module 1 - intro to methods of research

7/28/2019 Module 1 - Intro to Methods of Research

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METHODS OF RESEARCH

Prepared By:

Prof. Rene D. Estember


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INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH


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DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

a) Research is a purposive, systematic, and

scientific process of gathering, classifying,

organizing, presenting, analyzing 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 reservation and improvement of the quality

of life. (Aguinaldo, 2000).


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DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

b) Research is searching for theory, testing for theory or

for solving a problem. It means a problem exists and has

been identified and that the solution of the problem is

necessary. (Sevilla et al, 1992)

c) Research is 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 distinctiveness, interpretations, and

usually some generalizations. (Andres, 1998)


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NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF

RESEARCH

1) It is systematic.In research, there is a need to conduct the investigation

in a step by step procedure. The procedure to be

followed must be orderly, disciplined and organized.

2) It is controlled.

Observations must be controlled and not haphazardly

done by making sure the research instruments are

carefully prepared and its validity and reliabilityproperly established. The research variables must be

carefully measured while extraneous variables are kept

to a minimum.


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NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF

RESEARCH

3) It is empirical.There is a need to gather factual data which can be scrutinized and

tested. It relies on empirical data which can be used.

4) Research is an inquiry.

It is a process that investigates or searches for problems, possiblesolutions, theories, relevant studies to come up with reliable

knowledge.

5) It is about problem solving.

The essence of research is to find answers to problems raised.

Humankind is beset with varied problems and situations that need

improvement. It is the task of every human being to use his

intelligence, harness his skills and existing knowledge to bring

about progress and development.


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NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

6) It is about adherence to a method.

Research is not just about gathering data for the sake of accumulatingdata. More than that, it is concerned with the how, the right manner

by which findings are arrived through proper methodology and

procedure. Without the right method, .any data or findings arrived at

will not be accurate nor reliable. Without a method, we are left with

chance and research cannot rely on chance.

7) It concentrates on a specific subject/topic.

Life abounds with complex and broad problems and issues that it will

be impossible to tackle all of them one at a time. A particular broad

subject/topic should be properly narrowed down to a specific researchsubject/topic which means it must have a scope and limits in its inquiry

or investigation. A good researcher sets limits to his own inquiry to

bring about feasible solutions to problems.


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KINDS OF RESEARCH ACCORDING TO PURPOSE

1) Basic or pure research

When research is conducted to develop theories and principles, forintellectual pursuit of knowledge and acquire learning, it is classified

as basic or pure research. The inquiry is done for knowledge sake.

An individuals 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 obtainedfrom 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.


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THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF RESEARCH

Three central components of Scientific or Critical

Thinking:

1) The Use of Empirical Evidence (empiricism).

Empirical evidence is evidence that can be discernedby and or susceptible to the senses. It is something

that can be experienced by others, aside from the

researcher. It is repeatable that it can be verified by

others. Empirical evidence is the only type ofevidence that is utilized by scientists and researchers

to formulate conclusions and make decisions.


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Thinking:

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 learned in a formal educationalenvironment 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 find complicated and

troublesome to accept. But every scientific research must

remember that emotions are not exactly evidence, feelings are not

facts and subjective beliefs are not substantive enough. Statements

and arguments must be based on evidence after it has been

thoroughly analyzed.


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Thinking:

3) The Possession of a Skeptical Attitude (skepticism)

Skepticism is the constant evaluation of ones beliefs and conclusions.

Good scientists and researchers constantly examine the evidence,arguments and reasons for their beliefs. The only way to avoid deception

by others and by ones own self-deception(state by which people deceive

themselves without really being fully conscious of it) is to rigorously

examine ones basis for holding those beliefs. True knowledge is

knowledge that will overcome 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

examination of evidence are necessary to evaluate, polish and advance

truth and knowledge.


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Five distinct steps involved in the scientific method of research:

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

unexplained discrepancy in ones field of knowledge or a gap to be closed.

