The Nature and Relevance of Research

 A vital tool for solving man’s multifarious problems and in making his life richer and fuller.
 Prefix re, which means to repeat or redo and the root word search which means
to find or look for.
 Etymology or this word, research literally means to repeat looking for something
which have been in existence before.
 Concerned with finding answers. It is a systematic, organized search for knowledge or
answers to questions.
 Systematic process of collecting and logically analyzing information or data for some
purpose according to Macmillan and Schumacher.
 The process of obtaining knowledge through techniques, where truth, accuracy, validity,
reliability and other criteria can be ascertained ( Genato, et. Al, 1993)
 It is a critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation, having for its aim the
discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted
conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of the newly discovered facts or the practical
application of such conclusions, theories or laws ( Leedy,1993)
 It is a systematic inquiry and empirical approach to answering questions (Bieger and Gail,
1996). It is concerned with understanding a phenomenon, within the context of our
theories and experiences regarding the phenomenon.
 It is the continuous discovery and exploration of the unknown. It entails an investigation of
new facts, leading to the discovery of new ideas, new methods or improvements.
Characteristics of Research
1. Systematic-it is systematic as there are interrelated steps or procedures a researcher has
to observe in solving a problem.
2. Objective- it is not based on guesswork. It is empirical data have to be gathered by the
researcher before making any conclusion or proposing any solution to an identified
difficulty or problem.
3. Comprehensive- if the researcher is serious about understanding a phenomenon, he has to
examine and analyze all its aspects or angles before making a generalization or
conclusion.
4. Critical- this means that procedures employed by the researcher must be able to
withstand critical scrutiny by other researchers.
5. Rigorous- it is rigorous as procedures to be followed in solving a problem should be
relevant, appropriate, justified and strictly observed.
6. Valid- whenever a researcher formulates, conclusions these are based on actual findings.
7. Verifiable- research is said to be verifiable as other researchers can check on the
correctness of its results by replicating the study, based on the methods and procedures
employed by the researcher.
8. Empirical- research is empirical as generalization drawn by a researcher is rooted upon
hard evidence gathered form information collected from real life experiences or
observation.
Value of Research
1. Expert opinion is one of the sources of knowledge. Example: doctor, lawyer
2. Sensory experience- through our sense of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.
3. Agreement with others
4. Reasoning- derived from general observation to particular or specific cases. (deduction)
5. Common sense
6. Research- another way of obtaining information. 5 steps: identification of the problem;
definition of the problem; formulation of hypothesis; projection of the consequences and
testing of the hypothesis.

Types of Research
Different ways of classifying a research
1. Academic research- is one conducted by individual in fulfilling the requirements for the
conferment of an academic title or degree. Examples: baby thesis, master’s thesis,
feasibility studies and doctoral dissertations
2. Research project- a type of research undertaken by an individual or group of
individuals as part of their professional work or assignment. Example: a market
researcher surveying the preference of housewives for a particular brand of soap.
Application of the Research
1. Pure or theoretical research- done for the purpose of formulating a theory, principle or
law with the intended application of results
2. Applied or Practical research- is an inquiry to test or evaluate a theory or knowledge
arrived at, in the solution of a problem or for useful ends.
When methodology or research design is used as a basis for categorizing research can
take any of the following types:
1. Descriptive research- describe systematically, factual, accurately and objectively a
situation, problem or phenomenon. It seeks to describe “ what is”
2. Correlational/ Associational Research- the investigator tries to probe the significance of
relationship between two or more factors or characteristics. A researcher who
undertakes a study to find out the significance of association between job performance
and commitment.
3. Explanatory research- the researcher seeks to clarify why and how a relationship exists
between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon. Examples: why job stress
contributes to burnout or why low morale can lead to lower productivity among
employees are problems which can be investigated systematically through the
explanatory research design.
4. Exploratory research- is a kind of research 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.
5. Experimental research- the researcher probes into the cause of an effect by exposing
one or more of experimental groups to one or more treatments or conditions. For
example, when a mathematics professor is after determining the effectiveness of a
learning packet or module in raising the performance of his students, he is engaging in
experimental research.
6. Ex-post facto/ causal comparative research- the investigator delves on analyzing the
possible effects of a factor which cannot be manipulated and controlled. Example: a
guidance counselor who is after singling out the variables associated with failing marks
in some college course or a biology student who is interested in determining the
incidence of lung cancer among heavy smokers
7. Historical research- the researchers 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.
 8. Ethnographic research- this type of research is done when the researcher is concerned
with explaining a phenomenon holistically with the use of multiple data collection
techniques. Examples: culture or law and graduate students in an institution of higher
learning and the teaching of accounting course in selected business administration
colleges. Research may be historical, sociological, educational, psychological or
medical

The Research Process

IDEA- GENERATING
PHASE

PROBLEM DEFINITION
PHASE

PROCEDURE DESIGN
PHASE

DATA COLLECTION
PHASE

DATA ANALYSIS PHASE

INTERPRETATION PHASE

COMMUNICATION
PHASE
Other Characteristics of Qualitative Research
1. Concern for context and meaning- bounded by a particular context which the research
aims to study
2. Naturally occurring settings- qualitative research studies behavior as it happens naturally
in school, classroom, community or organization.
3. Human as instruments- gathering and analyzing data
4. Descriptive data- are in the form of words or pictures or other visuals rather than numbers
and statistics.
5. Emergent design- the design cannot be finalized at the onset because the researcher
continues to adjust his/her methods and ways of proceeding as the study progress.
Types of Research
 1. Library Research- done primarily in the library where answers to specific questions or
problems are available.
2. Field research- done in natural setting such as barangay, school or factory
3. Laboratory research- this type is conducted in an artificial or controlled conditions by
doing the study in thoroughly specified and equipped area.

