INTRODuCTION TO RESEARCH

The Importance of Research

Constructive changes are needed for life to move forward.
Without needed changes, there is only stagnancy. Research is a
valuable toolto produce needed changes. It is a pathway to progress
and development. One of the imperatives of modern living is
conducting research to addrss problems thât need to be solved, to
look into situations that require improvements, review policies that
must be revised and programs of actions that demand modifications
to be truly responsive to complex human existence.
Good research guarantees the widening of human possibilities.
Men, for instance, were able to explore the frontiers of the universe
when they reached and walked in the moon, many years ago,
because of research in space technology.: In the field of medicine,
millions of human beings have been saved by the discovery of
antibiotics and vaccines against diseases. In information technology.
 research has been Incomparable in its creation of
electronic
data bases
that have benefited the moderm man and are easily
everyone.
accessible t
Great changes, inventions, discoveries, achievements and
progress in society have all been made possible by determined
for valuable knowledge. Recent accomplishments in quest
science ands
for
politics, medicine and even the arts,
tecl1nology, business,
have all been the products of outstanding research works.
that we use now and make living more eficient and comfortable,
Theinstthaince,
ngs
,ike
cellphones, other modem tools and appliances, as well as innovative
policies andI programs being implemented bythe different
institueffont
insociety are examples of the fruitul products of pinstaking tions
in the field of research.

The search for the unknown, the discovery or re-discovery of

not-so-familiar facts to expand human horizons, solve societal
problems and improve our living conditions make research an esential
and noble undertaking of man.

Despite the many difficulties it entails, research is a wonderful

disciplined and challenging jourmey to seek the truth and gain
knowledge for the betterment and upliftment of life.

3 The Meaning of Research

Researclh is a multi-faceted human endeavor. To a lot of people,
it is a difficult and demanding task. To beginners, it is a complicated
process. To students, it is something that must be done to complete
a course requirement. To those who value knowledge and the truth,
it is a very fulilling and exciting challenge. Any institution, group of
people or individual who believes in the need for change should lend
support to the cause of research.
 What is research?

definitions of
Different authors and researchers offer various
term.
ncearch for a better understanding of the

Accordingto Aguinaldo (2002, p.2), research is a 'a purposive.

systematic, and scientific process of gathering, classifying, organizing.
for the solution of a
presenting, analyzing and interpreting datadiscovery
problem, for prediction, for invention, for the of truth, or for
the
the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for
preservation and improvement of the quality of ife'"
Sevilla et.al. (1992, p.2) defines research as "searching for
theory, for testing theory or for solving a problem. It means a problem
exists and hás been identified and that the solution of the problem is
necessary."

Andres (1998) defines research as a careful, critical inquiry or

examination in seeking facts or principles; a diligent investigation to
ascertain something. It is an unbiased investigation of a problem
based, insofar as possible, on demonstrable facts, and involves refined
distinctions, interpretations, and usually some generalizations.

In a more comprehensive form specifying what it is all about,

Calderon (1993. p.4)defines research as a purposive, systematic
and scientificprocess of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing,
presenting and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for
prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth, or for the
expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation
and improvement of the quality of human life."
 Hensonand Soriano(1999)pointed out the key

nature and
characteristics of following
explainthe
conceptsto
there is a need to
1. Itis
systematic. n
investigation in a
research,
step by step procedure.
and
conduct t
the
The proCedure
followed must be orderly, disciplined or organZed
be
controlled. Observations must be controlled
2. It is
done by making sure the research and not
haphazardly
instyprrumentoperlys
are carefully prepared and its validity andIreliability
established. The research variables must be
measured while extraneous variables are kept to a
carefu
minimuml y
3. It isempirical. There is a need to gather factual
can be scutinized and tested. It relies on empirical data
data which
can be. which
4. Research is an inquiry. It is a process that
searches for problems, possible solutions, investigates
or
studies to come up with reliable knowledge.theories, releyant
5. It is about soBving
to find answers to problems. The essence of research is
varied problems and problems raised. Humankind is beset with
the task of every humansituations that need improvement. It is
his skills and existing being to use his intelligence, hamess
development. knowledge bring about progress and
to
6. It is about
adherence to a
about gathering data for the method, Research is not just
sake of
than that, it is
concerned
which findings are with the accumulating data. Mor
how'. the right manner ")
and
procedure. arrived at through
proper methodolog
findings Without the right method, any data or
a arrived at will not be
method, we are left with accurate nor reliable. Withou!
on chance. chance and research cannotreh
 subject/topic. Life abounds
concentrates on aspecific
7. It problems and issues that it wiIl be
with comnplex and broad at a time. A particular
impossible to tackle allof them one
subject/topic should be properly narrowed down to
broad means it must have
subject/topic which
aspecific research investigation. Agood
ascope and limits in its inquiry or
bring about
researcher sets limits to his own inquiry to
feasible solutions to problems.

