GORDON COLLEGE

OLONGAPO CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

DETAILED LEARNING MODULE in TPC 107 – RESEARCH IN TOURISM

Module No. : 1
Title : Nature of Research

I. Introduction
This module introduces the basic concepts related to research – meaning,
characteristics, types, and approaches to research in order to lay down the
foundation of developing a sound research.

Below are icons used in this module. Here are some of them.

This icon indicates SUMMARY OF CONCEPTS you have learned

from the module. Write all relevant concepts you learned in bulleted
form.

This icon indicates an ONLINE ACTIVITY. The instructor will give

separate instructions regarding the activity. An accessible social media
platform can be used.

This icon indicates a GROUP DISCUSSION / DISCUSSION

BOARD or GROUP ACTIVITY. The instructor may call an online
group discussion or meeting to explain or clarify certain points and
concept about the module. As such, the instructor can create a
discussion board to accommodate students who weren’t able to attend
the Online Group Discussion. The instructor may also assign group
activity as part of evaluating what you have learned from the module.

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 GORDON COLLEGE
OLONGAPO CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

ONLINE GROUP MEETING

 Attend and participate in the Online Meeting for the discussion
of the whole Flexible Learning Mode and Course Requirements.
 For those who can’t go online, updates will be posted or student
can ask questions to the instructor or his classmates.

II. Learning Objectives

After studying this module, you should be able to:

1. Recognize the importance of research.

2. Identify different types and approaches to research.
3. Select appropriate approach to research.
4. Distinguish the different phases of the research process.

III. Topics and Key Concept

1. Meaning and Importance of Research

The word research is derived from the prefix re which means repeat or redo, and the
root word search, which means to find or look for. From the etymology of this word,
research literally means to repeatedly look for something which had been in existence
before.
The following are some of the definitions of research as presented by various authors:

 is a systematic quest for undiscovered truth (Leedy, 1974);

 it is a search for an answer to unanswered questions;
 it is a systematic attempt to provide answers to questions (Tuckman 1972);
and
 to search again, to take another more careful look, to find out more (Selltiz,
1976).
In other words, when there are unanswered questions in mind, and one would like to
search for possible solutions, conducting research is a good alternative. However, it is
emphasized that research is systematic, and being systematic, it falls within the
purview of science.
Other Definitions of Research

 It is a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of

hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among phenomena.

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OLONGAPO CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

 It is a careful, critical, disciplined inquiry varying in techniques and methods

according to the nature and conditions of the problems identified, directed
towards the clarification or resolution of a problem (Good).
 Research is simply the systematic search for pertinent information on a
specific topic or problem (Aquino, 1986).
 Research is the process of gathering data or information to solve a particular
or specific problem in a scientific manner (Manuel and Medel).
 Research is a systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose
of answering questions posed by the researcher (Parel).
 Research is an attempt to gain solutions to problems (Treece and Treece).
 Research is a systematic, organized search for knowledge or answers to
questions (Mason and Bramble, 1989).
 It is a systematic process of collecting and logically analyzing information or
data for some purpose (McMillan).
 It is a process of obtaining techniques, where truth, accuracy, validity,
reliability and other criteria can be ascertained (Genato, et al., 1993).

2. Characteristics of a Good Research

Systematic
It is systematic as there are interrelated steps or procedures a researcher has to observe in
solving a problem. In other words, it follows an orderly and sequential procedure that
leads to the discovery of truth, solution of a problem or whatever is aimed to be
discovered

Objective
It is not based on guesswork. This is because empirical data have to be gathered by the
researcher before making any conclusion or proposing any solution to an identified
difficulty or problem. In other words, all findings and conclusions are logically based on
empirical data and no effort is made to alter the result of the research

Empirical
All the procedures employed and the data gathered are perceived in the same manner by
all observers. Generalizations are drawn by the researcher upon hard evidence gathered
from information collected from the real-life experiences and observations

Comprehensive
If a researcher is serious about understanding a phenomenon, he has to examine and
analyze all its aspects or angles before making a generalization or conclusion