Ethics and Research

Ethics – refer to norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable
behavior.
 Consider as a method, procedure or perspective ofer deciding how to act for analyzing
complex problems and issues.
 To be ethical, research projects need to be designed to create valid outcomes if it is
believed to be pursuing truth.
Functions of Ethics
1. Norms promote the aims of research such as knowledge, truth and evidence of error.
2. Ethical standards promote the values that are essential to collaborate work such as trust,
accountability, mutual respect and fairness.
3. Ethical norms ensure that researchers can be held accountable to the public.
4. Ethical norms in research, is research that helps build public support quality and integrity
of research.
Some Ethical Principles
1. Honesty
2. Objectivity
3. Integrity
4. Carefulness
5. Openness
6. Respect for intellectual property
7. Confidentiality
8. Responsible publication
9. Respect for colleagues
10.Social responsibility
11. Non-discrimination
12.Competence
13.Legality
The research ethics skills that need also to be developed are:
 To be able to identify the ethical issues in the study
 To know and be prepared how to add them
Ethical considerations in Qualitative research
1. The kind of information obtained because of the length and personal interaction that
ensures when doing the qualitative inquiry may give rise to an issue or issues.
2. With regard to the researcher relationship to the participants, the researcher is expected
to act professionally, maintaining respect towards them.
 3. The researcher is expected to give back the subjects/ participants of the research and to
shows appreciation for the commitment of time, effort and cooperation.
4. The researcher writes a letter and seek to be allowed to conduct a study.

Research Process – diagrammatic presentation of the steps

Define Review Formulat

the Design Collect
research e the
related Research Data
problem Hypothes
Literature is

Interpret
Analyze
and
data
Report

Research is an investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of

facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of
such new or revised theories or laws. It is also a practice of collecting information about a
particular subject.
Research provides the best solution to some of the world problems and enhance the knowledge
of the researchers. It can give explanations to certain questions stated in the research problem.
Through the explanations, it serves as a tool for building knowledge and for facilitating new
learning. Research also introduces new ideas, helps the researchers identify problems and
appropriate solutions in new ways and provide new framework to guide thinking and action. It
informs action, proves a theory and contributes to develop knowledge in a field or study.
Therefore, it understands various issues and increases public awareness. The following shall help
you recall some significant details relevant to your previous understanding about the types of
research namely: qualitative and quantitative research.
Brainstorming is a way of inquiring ideas that will help you to develop concepts and focusing
techniques by asking questions and knowing the interests of the persons involved in the said
issues. The potential ideas can be visualized for interpretations.
The following are the things that may be considered before starting the research activity:
1. A problem that is most interesting to you
2. Existing problems in the class/school/campus which one may want to solve
3. Existing needs of the community or society
4. Area of interest, specialization or event from related fields
5. Prevailing theories and philosophy
Criteria in Choosing a Research Topic:
1. It should be something new or different from what has already been written about.
2. It must be original.
3. It should be significant to the field of study or discipline.
4. It must necessarily arouse intellectual curiosity.
5. It should be of researcher’s interest.
6. It should be a modest one for a beginner to be carried out within a limited period of time.
7. It should be clear, not ambiguous.
8. It should be specific, not general.
9. It should consider the training and personal qualifications of the researcher.
10. It should consider the availability of data involved in the study and the methods and
techniques to be employed in gathering them.
11. It should consider the availability of effective instruments for gathering the data and their
treatment.
12. It should consider the financial capacity of the researcher to support the project.
13. It should consider the time factor involved in the undertaking.

Here are some examples of possible basis of issues applicable for senior high school learners.
These are useful in crafting a research agenda that will lead in the writing of the title and
research problem.
I. What is Research?
1. Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection,
presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that lines an individual ‘s speculation with
reality.
2. Solutions to problems must be based on knowledge not on mere beliefs, guesses or theories.
3. In research a systematic and well-planned procedure is required to meet the need in order
that information is acquired and evaluate its accuracy and effectiveness.
4. It is a process of inquiring

II. Nature of Inquiry. (Lichman, G.,2013)

1. Inquiry is defined as “a seeking for truth, information or knowledge”. It is a problem solving
technique.
2. The information and data pursued through questioning begins with gathering by applying the
different human senses.
3. Individuals carry on the process of inquiry from birth till death.
4. Inquiry is synonymous with the word investigation.
III. Investigation and Immersion
Investigation has a deeper meaning compared to “inquiry”.
It is a systematic examination of a certain event or phenomenon.
Immersion is a process whereby a researcher immerses (deeply involves) himself in the data
gathering activities and the data he has gathered is carefully read or examined by him in detail.
Combining the idea of “inquiry”, “investigation” and “immersion”, the concept of “research”
comes in.

IV. Differentiate Inquiry from Research

Inquiry is a term that is synonymous with the word ‘investigation’. When you inquire or
investigate, you tend to ask questions to probe or examine something to request for truth,
information, or knowledge.
Research is systematic and objective creation of knowledge systematic (with a system or
method, the scientific method), objective (no bias, all angles presented), knowledge creation (a
creative process)
V. Purpose of Research
1. To inform action.
2. To prove or generate a theory.
3. To augment knowledge in a field or study.
VI. Importance of Research in Daily Life
1. Research directs us to inquire about the right information by conducting further investigation
of the actual condition. It leads us to be cautious in giving results and findings by proving lies
and supporting the truth.
2. Research empowers us with knowledge and discovers new things and issues in life. It helps us
solve problems in health, crimes, business, technology and environment.
3. Research facilitates learning as an opportunity to share valuable information to others as a
way of recognizing various concerns for public awareness.