RES 11 D145 – Introduction to MLS Research

The online module will help you discover the rewards of a good preparation to conduct a research on the current concerns afflicting us. It starts with Unit 1 which defines research and how

important it is to you. It discusses the purposes, characteristics, and hindrances to research including the qualities of a good researcher. It presents the whole research process which aims to

arrive at a solution to a current problem. Unit 2 describes the identification of researchable areas and selection of research topics including the criteria and justification for conduct of its

investigation. Unit 3 covers the considerations for the conduct of the research like the background of the research, the presentation of the theoretical/conceptual framework of the research, the

research questions and their hypotheses or assumptions, the boundaries of the research, the significance of the research, and the terms to be identified. Unit 4 covers the literature base of the

research and identifies the different aspects of the problem as seen by other researchers. Unit 5 distinguishes between the research methods, its different types and the research designs, its

different approaches. Unit 6 presents the plan of study, the main method to be used, the place where the research will be conducted, the samples, participants/respondents/subjects involved in the

research and the sampling techniques to be used for proper selection of samples, the data collection instruments and procedures, and most importantly how the data will be analyzed depending

on the method used, the sample size, and the data collection instrument utilized. Research ethics is discussed in Unit 7 and in this unit the importance of ethics will be stressed and issues like

plagiarism and citation processes will be explained for implementation of ethics in the researches. The protocols for obtaining needed permits like health ethics clearance, gratuitous permit, free

and prior informed consent, animal research permit, biosafety clearances, etc. The final result of the course is the presentation of a research proposal for implementation in the next semester.

After completing this subject, you are expected to:

a) demonstrate technical competence in the performance of clinical laboratory tests in aid of diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases vis-à-vis biosafety and waste

management;

b) demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills in the work place;

c) engage in the collection, analysis, and projection of health information for improving the health care management system;

d) demonstrate inter-personal skills, leadership qualities, and ethical practice of the profession;

e) apply research skills relevant to Medical Laboratory Science Practice;

f) engage in life-long learning activities.

Research is defined as a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. It is mainly conducted

for the betterment of life. Research should have the following characteristics: reliability, validity, accuracy, credibility, generalization, empirical, systematic, and controlled. There is a great

difference between research and problem solving. There are also several types of health research like behavioral studies, clinical trials, community – based participatory research, genetic studies,

observational studies, physiological studies, prevention studies, public health research. In preparation of the research proposal several steps known as the research process is followed to come up

with a very good proposal. Scientific inquiry is challenged by the following hindrances like tradition, authority, inaccurate observation, over – generalization, selective observation, made up

information, illogical reasoning, ego – involvement in understanding, mystification, to err is human, and dogmatism. Several qualities define a good researcher.

Introduction

Albert Szent Gyorgyi said that research is to see what everybody has seen and to think what nobody else has thought. According to the Merriam- (Webster online Dictionary) research is a

studious inquiry or examination, especially; investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or law in the light of new facts or

practical application of such new or revised theories or law. Research comes from the root words = cercier (French) – to seek/search and re – again; replication of the search. The Encyclopedia

of Social Sciences defines it 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. According to Parel, it is the systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher.

According to Good and Scates, it is the open door to a better future; it is the source of faith that man can go forward; it is the challenge that removes the threat of stagnation and decay from all

society. It is the continuous discovery and exploration of the unknown.

The unit will introduce you to many different definitions, purposes, and characteristics of research. It distinguishes research from problem solving. It introduces you to the research process. It

discusses the hindrances to scientific inquiry. It also includes the different characteristics of a good researcher.

Topics and Learning Outcomes

Topics

1.   Definitions, Purposes, & Characteristics of Research

2.   Research versus Problem Solving

3.   The Research Process

4.   Hindrances to Scientific Inquiry

5.   Qualities of a Good Researcher

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

a) explain what research is all about and what are the hindrances to scientific inquiry;

b) determine if the learners possess the necessary qualities of a researcher;

c) gain satisfaction with the reality of how research works for the betterment of life.

 Activity 1.1 Assignment

The elements of a research problems are as follows: the aim or purpose of the problem for investigation; the subject matter or topic to be investigated; the place or locale where the research will

be conducted; the period of time or duration by which the data shall be gathered; and population from which the data shall be collected. Several characteristics describes a research problem and

they are the following: (1) The problem can be stated clearly and concisely.; (2) The problem generates research questions.; (3) It is grounded in theory.; (4) It relates to one or more academic

fields of study.; (5) It has a base in research literature.; (6) It has a potential significance or importance.; (7) It is doable within the time frame, budget.; (8) Sufficient data are available or can be

obtained.; (9) The researcher’s methodological strengths can be applied to the problem.; and (10) The problem is new; it is not already answered sufficiently. Sources of problems are the

following: existing theory, existing literature, discussion with experts, previous research study, replication, media, & personal experience. The criteria for its selection includes the following:

significance to the discipline, originality, feasibility, administration support, peer support, availability of subjects, researcher’s competency, ethical considerations, solvable/researchable, current,

interesting, clear & unambiguous, empirical and verifiable, relevant and systematic. After selection, the researcher justifies the choice of problem over all other problems defined.

