Research

Group 1
Nature of Research
and its Defintion
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Research is an original addition to the available knowledge,
which contributes to its further advancement. It is an attempt to
pursue truth through the methods of study, observation,
comparison and experiment. In sum, research is the search for
knowledge, using objective and systematic methods to find
solution to a problem. (Walliman, 2011).
Walliman N (2011) Research methods: the basics. Routledge (Taylor & Francis
Group), Madison Avenue, New York. 190 p

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Kothari (2004) stated that “research is an art of scientific
investigation.” It is an academic activity and as such the term,
research should be used in a technical sense.
Kothari CR (2004) Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Age
International, New Delhi, India. 401 p

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Redman and Mory (1923) defined research as a “systematized
effort to gain new knowledge.” Research is a logical and
systematic search for new and useful information on a
particular topic, which is done with the help of study,
experiment, observation, analysis, comparison and reasoning.
Redman LV & Mory AVH (1923) The Romance of Research, pp. 6-10

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Purpose of Research

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a. Correct perceptions
b. Develops and evaluates concepts, practices and theories
c. Gathers information on a certain phenomenon that are
lacking in knowledge
d. Obtains knowledge for practical purposes.
e. Provides hard facts that serve as a basis for planning,
decision-making, project implementation, monitoring and
evaluation.

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f. Finding answers to questions or solutions to problems.
g. Discovering and interpreting new facts.
h. Testing theories to revise accepted theories or laws in the
light of new facts.
i. Formulating new theories.

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Importance of Research

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Research provides solid foundation for the:
o Discovery and creation of knowledge, theory- building;
o Testing, confirmation, revision, and refutation of knowledge
as theory;
o Advance a discipline or field;
o Advancements and improvements in various aspects of life;
o Promotion and tenure of individuals.

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Classification of Research

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Based on Purpose:
1. Basic Research/Pure/Fundamental Research - To develop new ways
of thinking, theories, principles and ideas.
2. Applied Research - To apply basic research or past theories, knowledge
and methods for solving an existing problems.
3. Evaluation Research - To facilitate decision making regarding the
relative worth of two or more actions.
4. Research and Development - To develop effective products demanded
by the existing clients.
5. Action Research - To solve problems through application of scientific
method.

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Based on Method:
1. Historical Research - Involves studying, understanding and explaining
past events
2. Descriptive Research - Collecting data in order to test or answer
questions concerning current subject of the study (Survey, Development
Studies, Follow up)
3. Correlational Research - Determines whether and to what degree, a
relationship exists between two or more quantifiable variables.
4. Causal-Comparative and Experimental Research - Establishes cause
and effect relationships; “cause” already occurred.

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Based on Approach:
1. Qualitative Research - Exploration, description,
generation and construction of theories using qualitative
data.
2. Quantitative Research - Testing theories and hypothesis
using quantitative data to see if they are confirmed or not.

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Types of Research

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 Descriptive Research
Aims Sources Example
• To describe situations • data-gathering The amount of time
and events techniques students’ use on social
• To present a picture of • surveys media.
the specific details (or • field research
gather info) of a • content analysis
situation, social setting,
or relationship
• Focus on `who,' `what,'
`when,' `where,' and
`how' but not why?

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 Experimental Research
Aims Sources Example
• To determine a • One or more variables An investigation of the
relationship between are manipulated to effectiveness of two new
two (2) variables—the determine their effect textbooks using random
dependent variable and on a dependent assignment of teachers
the independent variable and students to three
variable. groups – two groups for
• It is conducted to be each of the new textbooks,
able to predict and one group as a
phenomenon. ‘control’ group to use the
• Answer the question existing textbook.
‘what if’
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 Historical Research
Aims Sources Example
• To analyze the past • It relies on available A study that documents
events and develops data which are in form the evolution of teacher
the present concept of diaries, letters, training programs since the
and conclusion. newspaper, reports and turn of the century, with the
• To gain a clearer so on. aim of explaining the
understanding of the historical origins of the
impact of past on content and processes of
present and future current programs.
events related to life
process.

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