2. Step 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 ones imagination and freedom of thought are allowed and

should be encouraged.

4. Researcher should be able to project the consequences of each of thepossible solutions that have been conceived.

5. Researcher should test the solutions to find out what consequences

actually bring results.


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CHARACTERISTICS NEEDED TO BE A GOOD RESEARCHER

1. Knowledge-oriented.

A good researcher must believe in the value and power ofknowledge.

2. Open-minded.

A good researcher must be open to various ideas, views,criticisms, and feedbacks from other people or fellow

researchers.

3. Hardworking.

Research is a difficult challenge. There is no easy path in

achieving meaningful things. It takes a lot of time, resources

and efforts. In research, there is no substitute for hardwork.


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CHARACTERISTICS NEEDEDTO BE A GOOD RESEARCHER

4. Resourceful.

Pursuing research requires a great deal of time, money,materials and other resources. How the researcher will

budget all his resources requires resourcefulness. He must

also be as resourceful when faced by obstacles in his search

for valuable knowledge.

5. Scientific in attitude.

Research is a scientific undertaking. It requires a scientific

attitude of acquiring data, analyzing and interpreting suchdata to make it a part of the body of knowledge. Being

scientific in attitude requires adherence to systematic,

disciplined and objective way of conducting the entire

research task.


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COMMON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN RESEARCH

1. Difficult in finding or conceptualizing a good research problem.

2. Scarcity or unavailability of updated and relevant references.

3. Financial (limited budget or funds).

4. Time constraints.

5. How to put into writing ones own ideas.

6. Lack of teamwork among the groups members or inadequate assistance.

7. Uncooperative respondents or officials of an institution.

8. Personal problem get in the way of a good research work.


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PLANNING THE THESIS


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PLANNING THE THESISA. Selecting a Topic

Does it make a contribution to knowledge in this field?

(Was there a problem to be investigated and did the thesisattempt to solve this problem?)

B. A Source of Problem for Investigation1) Direct Contact with personnel at a research institution.The research fellow, lecturer or professor who is active inresearch is usually a fund of research problems.

2) Journal Literature Review

The literature review is an important source of ideassignalling gaps., likely future directions, or inconsistencies inpatterns of research findings in a particular area.


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PLANNING THE THESIS

B. A Source of Problem for Investigation3) Familiarity with recent masteral and doctoral studies

in your field of interest.

Publications such as Thesis/Dissertation Abstracts

present concise summaries of thesis/doctoraldissertations submitted at most leading universities.

Often these summaries conclude with suggestions for

future research.


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PLANNING THE THESIS

C. Criteria for Selecting a Topic

1. Is there Adequate Supervision?

There should be a member of faculty in the institution

who has the expertise or interest in a particular topic.

as thesis topics.

2. Does the Topic Really Interest You?

Most research projects take at least a year and successful

completion often depends on whether the topic

continues to hold interest. Lose this and the task

becomes the worst kind of chore.


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PLANNING THE THESISC. Criteria for Selecting a Topic

3. Can the topic be Completed in the Required Time?

Some topics by their very nature require time to elapse

before data can be collected. Longitudinal growth studies

and long-term attitude studies fall into this category.

However desirable these types of studies may be, they arerarely practical.

4. Is the Necessary Equipment Available?

Specialized and expensive equipment is required for manystudies. Unless there is reasonable assurance that

necessary equipment will be available when required, a

different choice of topic may be advisable.


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5. Are Subjects Available?

Much research, especially in the social sciences, requiresthe ready cooperation of participants to submit toquestionnaires or experimental treatments and testing.

Many a thesis has been delayed or had its focus changedbecause the question of availability of subjects are notcarefully considered at the outset.