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COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Critical
This means that procedures employed by the researcher must withstand critical scrutiny
by other researchers. Data should be analyzed critically so that there is no error in the
interpretation

Rigorous
Procedures to be followed in solving a problem should be relevant, appropriate, justified,
and strictly observed

Valid
Whenever a researcher formulates conclusions, these are based on actual findings

Verifiable
Other researchers can check on the correctness of its results by replicating the study
based on the methods and procedures employed by the researcher

Other Characteristics
1. Research employs quantitative or statistical methods. Data are transferred into
numerical measures and are treated statistically to determine their significance and
usefulness.
2. Research is an original work. Except for historical research, data are gathered from
primary sources or first-hand sources and not from secondary sources.
3. Research is an accurate investigation. Every research must be done accurately so that
the findings will lead to the formulation of a scientific generalization.
4. Research is a patient and unhurried activity to ensure accuracy. Research that is
hurriedly done or conducted carelessly due to racing against time may lead to shaky
conclusions and generalizations.
5. Research requires an effort-making capacity. No research can be conducted without
the exertion of much effort. It involves much work and time.
6. Research requires courage. The researcher oftentimes undergoes hazards,
discomforts, and the like. At times, the researcher encounters public and social
disapproval. Also, disagreements with colleagues may arise.

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COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

3. Types of Research

Descriptive Research
This type of research endeavors to describe systematically, factually, accurately and
objectively a situation, problem or phenomenon. It seeks to describe "what is”.

Correlational/Associational Research
In this type of research, the investigator tries to probe the significance of relationship
between two or more factors or characteristics.

Explanatory Research
In this type of inquiry, the researcher seeks to clarify how and why a relationship
exists between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon. Questions like
why job stress contributes to burnout or why low morale can lead to low productivity
among the employees are problems which can be investigated systematically through
the explanatory research design.

Exploratory Research
This kind of study is undertaken when the investigator is after probing or exploring
areas where little is known about the research problem. Feasibility and pilot studies
fall under this type of research.

Experimental Research
In this type of research, the researcher probes into the cause of an effect by exposing
one or more experimental groups to one or more treatments or conditions. For
example, when a mathematics professor is after determining the effectiveness of a
learning module in raising the performance of his students, he is actually engaging in
experimental research.

Ex-Post Facto/Causal-Comparative Research

In this type of research, when the investigator delves on analyzing the possible effect
of a factor which cannot be manipulated and controlled. Example, a biology student
who is interested in determining the incidence of lung cancer among heavy smokers
is a situation this type of research is appropriate to employ.

Historical Research
The researcher attempts to reconstruct the past objectively and accurately or to
explain an incident that happened in the past with the use of data taken from the past.
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COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Ethnographic Research
This type of research is done when the researcher is concerned with explaining or
describing a phenomenon holistically with the use of multiple data collection
techniques

4. Approaches to Researches

QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE MIXED METHODS

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH
is an approach for exploring is an approach for testing is an approach to inquiry
and understanding the objective theories by involving collecting both
meaning individuals or examining the relationship quantitative and qualitative
groups ascribe to a social or among variables. These data, integrating the two
human problem. The variables, in turn, can be forms of data, and using
process of research involves measured, typically on distinct designs that may
emerging questions and instruments, so that involve philosophical
procedures, data typically numbered data can be assumptions and theoretical
collected in the participant’s analyzed using statistical frameworks. The core
setting, data analysis procedures. The final assumption of this form of
inductively building from written report has a set inquiry is that the
particulars to general structure consisting of combination of qualitative
themes, and the researcher introduction, literature and and quantitative approaches
making interpretations of theory, methods, results, and provides a more complete
the meaning of the data. The discussion. Like qualitative understanding of a research
final written report has a researchers, those who problem than either
flexible structure. Those engage in this form of approach alone.
who engage in this form of inquiry have assumptions
inquiry support a way of about testing theories
looking at research that deductively, building in
honors an inductive style, a protections against bias,
focus on individual controlling for alternative
meaning, and the explanations, and being able
importance of rendering the to generalize and replicate
complexity of a situation. the findings.

