s chosen field
of specialization, and above all love for humanity.”

Claudio and de Leon defined research as “a systematic and refined technique

of thinking and employing specialized instruments and procedures to solve a problem.”

Helmstadler defined research as “activity of solving problems which leads to

new knowledge using methods of inquiry that are currently accepted as adequate by
scholars in the field.”

According to Crawford, research “is simply a systematic and refined technique

of thinking employing specialized tools, instructions, and procedures in order to obtain a
more adequate solution of a problem than would be possible under means. It starts with
a problem, collects data or facts, analyzes these critically, and reaches decisions based
on actual evidence. It involves work instead of a exercise of opinion. It evolves from a
genuine desire to know rather than a prove something. It is qualitative, seeking to know
not only what but how much, and measurement is therefore a central of it.”

According to Maranon, research is “a methodical, basically a habit of thought

that can be developed.”

Hillway defined research as a “way mankind perfected it very slowly over a

period of several centuries and at present it is considered as the most reliable means of
advancing knowledge.”

Best defines research as “the systematic and objective analysis and recording of
controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles,
or theories, resulting in the prediction and possibly the ultimate control of events.”

VALUES OF RESEARCH

Make sure your reading, studying or research are always adding value to the
defined vision, mission, beliefs and values that form your unique personal brand
(Archibald Marwizi).
 The two purposes below can define what the value of a research is:

General Purposes:

The principal purpose of research is the preservation and improvement of the

quality of human life. All types of research are directed to his end - to serve man and
make his life better.

Due to research, man is enjoying the products of research; fast and comfortable
land, sea and air transportation; wonders of electricity and electronics; air-conditioning
units; new information and communication technology; and others.

Other large and basic values of research are: it reduces man’s burden of work,
improves judgment, increases satisfaction in multitudinous ways, adds to his power,
among others.

Specific Purposes:

1. To discover new facts or new “truths” about known phenomenon for primal
existence
2. To find answers to problems which are only practically solved by other fields of
discipline
3. To improve existing methods and techniques
4. To discover the dangers of abusive use of unprescribed drugs and some
poisonous substances
5. To provide the educational system order, related, valid generalizations into
systematized science
6. To provide basis for correct action and decision-making in education, business,
industry, nursing, medical field, accountancy, law-enforcement, engineering and
architecture, among others
7. To satisfy the researcher’s curiosity by searching again exhaustively new facts
either for personal satisfaction, institutional benefit or society’s gain
8. To find answers to queries by means of scientific studies, as to who comes first,
eggs or hen
9. To acquire a better and deeper understanding about one phenomenon that can
be known and understood better by research, such as why women are generally
smaller than men
10. To expand or verify existing knowledge. This usually happens when researches
replicate newly discovered facts that may be found to expand knowledge gained
from a previous research or verify if the same facts are found
11. To improve educational practices, business practices, accounting practices,
engineering practices, medical practices, among others, to raise the quality of
mankind. Mankind found through experience that sufficient studies on practices
 do pay off in the hard, practical, concrete sense to more than compensate for the
cost of undertaking research effort
12. To provide man with more of his basic and social needs. Throughout the hard,
tedious search for new knowledge for basic and social needs, quality of life of
mankind is improved
13. To determine as unambiguously as possible either to accept or reject the null
hypothesis
14. To determine whether the assumption of such specific problem is assumed to be
true or false

ESSENTIAL FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE RESEARCH

1. Money

This is essential from the start of the schooling up to the end of the search.
A research must have a budget for research consultants (optional), statistician
(optional), materials and supplies, adviser’s fee, encoders, research assistants,
and other miscellaneous expenses.

2. Materials

These materials may include the computer equipment, supplies, folders, index
cards, writing materials, and other facilities.
It may also include the availability of the data and genuineness of the data.

3. Men

A researcher needs personnel to assist him in the conduct of his research, no

matter how simple the research is.
Undergraduate student, needs teacher as an adviser, sometimes the assistance
of the Dean is needed, other teachers, statisticians, editors, encoders, and
especially the members of the team are much needed.
In the graduate level, the researcher needs his adviser, his dean, his faculty
members to assist him, his employees, his superiors and most of all the
respondents who will respond to the instruments.

The Relationship to each other can be represented diagrammatically as shown below:

RESEARCH
MATERIALS
MONEY
 MEN
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH

Different authors have different views on how they look at a good research. Here
are some:

According to Crawford (as quoted by Aquino):

It is a systematic and refined technique of thinking.

It employs specialized tools, instruments and procedures in obtaining
adequate solution to a problem.
It starts with a problem, collects data, analyses data critically and reaches
a decision based on actual evidence.
It involves original work instead of an exercise of mere opinion.
It evolves from a genuine desire to know not only “what” but also “how
much” rather than a desire to prove something.