Introduction

Edward Witten wrote that “The hardest part of research is always to find a question that is big enough that it’s worth answering but little enough that you can actually answer it.” We do not

study what we know but rather we study what we do not know. All researches begin with a problem to be investigated. However, to select a research problem takes a lot of careful thinking. A

research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in

practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. In some social science disciplines the research problem is typically posed in the form of a question. A

research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question. According to McCombes in 2019, A research problem is a specific issue,

difficulty, contradiction, or gap in knowledge that you will aim to address in your research. You might look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed

at expanding knowledge.

This unit will teach you how to select a research problem. It will discuss the elements and characteristics of a research problem. It will introduce criteria for its selection and it will present

sources of research problems. It will teach you how to justify your choice of a problem to investigate.

Topics and Learning Outcomes

Topics

1. Elements of a Research Problem

2. General Characteristics of a Research Problem

3. Sources of Research Problems

4. Criteria in the Selection of Research Problem or Topic

5. Justification of the Research Problem

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

a) explain the elements, characteristics, and sources of research problems;

b) choose a research problem based on the criteria for the selection of a good research topic;

c) realize that the starting point of any research is the selection of a good problem and one of the most difficult task in any research undertaking.

 Activity 2.1 Assignment

A well-written introduction is important because, quite simply, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. The theoretical and conceptual frameworks provide explicit

explanations why the problems under study exist by showing how the variables involved in the problem are related to each other. The research paradigm is a schematic diagram of the

relationship of variables mentioned in their theoretical or conceptual framework. Before writing down the specific questions, determine first the different aspects of the research problem to be

studied and then for each aspect make one specific question with sub-questions if there is a need. A hypothesis is a tentative conclusion or answer to a specific question raised at the beginning of

the investigation. Assumptions are those things we take for granted in the study: statements by the researcher that certain elements of the research are understood to be true. The scope of a study

explains the extent to which the research area will be explored in the work and specifies the parameters within which the study will be operating. Delimitations are those elements the researcher

can control while limitations are those conditions beyond the control of the researcher. The significance of the study establishes why the proposed research matters, making an important

contribution to new knowledge. It raises interest and provides the context for organizing and understanding background research. The definition of terms helps establish the frame of reference

with which the researcher approaches the problem.

Introduction

Dreamstime.com posted that “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. Background information identifies and describes the history and nature

of a well-defined research problem with reference to the existing literature. The background information should indicate the root of the problem being studied, appropriate context of the problem

in relation to theory, research, and/or practice, its scope, and the extent to which previous studies have successfully investigated the problem, noting, in particular, where gaps exist that your

study attempts to address. Background information does not replace the literature review section of a research paper; it is intended to place the research problem in a proper context.

The unit describes the problem and everything about it. It involves a literature search for putting the problem into its proper perspective. It looks into theoretical and /or conceptual frameworks

which will be the basis of studying the problem. It also shows how the variables affecting the problem relate to each other. It also brings us to writing the main question and the sub-questions

about the research problem. It poses hypotheses and assumptions about the questions raised. It defines the boundaries of the research and the significance of the findings. It also includes the

definition of terminology used in the study and also as used in the research.

Topics & Learning Outcomes Topics

Topics

1. Introduction

2. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

3. Research Paradigm

4. Statement of the Problem or Objectives

5. Hypotheses and Assumptions

6. Scope and Delimitations

7. Significance of the Study

9. Definition of Terms

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

a) explain the different parts of the 1st chapter of a research proposal;

b) formulate the 1st chapter based on writing guidelines;

c) appreciate the steps in the formulation of the first part of the proposal.

Introduction

Edward Witten wrote that “The hardest part of research is always to find a question that is big enough that it’s worth answering but little enough that you can actually answer it.” We do not

study what we know but rather we study what we do not know. All researches begin with a problem to be investigated. However, to select a research problem takes a lot of careful thinking. A

research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in

practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. In some social science disciplines the research problem is typically posed in the form of a question. A

research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question. According to McCombes in 2019, A research problem is a specific issue,

difficulty, contradiction, or gap in knowledge that you will aim to address in your research. You might look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed

at expanding knowledge.

