Republic of the Philippines

President Ramon Magsaysay State University

(formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
San Marcelino Campus
San Marcelino, Zambales

College/Department College of Communication and Information Technology

Course Code THS 102
Course Title CS Thesis Writing
Place of the Course on Major
the Program
Semester & Academic First Semester, AY 2021 – 2022
Year

Introduction
The meaning of research as well as its attributes and characteristics are the same
regardless of the learning discipline or field of study. Hence, the common definition of research
is hereby adopted, thus: Research is simply a systematic and refined technique of thinking,
employing specialized tools, instruments, and procedures in order to obtain a more adequate
solution to a problem than would be possible under ordinary means.
Oxford Concise Dictionary defines research as a systematic investigation into and study
of materials, sources, etc., in order to stablish facts and reach new conclusions. It is an endeavor
to discover new or collate old facts, etc., by the scientific study of a subject or by a course of
critical investigation (emphasis supplied).
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, the student is expected to:
1. define research in relation to its goals and purpose
2. classify and differentiate the different types of research
3. demonstrate the characteristics of a good research problem as well as that of a good
design
4. differentiate research with design
Discussion
Purpose of Research
The purpose of research is to serve man and the goal of research in good life, to satisfy
man’s craving for more understanding, to improve his judgements, to add to his power, to reduce
the burden of work, to relieve suffering, and to increase the satisfaction in multitudinous ways –
these are the large and fundamental goals of research.
From the purpose of research stated above, to “ease the burden of work” is the most
common aim of computing researchers.
Characteristics of Research

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 The following are the generally accepted characteristics of research:
1. Empirical. Research is based in direct experience or observation by the researcher. The
collection of data relies on practical experience without benefit of the scientific
knowledge or theory.
2. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific investigation is
done in an orderly manner so that the researcher has confidence on the results. Logical
examination of the procedures used in the research enables the researcher to draw valid
conclusions. Thus, logic of valid research makes it important for decision making.
3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process. It starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
For instance, a researcher who competes his study states his findings and draws up his
conclusions and recommendations. In his recommendations, many problems may crop up
as other subjects for study hence, the cycle is repeated.
4. Analytical. Research utilizes proven procedures in gathering the data, whether historical,
descriptive, experimental or case study.
5. Replicability. The research designs and procedures are replicated to enable the researcher
to arrive at valid and conclusive results. Similarities and differences of replicated
researches can be compared. The more replications, the more valid and conclusive the
results would be.
6. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgements. A higher level of confidence
must be established, i.e., at one percent or five percent level of confidence.
Types of Research
Basically, there are three types of research; pure research, applied research and action
research.
1. Applied Research involves seeking new applications of scientific knowledge to the
solution of a problem, such as the development of a new system or procedure, new
device, or new method in order to solve the problem.
It refers to the application of theory to the solution of problems. It is conducted for the
purpose of applying, or testing theory, and evaluating its usefulness.
Example: Development and Evaluation of a Visual Room Scheduler for the
Technological Institute of the Philippines using Artificial Intelligence
2. Action Research is a feature of applied research, which is a decision-oriented research
involving the application of the steps of the scientific method in response to an immediate
need to improve existing practices. Action research is focused on immediate need to
improve existing practices. Action research is focused on immediate applications. The
researcher is required to device, teaching the importance of a particular subject, etc.
Example: Methods of birth control, Vaccination
3. Pure Research aims to discover basic truths or principles. It is intended to add to the body
of knowledge by exploring the unknown, to extend the boundaries of knowledge, as well
as to discover new facts. It is conducted primarily to test or arrive at a theory. Its main
objective is to establish general principles without known or intended practical
application of the findings.
Example: Newton’s Law (Finished), The function and importance of an appendix
Research Methods

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 A research methodology defines what the activity of research is, how to proceed, how to
measure progress, and what constitutes success. This is how most graduate schools define
research methods. This reference provides four (4) research methods, thus:
1. Descriptive research. It describes what is. It involves the description, recording, analysis,
and interpretation of the present nature, composition or processes of phenomena. The
focus is on prevailing condition.
2. Historical Research. A process of selecting the area or topic to write the history about,
collecting data about events that occurred in the area or about the topic, collating the data,
sifting the authentic from non-authentic, and then making an interpretative narrative
about or critical inquiry into the whole truth of the events. Historical research describes
what occurred in the past and makes a critical inquiry into the truth of what occurred.
3. Experimental Research, A problem-solving approach that describes the effect when
certain variables are carefully controlled or manipulated. It focuses on the part, present
and future conditions.
4. Ex post Facto Research. In this method, the researcher investigates a problem by studying
the variables in retrospect. It is a research in which the dependent variable is immediately
observable and the main concern is to find out the antecedents that gave rise to this
consequence.
5. Case Study Research. According to Bromley (1990), It is a systematic inquiry into an
event or a set of related events which aims to describe and explain the phenomenon of
interest.
The Meaning of Design
In the area of engineering, design is the process of devising a system, component, or
process to meet desired needs. It is a decision-making process (often iterative), in which the
basic sciences, mathematics, and the engineering sciences are applied to convert resources
optimally to meet these stated needs.
Thus in the area of Computing or Information Technology Education (ITE), the term
design includes, among others, (1) application development that focuses on software engineering
process or (2) application design that focuses in effective testing procedure or (3) a study on
application development processes, in which basic sciences, mathematics and computing are
applied to meet the stated needs.
The keyword in design is the word “optimum”. Good designs convert and/or uses IT
resources optimally to meet the stated needs. It is for this reason why the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) Defines the Bachelor of Science (BSIT) program as the study of the
utilization of both hardware and software technologies in planning, installing, customizing,
operating, managing, administering and maintaining IT infrastructure that provides computing
solutions to address the needs of an organization. The same is true with the Bachelor of Science
in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC). In the BS Information System (BSIS)
program. The terminal step for design is when the system, particularly the information system,
has been integrated and implemented in the business processes of an enterprise. Of course, the
process will be iterative for the reason that design no matter how carefully crafted and made is
not perfect. Considering that the term “Research” and “Design” are two (2) different terms, the
author humbly submit that the term research is the applicable term for the Bachelor of Science in

