Research

1. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY RESEARCH?  Good:

“It is a careful, critical, disciplined inquiry, varying in

technique and method according to the nature and conditions of the problem identified, directed toward the clarification or resolution (or both) of a problem.”  Aquino:

“Research

is,

simply,

the

systematic

search

for

pertinent information on a specific topic or problem. After a careful, systematic search for pertinent information or data on a specific topic or problem and after the research worker has analyzed and interpreted the data, he eventually faces another essential task – that of preparing the research report.”  Manual

and Medel: “The process of gathering data or

information to solve a particular or specific problem in a scientific manner.”  Sanchez: “A systematic study or investigation of something for

the purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher.”  Treece and Treece: “Research in its broadest sense is an

attempt to gain solutions to problems. More precisely, it is the collection of data in a rigorously controlled situation for the purpose of prediction or explanation.” 2. HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH A RESEARCHABLE FROM NON RESEARCHABLE PROBLEM?  Researchable

problems

imply

the

possibility

of

empirical

investigation  Non researchable problems include explanations of how to do something, vague propositions, and value-based concerns 3. WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM?

A. Research is systematic. It follows an orderly and sequential

procedure that leads to the discovery of truth, solution of a problem, or whatever is aimed to be discovered. B. Research is controlled. All variables except those that are

tested or being experimented upon are kept constant so that the changes made on the subjects of the study can be attributed only to the experimental variable. C. Research is empirical. All procedures employed and the

data gathered are perceived in the same manner by all observers. D. Research is analytical. There is a critical analysis of all the

data used so that there is no error in their interpretation. E. Research is objective, unbiased, and logical. All findings

and conclusions are logically based on empirical data and no effort is made to alter the results of the research. F. Research

employs hypothesis. This is to guide the

investigation

process.

In

experimental.

In

experimental

studies, hypotheses are expressly stated but in descriptive studies, the specific sub problems or specific questions serve as the hypotheses and the hypotheses are tested and not proved. G. Research employs quantitative or statistical methods.

Data are transformed into numerical measures and are treated

statistically

to

determine

their

significance

or

usefulness. H. Research is original work. Data are gathered from primary

sources or first hand sources and not from secondary sources. I.

Research is done by an expert. The researcher uses valid and carefully designed procedures, valid data – gathering instruments, and valid data.

J.

Research is accurate investigation, observation and description. Every research activity must be done accurately so that the findings will lead to the formulation of scientific generalizations. All conclusions are based on actual evidence.

K. Research is patient and unhurried activity. This to ensure

accuracy. L. Research requires an effort-making capacity. No research

can be conducted without the exertion of much effort because research involves much work and time. M. Research requires courage. Research requires courage

because

the

researcher

oftentimes

undergoes

hazards,

discomforts and the like. 4. HOW DO YOU DEFINE RESEARCH PROBLEM?  A research problem is (1) any significant, perplexing and

challenging situation, real or artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking; (2) a perplexing situation after it has been translated into a question or series of questions that help determine the direction of subsequent inquiry. 5. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SOURCES OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM?  When there is an absence of information resulting in a gap in our

knowledge.  When there are contradictory results.

 When a fact exists and you intend to make your study explain it. 6. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING RELATED LITERATURE?  The review of related literature is the major process that leads

you to past theory. It provides the conceptual or theoretical framework of the planned research.

 It provides information about past researches related to the intended study. This process prevents unintentional duplication of these past researches and leads into what needs to be investigated.  It gives you a feeling of confidence since by means of the review of related literature you will have on the hand all constructs related to your study. You therefore are an authority on the subject as far as mastery of information is concerned.  It gives you information about the research methods used, the population and sampling considered, the instruments used in gathering the data, and the statistical computation in previous research.  It provides findings and conclusions of past investigations which you may relate to your own findings and conclusions.

7. HOW SHOULD LITERATURE REVIEW DONE? A. You must demonstrate a critical and evaluative mind since you have to do some judgments regarding the profitability of the material. B. Do some outlining of the salient areas of the investigation on

index card, one source to a card. Note taking must start with a bibliographical entry of the material on the topmost left hand corner of the first index card. C. Note down problems or questions of the investigation that you are reviewing. This is followed by the methodology which presents the methods and procedures done in the research. D. Note down specific techniques inasmuch as from this area you get insights into what you will do in your own thesis.

E. Review the results, conclusions, and recommendations. From the results and conclusions, you get to accumulate gaps and inconsistencies among the constructs you are reviewing. F. By and large, you formulate a theory based on your massive review of related research literature.