According to de Leon and Claudio:

Produce Processible Result

Produce Specific Results
Produce Generalizable Result
Produce Interpretable Result

According to Best:

A good research gathers new data.

A good research solves problems.
A good research requires expertise.
A good research involves an accurate observation and description.
A good research is logical and objective.
A good research is carefully recorded and reported.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH

According to Thomas and Nelson (1996)

 Systematic
 Logical
 Empirical
 Reductive
 Replicable
 According to Wiersma (1995)

 Research is empirical
 Research should be systematic
 Research should be valid
 Research should be reliable
 Research can take on a variety of forms

According to Calmorin

 Empirical
 Logical
 Cyclical
 Analytical
 Replicable
 Critical

According to Paul Leedy

 Begins with the question in the min of the researcher

 Requires plan
 Demands a clear statement of the problem
 Deals with the main problem through subproblems
 Seeks direction through appropriate hypothesis
 Deals with facts and their meaning
 Is circular

RESEARCH IS A CYCLIC PROCESS

1. The research begins with an unanswered question in the mind of the researcher.
- Questions lead to the research process.
2. Research sees the goal in a clear statement of the problem. - The ultimate goal
of research must be clearly stated.
3. Research subdivides the problem into appropriate subproblems. - Each
subproblem seeks guidance through an appropriate hypothesis.
4. Research posits tentative solutions to the problem (s) through appropriate
hypothesis.
5. Research looks for facts directed by the hypothesis and guided by the problem. –
The facts are collected and organized.
6. Research interprets the meaning of the facts which lead to resolution of the
problem; thus confirming or rejecting the hypothesis and providing an answer to
the question which began the research cycle.
 7. Research holds the hypothesis until all the facts are in and interpreted.

Characteristics of good research may be summarized as :

1. Research is a systematic- It follows an orderly and sequential procedure that

leads to the discovery of the truth or solution.
2. Research is controlled - All variables, except those that are tested or being
experimented upon, are kept constant.
3. Research is empirical – All the procedures employed and the data gathered are
perceived in the same manner by all observers.
4. Research is analytical – The data of all researchers have to be analyzed,
presented and interpreted.
5. Research is objective, unbiased, and logical – All the findings and conclusions
are logically based on empirical data.
6. Research employs hypothesis – Experimental research requires hypothesis that
need to be tested.
7. Research employs qualitative or statistical methods – Data are transformed into
numerical measure and are treated statistically to determine their significant or
usefulness.
8. Research is original work – Except in historical research, data are gathered from
primary resources or firs-hand sources and not from secondary sources.
9. Research is done by an expert – Only experts use valid data carefully designed
procedures, and valid research instrument.
10. Research is a patient and unhurried activity – A research carelessly done due to
racing against time may lead to incorrect findings and shaky conclusions.
11. Research requires an effort-making capacity – Research involves much work,
time, personnel and money.
12. Research requires courage

RESEARCH FOLLOWS A BASIC PROCEDURE

EIGHT DISTINCT CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Research begins in the mind of the researcher.

2. Research demands that the researcher articulate a specific goal for the
investigation.
3. Research demands a specific plan of procedure.
4. Research generally recognizes that a frontal attack in the entire problem is too
much to attempt at one time.
5. Research is generally guided by constructs called hypothesis.
6. Research accepts certain critical assumptions that are axiomatic and essential
for the research process to proceed.
 7. Research countenances only specific, measurable data as admissible in
resolving the problem.
8. Research is, by nature, a circular or more exactly a helical process.
ACTIVITIES OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS

The systematic process of research leads to the general activities involved in

conducting a research study.

The illustration presents a sequential pattern of activities in flowchart form to

provide an overview of the various research activities. The top row of boxes represents
the general activities, and in order to accommodate flexibility in the research process
and variations in different types of research, there are some overlaps among the
activities.

The lower boxes (broken line) are not activities, but in essence are the products
of research. The arrows reflect the relationships between the activities and existing
knowledge, related theory, and expanded, revised, and new theory and knowledge.
Related theory is considered to be a part, but not necessarily all of the body of
knowledge relative to the research problem. A theory provides a framework for
conducting research, and it can be used for synthesizing and explaining (through
generalization) research results (Wiersma, 1995).

Expanded, revised and new theory, if forthcoming from the research project, then
becomes part of the existing body of knowledge, as does new knowledge not
considered to be theory. At this point, each of the general activities will be described
briefly.
1. Identification of the Research Problem

This is the beginning activity of the research process, and it is often difficult. The
problem must be identified with adequate specificity. It is at this point that hypothesis
are generated. Variables must be identified and defined adequately for their use in the
context of the study so that necessary data can be identified in preparation for data
collection.

2. Data Collection

Before data are obtained, measuring instrument/s must be identified and perhaps
developed. If an ethnographic study is being done, the researcher has to collect the
data through various data gathering tools such as interviews and observation.