Kinds of Research According to Purpose:

According to goal or purpose, research is generally
classified into:

to
1. Basic or pure research. When research is conducted
develop theories and principles, for intellectual pursuit of
knowledge and acquire learning, it is classified as basic or
pure research. The inquiry is done for knowledge'sake. An
individual's passion and desire to discover the unknown is
essential in the discovery and acquisition of knowledge.

2. Applied research. When the results of basic research are

used and or utilized to address situations and or solve
problems, research is classified as applied. This happens
when the theories and principles obtained from pure
research are put to a test. In applied research, the theories
and principles of basic research are subjected to a test to
find out if these have practical application to specific
problems and or situations.
 METHOD OF RESEARCH:
SCIENTIFIC AnOverview
THE
discovering and acquiring rcliable
method of Reliableknowledge is

knowledg
Science is a 1994),
(Schafersman, has been
knonledge
thatcanbe
verified
rlablemethod.
because its
veracity
established
scientific method toto study or

something, the
the
When one uses of scientific and
practice
thinking is
and or critical
thinking corectly that ithnivesnkitniggate
is
indispensable. |
Critical
successful y
leads to the most reliable answers to questions and solutions to

problems.

The three central

components of scientific or critical
following:
thinking, according to Schafersman, are the
1. The Use of Empirical| Evidence (empiricism).
evidence is evidence that can be discerned Empirical
by and or
susceptible to the senses. It is something that can e
experienced by others aside from the researcher. It
repeatable that it can be verified by others.
Empirical evidence
is the only type of evidence that is utilized by scientists and
researchers to formulate conclusions and make decisions
2. The Practice of Logical Reasoning (rationalism). Logic
is the art of reasoning correctly. Logical reasoning is a skill
and or discipline that is best leamed in a formal educational
environment where people are encouraged to reason out
freely. Logic, at times, can be painful and difficult because it
can force one to face and accept realities which others fnd
complicated and troublesome to accept. But every scienu
researcher must remember that emotions are not exactly
evidence, feelings are not facts and subjective beliefs are
substantive enough. Statements and arguments must be
based on evidence after it has been
thoroughly
 3, The Possession of a Skeptical Attitude (skepticism).
Skepticism is the constant evaluation of onc' belicfs and
conclusions. Good scientists and researchers constantly
examine the evidence, argumcnts and rcasons for their
beliefs. The only way to avoid deception by others and by
one's own self-deception (state by which people deceive
themselves without really being fully conscious ofit) is to
rigorously examine one's basis for holding those beliefs. True
knowledge is knowledge that willovercome any scrutiny or
questioning. Outright adherence to a belief without being
open to other possibilities is closed or single mindedness. A
skeptical scientist hold beliefs tentatively and is open to
evidence and rational arguments about those beliefs.
Rigorous examinations of evidence are necessary to evaluate,
polish and advance truth and knowledge.
There are five distinct steps involved in the scientific
method of research and these are as follow:

1. The research problem should be clearly identified. This may

be an unexplained discrepancy in one's field of knowledge
or a gap to be closed.

2. Steps should be taken to define the problem more precisely

to establish its scope and limits.

3. Efforts should be exerted to search out every possible

solution. Ideas are considered and one's imagination and
freedom of though are allowed and should be encouraged.

4. Researcher should be able toproject the consequences of

each of the possible solutions that have been conceived.