This unit will teach you how to select a research problem. It will discuss the elements and characteristics of a research problem. It will introduce criteria for its selection and it will present

sources of research problems. It will teach you how to justify your choice of a problem to investigate.
 Activity 3.1 Assignment

 Activity 3.2 Group Discussion Forum *

 Activity 3.3 Ongoing Activity Part 1

 Activity 3.4 Presentation 1

 Chapter 1 Presentation - Title Defense

A literature review surveys scholarly articles, books and other sources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, and by so doing, providing a description, summary, and critical

evaluation of these works. Literature reviews are designed to provide an overview of sources you have explored while researching a particular topic and to demonstrate to your readers how your

research fits into the larger field of study. Related literature consists of articles or books written by authorities giving their opinions, experiences, theories, or ideas of what is good or bad,

desirable or undesirable within the problem area. Related studies, on the other hand, are studies, inquiries, or investigations already conducted to which the present proposed study is related or

has some bearing or similarity. The different types of literature review are argumentative, integrative, historical, methodological, systematic, and theoretical. There are guidelines in the write up

of the literature review on the following: structure and style, development of the literature review, ways to organize the literature review, other sections in the literature review, writing your

literature review and common mistakes to avoid.

Introduction

Housman stated that: “Great literature should do some good to the reader: must quicken his perception though dull, and sharpen his discrimination though blunt, and mellow the rawness of his

personal opinions. A literature review is a comprehensive summary of previous research on a topic. The literature review surveys scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to a

particular area of research. The review should enumerate, describe, summarize, objectively evaluate and clarify this previous research. It should give a theoretical base for the research and help

you (the author) determine the nature of your research. The literature review acknowledges the work of previous researchers, and in so doing, assures the reader that your work has been well

conceived. It is assumed that by mentioning a previous work in the field of study, that the author has read, evaluated, and assimilated that work into the work at hand. A literature review creates

a "landscape" for the reader, giving her or him a full understanding of the developments in the field. This landscape informs the reader that the author has indeed assimilated all (or the vast

majority of) previous, significant works in the field into her or his research.

In this unit, the meaning of literature review will be expounded. The importance, purposes, functions, and types of literature review will be presented and explained. It will distinguish between

related literature and related studies including their different characteristics. Finally, it shall include a presentation of how a literature review is written.

Topics and Learning Outcomes

Topics

1. What is literature review?

2. Importance, Purposes, Functions, & Types of Literature Review

3. Related Literature and Related Studies

4. Characteristics of Related Literature and Studies

5. Writing Chapter II: Different Approaches

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

a) explain the process of reviewing literature and studies related to the identified research problem;

b) construct a review that will present a comprehensive picture of the selected research problem;

c) appreciate the steps in the formulation of the second part of the proposal.

 Activity 4.1 Assignment

A research method is a general framework guiding a research project. Different methods can be used to tackle different questions. Research design is a specific outline detailing how your chosen

method will be applied to answer a particular research question. Research methods are generalized and established ways of approaching research questions (e.g., qualitative vs. quantitative

methods). Not all methods can be applied to all research questions, so the choice of method is limited by the area of research that you wish to explore. Research design involves determining how

your chosen method will be applied to answer your research question. The design of your study can be thought of as a blueprint detailing what will be done and how this will be accomplished.

Introduction

John W. Creswell stated that “I am surprised at how often researchers fail to draft a title early in the development of their projects. In my opinion, the working or draft title becomes a major road

sign in research—a tangible idea that the researcher can keep refocusing on and changing as the project goes on.” Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen

by a researcher. The design allows researchers to hone in on research methods that are suitable for the subject matter and set up their studies up for success. An impactful research design usually

creates a minimum bias in data and increases trust in the accuracy of collected data. A design that produces the least margin of error in experimental research is generally considered the desired

outcome.

In this unit, a research design will be distinguished from a research method. The different approaches in the design of a research will be tackled.

Topics and Learning Outcomes

Topics

1. Difference between a Research Method and a Research Design

2. Types of Research Methods

3. Types of Research Designs

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

a) determine the best methodology and design to be used to study the selected research problem;

b) create a research design to scientifically study the selected research problem;

c) appreciate the process of designing a research.

 Activity 5.1 Assignment

Research Methodology is the most vital part of a research study; it can be called as the spine of a research. A research methodology determines the direction that your study will follow and the

manner in which you would collect your data and the depth of your data. It also determines the quality of the data you collect. Further, the methodology can also determine the analytical tools

you would be using for deriving conclusions from the data collected. The locale of the study is the research setting and there are two types: laboratory studies and field studies. A sample design

is the framework, or road map, that serves as the basis for the selection of a survey sample and affects many other important aspects of a survey as well. One must define a sampling frame that

represents the population of interest, from which a sample is to be drawn. The sampling frame may be identical to the population, or it may be only part of it and is therefore subject to some

under coverage, or it may have an indirect relationship to the population. The research instruments are the tools or techniques in gathering data. These tools or techniques must jive with the

objectives stated in the first part. The following are tools or techniques in gathering data: observation, interview, inquiry forms, psychological tests, library technique. Data collection procedures

are the steps in the data gathering processes. The analysis framework is the process of analyzing the data gathered.