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Computer Science (BCSC) program because the latter is a research-based program and hence,
thesis is a requirement. The term design, on because these programs require capstone projects.
According to Reeves (1992), everything will be a part of the design process coding is
design, testing and debugging are parts of design, and what we typically call software design is
still part of design. Software may be cheap build, but it is incredibly expensive to design.
Software is so complex that there are plenty of different aspects interrelate (just like do in
hardware engineering). It would be nice if top level designers could ignore the details of module
algorithm design. Likewise, it would be nice if programmers did not have to worry about top
level design issues, when designing the internal algorithms of a module. Unfortunately, the
aspects of one design layer intrude into the others. The choice of algorithms for a given module
can be as important to the overall success of the software system as any of the higher-level
design aspects.
Reeves further states that there is no hierarchy of importance among the different aspects
of a software design. An incorrect design at the lowest module level can be as fatal as a mistake
at the highest level. A software design must be complete and correct in all its aspects, or all
software builds based on the design will be erroneous.
Research and Design Distinguished
Ashley Karr (2013) distinguished research and design in this wise, thus:
To research something is to investigate it systematically. We do this in order to reach new
conclusions, establish new facts, and learn as much about the truth as possible. Research also
gives us a chance to find problems that we can potentially fix. We research to understand the
world.
To design something is to create the form and function of an object, system or
interaction. We do this in order to make our experience here on earth (on in space) better, safer,
healthier, more comfortable, more fun – and we can create solutions to the problems we found
during our research. We design to change the world.
Simply stated, we research to explain WHY THINGS happen; we design in order TO
MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.
The Gray between Design and Research
The American Society for Engineering Education (2006) explains the difference between
research and designs in this wise, thus:
Design is NOT research, which may be defined as “a careful investigation or study,
especially of a scholarly or scientific nature. A design task may require research to accomplish a
task, but it typically involves the integration of knowledge, not the creation of knowledge.”
Design is different than research. Design considers alternative solutions by selecting the optimal
solution with a fixed goal or specifications in mind. Design often results in a commercial product
being developed. Research has an open-ended goal and is exploratory, with not set specifications
in mind, and does not necessarily result in a product or a service.
The Research vs. Design Problem

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 A research problem is commonly defined as any significant, perplexing and challenging
situation, real or artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking. A good research
problem should be (1) Specific, (2) Measurable, (3) Achievable, (4) Realistic, and (5) Time
bound.
RESEACH DESIGN
It must be new It does NOT need to be new
It does not have to be good It has to be good
In sum, research does not have to be good but In sum, design does not have to be new, but it
it must be new must be good
It is done to understand the world It is done to change the world
Let us assume that the following are the only sorting algorithms that exist, thus:
1. Bubble Sort
2. Quick Sort
3. Insertion Sort
4. Selection Sort
Suppose you were able to write a sorting algorithm, say, Hula Sort, which uses other
means and methods other than the above-mentioned sorting algorithms; your algorithm shall be
considered as new. Altogether, if the running time of such new algorithm is slower than any of
the above algorithms, the same may be considered a research work because it is new.
Hence, the best research output solves problems that are not only new but is worth
solving; while the best design exceeds its predecessors (previous design) by using new or better
ideas and/or methods.
Design and programming are human activities; forget that and all is lost. -B, Stroustrup
Activity
Answer the following accordingly:
1. Ms. Bonicha Barrinuevo is an Assustant Professor of TABAKO Univesity teaching under
Collage of Computing. From her 10 years of experience in teaching programming, she
became curious if the Basic Calculus grade of a basic education graduate under the K to
12 curriculum under the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Strand has something to do with their programming skills. So, in her class, CC 102 –
Programming Fundamentals, she asked her students their final grade in Basic Calculus.
At the end of the semester, she correlates the Basic Calculous grade of her students to
their final grade in CC 102.
Does Ms. Barrinuevo conduct a research or a design? Explain your answer
Exercises
2. Formulate (5) thesis / capstone project title you plan to propose.
Reflection
Essay. Discuss the following.
1. Reflect and Differentiate the difference of Research from Design

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 2. Types of Research

*** Disclaimer: We do not take ownership of any Intellectual Property that is included in this
module. All rights belong to their rightful owner. Books, Websites and other learning materials
referred to this module is properly cited in the references section at every module. ***

Suggested Readings, Resources and Additional Resources

 C.R Kathari. Research Methodology Methods and Techniques Second Revised Edition.
New Age International Publishers, 2004
 Charlemagne Garcia Laviña, Renelina Delmo Mañabo, Gloria Dela Cruz Hernandez, Fe
Larwa Hablanida, Alice Maldonado Lacorte, Jonalyn Gaza – Ebron. Outcomes-based
Practical Guide to Thesis and Capstone Project Writing in Computing. Mindshapers Co.,
Inc. 2016.
 Thomar S. Clary. Horizons in Computer Science Research Volume 5. Nova Science
Publishers, Inc. 2012
 Janice P. Bauer. Computer Science, Technology and Applications – Computer Science
Research and Technology Volume 3. Nova Science Publisher, Inc.

Prepared by

ACE RYAN A. LABAMPA

Instructor I

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