5. Researcher should test the solutions to find out what

Consequences actually bring results.
 Good
Characteristics Neededto be a
challengingand disciplined
Researche,
research is a

manycharacteristics neededto fulfll the

undertakinyå
Because conductingresearch must train himself1to possesS
any individual
task. Some of
manifest
characteristics are as follows: ho,
1. Knowledge-oriented.
must believe in the value and
A good researcher
seek knowledge for power
knowledge. He must appreciate and
sake. Any research endeavor is an attempt to acquire and knowlconterdge,ibutg
knowledge to a particular field ofspecializationand aresearcher Must
be to do a lot of voluminous readings and frequent long tris
to the libraries and other places of information. The acquisition of
knowledge is not an easy task but it becomes easier and enjoyable
if the researcher believes in what he is doing, and knows that tha
knowledge he will find will make him a better andempowered
toattain a good life.
person

2. Open-mínded.
A good researcher must be open to various ideas, views.
criticisms, and feedbacks from other people or fellowresearchers.
Being open minded does not mean blind adherence to all views for
that willbe confusing and impossible. Rather, it means having a
confident attitude to understand the views or ideas of others without
being threatened in his own views or ideas. He must be ready to
acknowledge the fact that like all the rest of humanity, he is not perfèct
and therefore, he can also make mistakes and be corrected. He must
also not resent the reality that people have different
perceptions
points of views. Criticisms and suggestions must be welcomed as
tool for possible change and improvement of the existing conditions
and should not be misconstrued as a personal aftront or distractho.
3. Hardworking.
Research is a difficult challenge. There is no easy path towards
achieving meaningtul things. It takes a lot of time, resources and
efforts. In research, there is no substitute for hardwork. Intelligence
alone is not sufficient to search for great knowledge. One must be
willingto make sacrifices in order to complete what one must do to
achieve success in life. As Thomas Edison once said, there is no
substitute for hard work.

4. Resourceful.

Pursuing research requires a great deal of time, money, materials

and other resources. One needs to make frequent trips to
places where information can be gathered. One needs todifferent
needed documents and references. One must produce a
acquire
and revise it several times to improve the paper. Onemanuscript
needs to
conduct the study involving a certain number of respondents or
participants. All of these require resources and manpower support.
How a researcher will budget all his resources - time, money, paper,
etc.- requires resourcefulness. He must also be as resourceful when
faced by other obstacles in his search for valuable knowledge.

5. Scientificin attitude.
Research is a scientific undertaking. It requires a scientific attitude
of acquiring data, analyzing and interpreting such data to make it a part
of the body of knowledge. A researcher will do well if he will
approach and treat data objectively, that is, without bias or prejudice
to anyone. Conclusion is made only after a thorough analysis of the
findings. Rational thinking, rather than personal feelings, is used to
examine the problem and the data of the study. Being scientific in
attitude requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined and objective
way of conducting the entire research task.
 Encounteredin Research
Problems
Common
researchers wh0 are planni.
group of to face 8
Anyresearcher or prepared
project must be
research is n It not
embark on a aboundinthe field of research. going
casy undetaking.
d1fficulties that The following are some of the common problena
encounter 1n conducting ree
expect to
that researchers can
especially ingroup research:
1. Difficultyin finding or conceptualizing a good research
been so many researches done
problem.
that
There have
coming up with something novel and unexplored isalready
somewhat almost an impossibility. But lite in general
science in particular offer limitless ideas for studies. A
creative and sensitive mind will always find
worthwhile to study. something
2. Scarcity or unavailability of updated and relevant
references. Choosing a topic that is new or novel may
present some problems in finding related literature
studies especially if the chosen problem is relativey
unexplored.

3. Financial (limited budget or funds).

inquiry will always require funds. Conducting a scienii:
costly for many. Going to the Research writing can be
questionnaires to the libraries, administering h:
computerized respondents,
and reproduced having the manuscrip!
in several copies and revising
the manuscript to revs
have it Computerized and to reproducei
again in several copies will
of resources as not be cheap. Wise manageme
used white bondearly as the planning stage (1.e. Paperwil
help cut costs). papers for the first draft of the Toi!
4. Time constraints.Time is always a problem, especially for
researchers who, just like many people, have other things to
pursue and work on. For students, assignments, practicum
work, other research projects in other subjects will inevitably
create conflicts in time. Time management is important in
research.