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PLANNING THE THESIS

C. Criteria for Selecting a Topic

6. Are Travel Funds Available to Locate Data Sources?

Often travel is needed fort field trips to collect data, to use particularequipment or to interview participants. Such investigation mayrequire extensive travel; therefore, costing and availability of fundingneed to be considered

7. Are Library Facilities Sufficient?

Library facilities are essential for literary or analytical researchstudies. A particular topic may prove unsuitable simply there is notready access to the requisite source materials. For example, it iscommon for some source material not to be made available during

the lifetime of an individual or for some years after an event. Othermaterials may not be held at a particular library or may not beavailable or inter-library loan because of its value.

.


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8. Is the Study Achievable?

Another question to consider is whether the research techniques fortesting a particular problem have been developed or are sufficientlyrefined. This question implies that you need to determine the techniquesto be used before embarking upon a study.

9. Is the Problem a Significant One?

Whether a problem is significant is never an easy question, for its answerrequires considering the practical as well as the theoretical justificationfor the problem(s) under investigation. An important part of any thesis isa section on the significance of the study. Therefore, you should considerthis question early in the life of the study.

At various key stages in planning a thesis, the feasibility of conducting astudy must be faced. You need to ask hard questions about the resourcesneeded for tackling a particular problem, and the justification in terms oftime, effort and expense.


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PLANNING THE THESIS

8. Is the Study Achievable?

Another question to consider is whether the research techniques fortesting a particular problem have been developed or are sufficientlyrefined. This question implies that you need to determine the techniquesto be used before embarking upon a study.

9. Is the Problem a Significant One?

Whether a problem is significant is never an easy question, for its answerrequires considering the practical as well as the theoretical justificationfor the problem(s) under investigation. An important part of any thesis isa section on the significance of the study. Therefore, you should considerthis question early in the life of the study.

At various key stages in planning a thesis, the feasibility of conducting astudy must be faced. You need to ask hard questions about the resourcesneeded for tackling a particular problem, and the justification in terms oftime, effort and expense.

.


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PLANNING THE THESISE. Reviewing the Literature

1) A review of related literature is a task that you will continuethroughout the duration of a thesis.

2) It begins with a search of a suitable topic.

3) Since a thesis aims to be a contribution to knowledge, youneed to check carefully that the proposed study has notpreviously been undertaken.

4) Although completely new and original problems are rare, aprevious study should not be exactly replicated unless thetechniques used were faulty, or the findings and conclusionsdoubtful, or unless some new sources of information havebeen discovered to provide information about the problem. Agood test is whether the problem still requires solution.


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5) Once you have decided a topic, it is essential to review allrelevant material that has a bearing on the topic. This reviewof the literature is included in the final written thesis as a keysection or chapter.

It is necessary to show how the problem under investigationrelates to previous research studies. In some subject areas it isimportant to locate the problem within a theoreticalframework and, in such cases, the underlying theory needs tobe reviewed as well.

In surveying a field initially, it is useful to work from the generalto the specific, or from tertiary and secondary sources ofinformation to primary sources.


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5.1 Primary Sources

Primary sources of information include first-handaccounts of experimentation and investigation(articles in professional journals, monographs,doctoral theses, interviews and questionnaires),original works (letters, diaries, eyewitness accounts,poems, novels, autobiographies) and reports(proceedings of Parliament, court testimony, reportof government departments and agencies, annualreports, minutes).


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5.2 Secondary Sources

Secondary sources of information aresummaries of information gathered fromprimary sources. These include translations,summaries and reviews of research (forexample, encyclopedia articles), abstracts,guide books and other publications,containing information, commentaries, and soon.


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5.3 Tertiary Sources

Textbooks are usually examples of tertiary sources of information, since these

are generally compiled from secondary sources.

Tertiary sources of information can be useful in providing an overview or broad

summary of a field. They may even be acceptable as references because some

textbooks become acknowledged as authorities.

For certain types of research, the original source material may be lost or

inaccessible and heavy reliance therefore must be made on secondary sources.However, there is no substitute for consulting primary sources if these are

available, and postgraduate work in most subject areas demands it.

The reliability of sources of information generally decreases as the number of

hands through which the information has passed increases.

module 1 - intro to methods of research

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