CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

1. Empirical – research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.

2. Logical – research is based on valid procedures and principles.
3. Cyclical – research starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical – research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data, whether historical, descriptive,
experimental, and case study.
5. Critical – research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
6. Methodical – research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and
procedures
7. Replicability – research design and procedures are repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and
conclusive results.
. Characteristics of the Researcher
1. Intellectual Curiosity – researcher undertakes deep thinking and inquiry of the things, problems, and
situations around him.
2. Prudence – researcher is careful to conduct his study at the right time and at the right place wisely,
efficiently, and economically.
3. Healthy Criticism – the researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the result
4. Intellectual Honesty – researcher is honest to collect or gather the data or facts in order to arrive at honest
results.
5. Intellectual creativity – a resourceful investigator always creates new researches.
. Qualities of a Good Researcher
Research Oriented
Efficient
Scientific
Effective
Active
Resourceful
Creative
Honest
Economical
Religious
. Man’s Major Needs and Problems Demand Research It includes:
• how to reduce his burden of work;
• how to relieve suffering;
• how to increase satisfaction in fulfilling his needs, cravings and aspirations.
. CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH
1. Library Research – this is done in the library where answers to specific questions or problems of the study
are available.
2. Field research – research is conducted in a natural setting.
3. Laboratory research – this is conducted in artificial or controlled conditions by isolating the study in a
thoroughly specified and equipped area.
The Variable ----- is a parameter that can exist in differing amounts of types.
Types of Variable
1. Independent Variable – this is the stimulus variable which is chosen by the researcher to determine its
relationship to an observed phenomenon.
2. Dependent Variable – this is the response variable which is observed and measured to determine the effect
of the independent variable. It changes when independent variable changes.
3. Control Variable – a variable controlled by the investigator in which the effects can be neutralized by
eliminating or removing the variable.
4. Intervening Variable – a variable which interferes with the independent and dependent variables, but its
effects can either strengthen or weaken the independent and dependent variables.
5. Moderator Variable – this is a secondary or special type of independent variable chosen by the researcher
to determine if it changes or modifies the relationships between the independent and dependent
variables.==============
Characteristics of Research
Certain terms are very commonly used in research and the success of any research depends on these terms.
These terms determine whether a research is free of biases, prejudices, and subjective errors or not. They are
called the characteristics of research.
1.Reliability is a subjective term which can not be measured precisely, but today there are instruments which
can estimate the reliability of any research. Reliability is the repeatability of any research, research
instrument, tool or procedure. If any research yields similar results each time it is undertaken with similar
population and with similar procedures, it is called to be a reliable research. Suppose a research is conducted
on the effects of single parenting on the class performance of the children. If the results conclude that it
causes low grades in class, these results should have to be reliable for another sample taken from a similar
population. More the results are similar; more reliability is present in the research.
2.Validity is the strength with which we can make research conclusions, assumptions or propositions true or
false. Validity determines the applicability of the research. Validity of the research instrument can be defined
as the suitability of the research instrument to the research problem or how accurately the instrument
measures the problem. Some researchers say that validity and reliability are co-related, but the validity is
much more important than reliability. Without validity, research goes in the wrong direction. To keep the
research on-track define your concepts in the best possible manner so that no error occur during the
measurement.
3.Accuracy is also the degree to which each research process, instrument, and tool is related to each other.
Accuracy also measures whether research tools have been selected in best possible manner and research
procedures suits the research problem or not. For example if a research has to be conducted on the trans-
gender people, several data collection tools can be used depending on the research problems but if you find
that population less cooperative the best way is to observe them rather than submitting questionnaire
because in questionnaire either they will give biased responses or they will not return the questionnaires at
all. So choosing the best data collection tool improves the accuracy of research.
4.Credibility comes with the use of the best source of information and best procedures in research. If you are
using second-hand information in your research due to any reason your research might complete in less time
but its credibility will be at stake because secondary data has been manipulated by human beings and is
therefore not very valid to use in research. A certain percentage of secondary data can be used if the primary
source is not available but basing a research completely on secondary data when primary data can be
gathered is least credible. When researcher gives accurate references in the research the credibility of the
research increases but fake references also decrease the credibility of the research.
5.Generalization is the extent to which a research findings can be applied to larger population. When a
researcher conducts a study he/she chooses a target population and from this population he takes a small
sample to conduct the research. This sample is representative of the whole population so the findings should
also be. If research findings can be applied to any sample from the population, the results of the research are
said to be generalizable.
6.Empirical nature of research means that the research has been conducted following rigorous scientific
methods and procedures. Each step in the research has been tested for accuracy and is based on real life
experiences. Quantitative research is easier to prove scientifically than qualitative research. In qualitative
research biases and prejudice are easy to occur.
7.Systematic approach is the only approach to carry on a research. No research can be conducted
haphazardly. Each step must follow other. There are set of procedures that have been tested over a period of
time and are thus suitable to use in research. Each research, therefore, should follow a procedure.
8.Controlled in real life experience there are many factors that affect an outcome. A single event is often
a result of several factors. When similar event is tested in research, due to the broader nature of factors that
effect that event, some factors are taken as controlled factors while others are tested for a possible effect. The
controlled factors or variables should have to be controlled rigorously. In pure sciences, it is very easy to
control such elements because experiments are conducted in the laboratory but in social sciences it becomes
difficult to control these factors because of the nature of research.
Introduction