Introduction

Albert Einstein once said “If we knew what it was we are doing, it would not be called research, would it?” He also said that: “We cannot solve our problems by the same thinking we used to

create them. Furthermore, John Daymond stated that: “Every problem can be solved as long as they use common sense and apply the right research and techniques. The research design refers to

the overall strategy that you choose to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, thereby, ensuring you will effectively address the research problem; it

constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data. In this unit, how to prepare your research design logically and scientifically will be discussed. It will flow through

a process where data will be processed and interpreted to come up with answers to the questions posted earlier.

In this unit, you will learn to write the 3rd chapter particularly the following parts: the methodology, the locale of the study; the samples and the sampling design, the data gathering instruments

and procedures, and the analysis framework or the statistical analysis of the data. You will learn how to select the proper procedures to answer your problem statements. You will also learn how

to select the sample and what sampling method you will use to arrive at the proper sample size. You will learn what are the research instruments that will be used to gather the data needed to

answer the research questions and you will determine how you will best analyze the data collected depending on the method of research, etc.

Topics & Learning Outcomes

Topics

1. The Health Research Method

2. The Locale of the Study

3. Respondents/Samples and Sampling Design

4. Data Gathering Instruments

5. Data Gathering Procedures

6. Analysis Framework and/or Statistical Analysis

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

a) explain the different parts of the 3rd chapter of a research proposal;

b) formulate the 3rd chapter based on the writing guidelines;

c) appreciate the steps in the formulation of the third part of the proposal.

 Activity 6.1 Assignment

Research ethics is defined as the application of moral rules and professional codes of conduct to the collection, analysis, reporting, and publication of information about research subjects, in

particular active acceptance of subjects' right to privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent. It covers the following ethics principles which have supporting ethics codes: honesty, objectivity,

integrity, carefulness, openness, respect for intellectual property, confidentiality, responsible publication, responsible mentoring, respect for colleagues, social responsibility, non –

discrimination, competence, legality, animal care, and human subject protection. Plagiarism is a form of research misconduct and it is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes,

results, or words without giving appropriate credit. In order to prevent plagiarism, proper citation of sources should be conducted. There several citation styles namely: Vancouver, AMA, APA,

MLA, Chicago Notes and Bibliography, Chicago Author – Date, IEEE, CSE, etc. which are utilized depending on the field of specialization. The citation style used are consistent in citing inside

the text, the bibliography, and in some aspects of the write – up. Permits are also important in research for propriety of action in the research area. A research ethics clearance is needed when

participants in the research are human beings. The researchers need a gratuitous permit when collecting samples in NIPAS areas. They need animal research permits are needed when

experimental animals are utilized. A free & prior informed consent is needed before research is conducted in indigenous people ancestral domains. A biosafety clearance is needed when the

research is on DNA material, microbes, and viruses.

Introduction

Potter Stewart said that “Ethics is knowing the difference what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” Research ethics govern the standards of conduct for scientific researchers. It is

important to adhere to ethical principles in order to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of research participants. There are also permits to be obtained depending on the type of research or the

locale of the research. For the use of human subjects, you will need an ethics clearance. When you use experimental animal, you will need an animal research permit. For collection of specimen

within protected areas, you will need a gratuitous permit. For collection of data from indigenous people or in their ancestral lands, you will need a free and prior informed consent. When you are

working on genetic material or microbes and viruses, you will need a biosafety clearance.

The unit covers the proper citation of sources and discusses plagiarism. It also involves the ethics of animal use in research, collection in NIPAS areas, research on indigenous people, and

biosafety considerations. It includes the protocols of obtaining research ethics clearances, animal research permits, gratuitous permits, free and prior informed consent, biosafety clearance. It also

includes the finalization of the proposal and the defense of the research proposal.

Topics and Learning Outcomes

Topics

1. Research Ethics

2. Plagiarism

3. Citation Styles in Text and in the Bibliography

4. Animal Research Permit

5. Gratuitous Permit

6. Free and Prior Informed Consent

7. Biosafety Ethics

8. Finalization of the Research Proposal

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

a) explain the citation style and ethical considerations in the conduct of scientific inquiry;

b) develop skills in the write – up of the proposal;

c) gain satisfaction on the layout of the research work to be conducted.

 Activity 7.1 Assignment

 Activity 7.2 Group Discussion Forum *

 Activity 7.3 Final Activity

 Activity 7.4 Final Presentation