5. How to put into writing one's own ideas. Writing is a very

demanding art. Itis a skill that is acquired through years of
constant reading to widen knowledge both in contents and
in grammar. The right choice of words, the proper blending
of sentences to form coherent and effective paragraphs are
necessary to properly express good ideas and present cold
facts. Good writing style is not produced ovemight.

6. Lack of teamwork among the group members or

inadequate assistance. In group research, teamwork, more
than individual brilliance, produces results. Group research
requires coordination and rapport among the members. Any
member who is unwilling to help or to contribute for the
improvement of the research work is a hindrance to group
Success.

7. Uncooperative respondents or officials of an institution.

The researcher should anticipate that not everybody willbe
very cooperative. Attimes,officials of an institution whose
assistance is vital to the research work will be too busy to
getinvolved. Respondents may not care at all to answer the
questionnaires. Soliciting the participation of other people
requires establishing rapport, the use of tact and an exercise
in motivating people.
8. Personal problems get in the way of a good
work. It is a challenge to a good man and to a scieh
researcher to set aside even for a while daily problems:c
in hfe
l0 Concentrate on what must be done. A researcher
achieve more if personal problems are properly handled. Can
patience and maturity. wih
 THESIS WRITING:
An Overview

The written report of a research conducted is commonly termed

as a 'research paper, or a 'research report". In the academic field,
it is technically referred to as a thesis paper which is one of the
major requirements in the fulfillment of an undergraduate and or a
masteral degree. 'Dissertation paper"is the term that applies to the
research papers of those completing their doctoral degrees.

What is a Thesis?

Athesis begins with a problem that needs to be solved or

addressed. It is awritten product of the systematic study of a
significant problem.
It is a tentative solution to a significant problem. It is a formal
essay whose main objective is to convey a logical argument upholding
the researcher's point of view, particularly, his solution to a problem
based on empirical data he has gathered and analyzed.
A thesis is a product of the writer's inquisitive mind and is based
on his own inquiry and critical thinking. The finished product of a
thesis must reflect originality, critical and independent thinking,
appropriate organization and format, clarity of objective, and accurate
and thorough data gathering.
It is an intelligent attempt to prove the validity of the writer's
solution toa significant problem. It is much longer than tem papers;
isformal, logical, and scientific in tone and style.
 the field of know|
contribution to edge
Thethesis must be a researchor a treatrment and
own
uponthe researcher's from a new point of view.
matter
ba s
presentatioet
of known subject
thesis is an empirical analysis of data
a
The essence of conclusions and useful and
formulate objective
recommendations
program of action
for
or
the
certain
improvement
policies
of a particular
of an institution. fSieasitualbiolne,
It is a formal essay, about a particular subject, logical :
exercise in in it
discussion, scientific in tone, and is an
disciplined investigation. Informal or uneducated intellectual and
language
expressions are carefully avoided in writing a good thesis paper.
or

An Overview of the Steps in Thesis Writing

1. Information gathering to formulate a significant
problem research
2.
Conceptualization
defense
of a good research
problem for the title
3. Defense of the proposed research
4.
topics/titles
Gathering of comprehensive referencess from
other sources the library and
5. Proper documentation of
studies reviewed related literature and
6.
Extensive consultation with the thesis
coordinator throughout the research workadviser and the thesis
7.
Formul ation ofa good thesis
proposal chapters I-I)
8.
Defense of the (writing
thesis
 9. Preparing the research instrument
10. Field work to gather needed research data

11. Analysis of data in coordination with the adviser and

statistician

12. Writing of chapter IV to present data and its analysis and

interpretation
13. Writing of chapter V to present the summary of findings, the
researcher's conclusions and recommendations

14. Reviewing and editing the manuscript for the final defense
in coordination with the thesis adviser

15. Preparing the powerpoint presentation of the thesis paper for

defense

16. Conducting a mock defense as prescribed and scheduled by

the thesis adviser

17. Submitting the thesis paper for final defense

18. Revising the thesis paper based on the panelists'
recommendations

19. Submission of the revised thesis paper for content approval

(firstto the adviser and statistician, then to the panelists,
thesis coordinator, area chairperson, and finally to the
Academic Dean of the Institute for the release of the
approval sheet)
20. Submission of the four (4) hardbound copiès of the thesis
paper for final signature (following strictly this
adviser, coordinator, the panelists, area sequence:
finally to the Institute Dean) chairperson and