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OLONGAPO CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

5. Research Process

Statement of the research problem: The problem of a study sets the stage for everything
else. The problem statement should be accompanied by a description of the background of
the problem (what factors caused it to be a problem in the first place) and a rationale or
justification for studying it. Any legal or ethical ramifications related to the problem should
be discussed and resolved.
Formulation of an exploratory question or a hypothesis: Research problems are usually
stated as questions, and often as hypotheses. A hypothesis is a prediction, a statement of what
specific results or outcomes are expected to occur. The hypotheses of a study should clearly
indicate any relationships expected between the variables (the factors, characteristics, or
conditions) being investigated and be so stated that they can be tested within a reasonable
period of time. Not all studies are hypothesis-testing studies, but many are.
Definitions: All key terms in the problem statement and hypothesis should be defined as
clearly as possible.
Review of the related literature: Other studies related to the research problem should be
located and their results briefly summarized. The literature review (of appropriate journals,
reports, monographs, etc.) should shed light on what is already known about the problem and
should indicate logically why the proposed study would result in an extension of this prior
knowledge.

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COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Sample: The subjects (the sample) of the study and the larger group, or population (to whom
results are to be generalized), should be clearly identified. The sampling plan (the procedures
by which the subjects will be selected) should be described.
Instrumentation: Each of the measuring instruments that will be used to collect data from
the subjects should be described in detail, and a rationale should be given for its use.
Procedures: The actual procedures of the study—what the researcher will do (what, when,
where, how, and with whom) from beginning to end, in the order in which they will occur—
should be spelled out in detail (although this is not written in stone). This, of course, is much
less feasible and appropriate in a qualitative study. A realistic time schedule outlining when
various tasks are to be started, along with expected completion dates, should also be
provided. All materials (e.g., textbooks) and/or equipment (e.g., computers) that will be used
in the study should also be described. The general design or methodology (e.g., an
experiment or a survey) to be used should be stated. In addition, possible sources of bias
should be identified, and how they will be controlled should be explained.
Data analysis: Any statistical techniques, both descriptive and inferential, to be used in the
data analysis should be described. The comparisons to be made to answer the research
question should be made clear.

Online Quiz:
Link for the online quiz will be posted on your respective Google
Classroom. The schedule of the quiz will be announced on your
respective Facebook Group.

SUMMARY OF CONCEPTS
Write all relevant concepts you learned from this module in
bulleted form.
*

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OLONGAPO CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

SUBJECT REQUIREMENT: THESIS

Format:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page i
Approval Sheet ii
Abstract iii
Acknowledgement iv
Dedication v
Table of Contents vi
List of Tables vii
List of Figures viii
List of Appendixes ix

Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem
Null Hypothesis
Basic Assumptions
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Significance of the Study
Definition of Term

Chapter 2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design
Population and Samples
Locale of the Study
Research Instrument
Validity of the Instrument
Data Gathering Procedure
Statistical Treatment of Data

Chapter 3
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Chapter 4
SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

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COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Summary
Findings
Conclusions
Recommendations

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Books
B. Journals/Articles/Issuances /Periodicals
C. Electronic Sources

APPENDICES

A. Output / Outcome of the Study

B. Letter of Request to Conduct a Study
C. Letter to the Respondents
D. Questionnaire
E. Computation of Reliability Test of the Questionnaire (if necessary)
F. Other
Proposal Defense: Chapter 1, 2, and Survey
Questionnaire
Tentative Schedule: October 13, 2021

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OLONGAPO CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

References

Ariola, M. M. (2014). Research and Statistics with Thesis and Dissertation

Writing. Manila: Unlimited Books Library Services & Publishing Inc.
Bermudo, P. V., Araojo, A. E., Morales, M. I., & Yango, A. R. (2014).
Research Writing Made Simple. Manila: Mindshapers Co. Inc.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design (Fourth ed.). California: SAGE
Publications Ltd.
Fraenkel, J. R., & Wallen, N. E. (2009). How to Design and Evaluate
Research in Education (Seventh ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Prepared by:

Kimberly J. Recitis, MBA

Mark Alvin Lazaro

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