The ultimate aims of research are to generate measurable and testable

data, gradually adding to the accumulation of human knowledge.

Ancient philosophers believed that all answers could be achieved

through deduction and reasoning rather than measurement.
Science now uses established research methods and standard protocols to test theories
thoroughly.
It is important to remember that science and philosophy are intertwined and are essential
elements of human advancement, both contributing to the way we view the
world. Scientific research, however, allows us to test hypotheses and lay solid foundations
for future research and study.
No theory or hypothesis can ever be completely proved or disproved, but research enables us
to make valid assumptions about the universe.

This gradual accumulation of knowledge dictates the overall direction

of science and philosophy.
Observation and Description
The first stage of any research is to observe the world around us and to ask questions about
why things are happening.
Every phenomenon in the universe has a reason behind it, and the aims of research are to
understand and evaluate what is happening.
However simple the phenomenon or however easy it appears to be to generate logical and
intuitive answers, scientific research demands rigorous testing for a truth to be accepted.
Describing the overall behavior of the subject is the first stage of any research, whether it is
a case study or a full-blown 'true experimental design'.

Predict
This stage is where you must make a statement of intent and develop a strong hypothesis.
This must be testable, with aims of research being to prove or disprove this statement.
At this stage, you may express your personal opinion, favoring one side or the other. You must
make a statement predicting what you expect the final answer to be.
You must, however, keep an open mind and understand that there is a chance that you may
be wrong. Research is never about right or wrong but about arriving at an answer, which
improves our knowledge of natural processes.

Determination of the Causes

This is often the 'business end' for many areas of scientific research and is where one of the predictions is tested,
usually by manipulating and controlling variables. The idea is to generate numerical data that can
determine the cause with one of the many statistical tests.
For example, a small-scale global warming study might study Antarctic ice cores to determine the historical levels of
carbon dioxide throughout history. In this experiment, time would be the manipulated variable, showing how levels of
the greenhouse gas have changed over time.
Statistical procedures are then utilized to either prove or disprove the hypothesis and prediction.
Of course, very little research gives such a black and white answer, but opens up new areas of potential study and
allows scientists to focus on a specific direction.

Explain
After determining the causes, the next layer of the research process is to try to
find possible explanations of 'Why?' and 'How?' things are happening.
For most areas, this stage involves sifting through and reviewing earlier studies
about similar phenomena. Most research is built upon the work of previous
researchers, so there should be a wealth of literature resources available.
If we look at a topical example, Global Warming is an area with which most of us
are familiar and has been the subject of thousands of studies. Intuitively, most of
us would state that humanity pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is
responsible for a worldwide rise in temperatures.

The aims of research may be to establish 'What are the underlying causes and
relationships between the different processes fueling this trend?' In most cases, it
is necessary to review earlier research and try to separate the better quality sources from
the inaccurate or poorly designed studies.
It is equally important to take into account any opposing points of view and accept that they
may be equally valid. Explanation is about coming up with viable reasons and you must try to
be as objective and unbiased as possible.
For example, in the case of global warming, there is an opposing view that temperature rises
are natural and that the effect of human society is making little difference.
At this stage, personal opinion must be put aside and both sides of the debate must be given
equal credence.

New Directions
Whatever the final answer, it can be used to promote a healthy debate
and discussion about the validity of the results.
The aims of research can then be fine-tuned, or may serve to open up
new areas of interest. Either way, the store of human knowledge has
been enriched and increased.