The Research Process

Module 1 The Research Process

is a scholarly activity aimed at finding new truths about a specific discipline basically designed to find solution to a problem. done in various fields of studies. may be done in natural sciences like Biology, Chemistry and Physics. And in the field of social sciences such as Sociology, Psychology, Education, Anthropology, Industry and the like.

Definitions of Research
a systematic patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles (Websters New World Dictionary, 1994) a systematic investigation in order to establish facts and new conclusions (Oxford, 1996)

Definitions of Research
a systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles or theories resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate control of events (Best & Kahn, 1998)

 purposive, systematic and scientific process 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 life (Calderon, 2000)

 a process of systematically examining and explaining the observables. It seeks to generate answers to questions but it also generates further questions for study. In the scientific sense, research denotes an active process of identifying a research problem needing a solution and then systematically gathering, examining and interpreting knowledge about how to resolve that problem (Brockopp and Tolsma, 2003)

Domains of Research
Man is a rational being equipped with the faculties of the intellect and the will. These faculties enable him to speculate and theorize about reality. However what he thinks is happening is not always what actually is happening. There are discrepancies in his speculations and in reality. What actually happens is the experimental or empirical domain. What he speculates is the theoretical domain.

Elements of the Theoretical Domain

Concepts - is a set of interrelated ideas Propositions - is a statement specifying relationship between two or more variables Logical relations - attempts to establish the kind of relationship that exists between the two variables.

Theoretical domain

Research Process

Empirical domain

concepts propositions logical relations

Research design Sampling plan Measurement Data analysis

Reality in society Individuals groups

Figure 1 The Research Domains

Characteristics of the Research Process

Systematic - done in an orderly manner; it follows a system that applies logic at many points. Controlled - it is so planned and does not allow any guess work, problem is thoroughly defined, variables are identified and instruments are carefully selected or constructed.

 Empirical - conclusions are based on evidences gathered carefully through the use of carefully selected or formulated instruments. Critical - compelling conclusions which enable the researcher to develop full confidence in the results or outcomes of the research

 Cyclical - it starts with a problem and ends with a problem. Universal - the research processes and procedures are transmittable which enable the other researchers to replicate them and assess their validity. Replicable the researcher may use the results of a study and/or build upon the research results of another

Figure 1. Research as a Cyclical Process

1. Question

2. Problem

9. Interpretation

3. Research Plan (Sampling) Design

8. Rejection & acceptance of hypothesis

4. Sub problems 7. Data Analysis 5. Hypothesis

6. Data Collection

Classification of Research
1.According to the purpose/s 2.According to statistical content 3.According to time element

1. According to the purpose/s

Basic research is research that seeks knowledge for its own sake. It is aimed toward discovery of the basic truth or principles. Its objective is to add information or knowledge and not necessarily to produce results of immediate practical solution to a problem or no one that will facilitate decision making.
Applied Research or field research is a research that is done to discover something with practical use. It is conducted to solve problem or evaluate something of interest.

2. According to statistical content

Qualitative research is based on gaining insight and understanding about an individuals experience and reality. It makes use of biographies, feelings, views and ideas of individuals which may take the form of any of the following inquiries: phenomenological, ethnographic, anthropological and historical (Brockopp and Tolsma, 2003).

 Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity, precision and rigorous measurements, structured data gathering. It is concerned with objectivity and ability to generalize the findings to others and as such utilizes inferential statistics such as correlation, chi-square, t-test or analysis of variance to determine the result of the investigation. The quantitative approach utilizes the experimental design, quasi-experimental, and the non-experimental design. (Brockopp and Tolsma, 2003)

3. According to time element

Historical research describes past events Involves investigating, recording, analyzing and interpreting the events of the past to discover generalizations that will help understand the past and the present and to a limited extent, anticipate the future. Descriptive research describes what is. It involves describing, recording, analyzing and interpreting conditions that exist.

 Experimental research describes that will be when certain variables are controlled or manipulated.

Uses/ Purposes of Research

explores some possible solution to existing problems describes, records and explains some existing phenomenon and its underlying causes. predicts and controls phenomenon through the use of previous scientific investigations provides new knowledge, truth, principles or laws that may serve as guide in the practice of various professions provides verifiable information upon which generalization and conclusions are drawn contributes to the progress and development of society

Research and Development

Research will help in describing and analyzing existing socio-economic conditions. Data from research can serve as inputs when planning or designing programs. The particular needs and interest of a specific community for whom the development is intended may be obtained through research.

 The implementation of projects will be effectively done when it is guided by some data specific to the project and the community it will serve The monitoring of projects will be more efficiently done if its aided by and accurate information such as status of project, completion rate and other relevant data

 Every project needs to be evaluated. This phase to be effectively done will utilize data to determine the effectiveness of said projects. Subsequent data will be useful in future decision making.

Research Dissemination
It is important that findings of research are disseminated s m that the knowledge generated these findings may be utilized. Dissemination of scholarly work is done through publications. Scholarly publications are documents that serve to communicate to other professionals the methods and achievements produced through academic study and research investigation. These publications called research journals, provide forum for the scholarly presentation and discussion of scientific investigation related to the descriptive. Journals whose manuscripts are submitted to a review process by a report of experts are called refereed journals. Although publication of a research report in a refereed journal does not guarantee quality, it does suggests that it has merit beyond what is claimed by the researcher (Brockopp and Tolsma, 2003)