3. Analysis

The results of the study are generated after the analysis has been done. Field
notes are organized and synthesized. Data are summarized, manipulated, and in
essence reduced so they provide necessary information for description and hypothesis
testing.

4. Summarizing Results and 5. Drawing Conclusions

After the data have been analyzed and results generated, the results must be
summarized and tied together; analysis must be interpreted and findings and
conclusions must be drawn as they relate to the research problem and on the basis of
the findings, conclusions are drawn about hypotheses.

DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED IN RESEARCH

1. Difficulty of Recognizing Problems

Most researchers begin thinking of a problem when they start to undertake

research. Thinking and recognizing a problem is a long process. As much as possible,
you should start thinking of a research problem at the start of your college life or in the
course of your studies.

2. Duplication

Duplication of research is valid and even a necessity – this is true when a

hypothesis needs strengthening or if its validity is dubious and therefore needs further
testing to prove that the findings are beyond doubt or to disprove them.
3. Indifference of People to Research

Without the cooperation of people, especially the respondents, research could

not move along smoothly.

III. SYNTHESIS OF THE REPORT:

Research has made all new discoveries and inventions as a key to progress.
There can be no progress without research.

Research starts with a problem. The researcher must feel a need, then he
collects data of facts, analyze these data critically, and finally reaches a decision based
on actual evidence. It involves original work, instead of hearsay or mere exercise of
personal opinion and involves a general desire to satisfy a need.

Hence, research is the formal and intensive process of carrying on a scientific

method of analysis. It is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled
observations that may lead to development of principles.

The principal purpose of research is the preservation and improvement of the

quality of human life. All types of research are directed to this end – to serve man and
make his life better.

There are 3 basic factors for effective research. These are money, materials and
men. These three factors are important for scientific research to be effective in realizing
its specific objectives. There should be a balance in resources for these major factors to
achieve fruitful results.

Different authors have different views on how they look at a good research.
According to Crawford it is a systematic and refined technique of thinking wherein it
employs tools, instruments and procedures in obtaining solutions. It starts with a
problem, collects and analyses data critically and reach a decision based on actual
evidence. According to de Leon and Claudio a good research produces processible,
specific, generalizable and interpretable result. According to Best a good research
gathers new data, solves problems, requires expertise, involves an accurate
observation and description, logical, objective, carefully recorded and reported.

Characteristics of Good Research and Research Follows a Basic Procedure, a

researcher needs to remember that an orderly approach is followed in research. To wit,
can be summarized as:

1. Research need to practice ethics and code of conduct while making observation
or drawing conclusions.
 2. Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and
deductive methods.
3. The data or knowledge that is derived is in real time, actual observations in the
natural settings.
4. There is a detailed analysis of all the data collected from research so that there
are no differences associated with it.
5. Research create a path for generating new questions. More research opportunity
can be generated from existing research.
6. Research is analytical in nature. It makes use of all the available data so that
there is no doubt in interface.
7. Accuracy – is one of the important characteristics of research, the information
that is obtained while conducting the research should be accurate and true to its
nature.

For example, research conducted in a controlled environment like a laboratory,

here, accuracy is measured of instruments used, corrections and the final result of the
experiment.

The systematic process leads to the general activities involved in conducting a

research study. These activities are not limited to a specific type of research, but apply
generally. The research process involves identification of the research problem, data
collection, analysis, summarizing results and drawing conclusions. These are the same
skills you need anytime you write a research.

Research is a way of progress, but as such it is also poses innumerable

stumbling blocks to certain people. Some of the difficulties encountered by people
attempting to undertake research are difficulty of recognizing problems, duplication and
indifference of people to research.

IV. EVALUATION:

Answer the following questions.

1. Through research, how technology had revolutionized our way of life?

2. How can you differentiate the way of our communication before and now a day?

3. What is your own definition to the word “research”?

4. What are the 3 factors for effective research?

5. Explain the importance of the 3 factors of research.

6. Give at least 5 characteristics of a good research.

 7. What is the importance of following the basic procedure in making a research.

8. What are the activities of a research process?

V. REFERENCES:

www.teachnology.com
www.google.com
www.wikipedia.com
Principles and Methods of Research book by Dr. Mariano M Ariola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCvLcOvNgFw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO9QX0Ah1eo
https://rummardeduc500.weebly.com/qualities-of-good-research.html
https://rummardeduc500.weebly.com/four-contemporary-research-
paradigms.html
https://www.slideshare.net/afraazeez/educational-research-problem-
formulation-of-a-research-problem-sources-and-characteristics-of-a-good-
research-problems
https://books.google.com.ph/books

Discussants:

RYAN LESTER C. RAYALA

JOE ANN D. REONAL
MARIA AIRENE R. TAGLE
DANICA A. RUILES
 Submitted to:

DR. SALVADOR COMBO

EDUC. 201 Professor