Chapter 1
INTRODUCING RESEARCH
Learning Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Understand the basic concept of the research study.
Particularize and explain in detail the research process and its four frameworks.
Identify each level of the research process and recognize how they work.
Explain the different paradigms in research
Identify the different ethical issues regarding the conduct of research process.
Overview:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Introduction
Stages of the Research Process
The Four Frameworks of Research
The Four Frameworks and the Research Process
The Different Social Research Paradigms
The Cyclical Process of Action
Research Ethics: A Test of Integrity
How to Formulate a Researchable Project
1. INTRODUCTION
Wikipedia “defines research as the "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the
stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this stock
of knowledge to devise new applications. The word research is derived from the French
word "recherche", meaning "to go about seeking".
From Introduction to the Research Process, by Anthony Arthur and Beverly Hancock, states
that, “enclosed in the context of the research study are three key points; 1) the investigation is
carried out systematically, therefore the investigation is planned, 2) research is intended to add to
the body of knowledge and in doing so assists our understanding about complex issues, 3) research
is a process, carried out in stages.
Research is used to institute facts and knowledge, reiterate or confirm the results of the existing
works or to reject it, back-up existing theories and/ or discover new ones. Research study may also
be an improvement or development of an existing work in the area or in the body of knowledge.
The main objective of a research study are, “documentation, discovery, interpretation or the
research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge”,
(Wikipedia). The approaches on the research process is greatly dependent on the epistemology,
which differ extensively between social sciences, humanities, scientific area, arts, economic, etc.
The chapter discusses about an introduction to research. The research process begins with an
idea. A research idea is a tiny speck of notion that sparks in a person’s mind. For starters, an idea
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can range from extreme poles and limitations. It can either be an outcome of an experience or just
plain curiosity (Giddens, 2001). While a research question is tackling the idea, and trying to go
specific with the goals of the whole research. It connects the idea with variables that can lead to
the realization of the research. Also, research questions limit as to how far the research can go.
Figure 1 below shows the cycle of a research process.
Figure 1.1 The research process
The idea sheds the way into what should be done in the study. It will be followed next by
stating the research questions, which will target the gaps and demands of the realization of the
idea. The third step will be establishing the aims and objectives. This is where the target and main
goals of the study will be concreted and polished. This will then guide the researchers into the right
direction of the realization of the research.
Next will be the review of related literature. This is where the theories, published solutions
and hypotheses will be coming from and thus solidify the claim to finding research methods and
solutions. Next will be the methodology, this is where the methods for experimentation will be
studied and simplified to ensure smooth flow for data gathering and experimentation. After
devising the right data collection methods, the experimentation comes next. This is the realization
of the study (Yuki, 2010). The results will either make or break the idea and objectives of the
research. That is why it is important that the gathering and analysis of data should be executed
flawlessly. After the treatment of data, drawing of conclusions follows. This chapter holds the
justification and answers to the objectives of the study. And lastly, all are arranged into order for
better presentation of the respective research.
2. STAGES OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Research studies involve a methodological procedure that concentrate on being objective and
collecting a mass of information for the analysis in order to come up with the conclusion. Not
following the process will make the research complicated, inaccurate, invalid, unethical, and
unreliable. It can also create confusion within the organization where the study was conducted,
and worst, can create possible harm to those involved and user of the research subject.
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From the work of Diane Blakenship entitled, “Applied Research and Evaluation Methods in
Recreation”, she states that, “any research done without documenting the study so that others can
review the process and results is not an investigation using the scientific research process. The
scientific research process is a multiple-step process where the steps are interlinked with the other
steps in the process. If changes are made in one step of the process, the researcher must review all
the other steps to ensure that the changes are reflected throughout the process”.
The process flow as shown in the following Figure, illustrates the key platforms of what we
define as the “model” research process, and is explained on the following articles.
Step 1: Conceptualize the study
a. Identify the research question.
Every research process starts with an idea, an idea in which the researcher is very interested
in and wanted to explore. Without an idea or concept, one cannot start the research process
since the concept is main context of the research study. Take note of all the idea that has been
running in your mind for a while. Reflect why you are interested in that idea and what has
trigger you that made you interested in that idea. It may also help you decide by answering the
following; a) what is your aim?, b) what is your hypothesis?, c) why does it matter?.
The research question or the statement of the problem is composed of the main objective
and the specific objective. The main objective is the overall idea or concept that the researcher
want to answer in the research, and the specific objective are specific questions which basically
are steps that will lead or direct the researcher to answer the main objective.
b. Review related literature.
Now that you have already identified the problem of your research study, you must have
learned more about your idea or the topic under investigation. In short, you must be an expert
in the field of your study, and you can do it by doing research on the existing knowledge or
literature in the area of your study. Literature review enlightens the researcher on the extent of
studies that have already conducted in the research area, the approach that have been used, and
the research gap between known and the unknown facts. Through this reviews, the author can
narrow down his idea and be more specific about the concept of the research he/she wanted to
pursue.
c. Refining the statement of the problem.
After you have reviewed existing related literature or existing studies, you can now identify
the research gaps in the area of your research interest. With this, you can narrow down and be
more specific about your topic and eventually refine your research question. You may realize
that your initial questions were too broad or very general, too ambitious in a way that it cannot
be done within your timeline or financial capabilities, and your research idea was already
studied by other researchers before. Eventually, you can refine your research question base on
the existing knowledge you have just read.
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STEP 1. Conceptualize the study
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Identify research question
Review related literature and
studies
STEP 2. Plan of the study
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Develop the design of the study
Identify target population
Identify the method of data
STEP 3. Conducting the study
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Data collection
Data processing and analysis
Drawing conclusion
STEP 4. Communication of the
results
Figure 1.2 Steps of the research study
Step 2: Plan of the study
a. Develop design of the study.
This step basically is the discussion of the methodological approach that the researcher
are going to do, to gather the data that is need in the study and how the researcher will
analyse those data.. The design of the study will be dictated by the concept of the study or
the research questions, which can be either qualitative or quantitative design.
Quantitative research pertains to the study in which the data gathered were through
direct counting, statistics and measurement or can be analysed through the used
mathematical formulas and applications, while qualitative research pertains to those studies
where the data were gathered through the use of questionnaires, surveys and observations.
b. Identify the target population
Target population of the study will also be dictated by the statement of the problem.
The population refers to the group of concern in which the results of the study will be
applicable.
c. Identify the model to be use in data gathering.
The data gathering also relates to the research questions and the nature of the data the
researcher wants to have. The model of the data gathering should be suitable and
appropriate to the nature of the information the research needed. It will be a big waste of
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time and effort if the author has failed to identify the most suitable method that the research
required. Basically, quantitative information cannot be collected with the use of feedback
forms or consultations, and qualitative information cannot be gathered through actual
counting or measurement. The most commonly used methods of data gathering are through
the use of questionnaires, feedback forms and observation. Other method which is usually
used in scientific or engineering research includes actual experiment or through the usage
of computer software.
Step 3: Conducting the study
a.
Data collection.
After the researcher has completed planning the approach and method of the data
collection, the researcher will now commence with data gathering. Data gathering shall be
honest, not bias, accurate and unaltered. An honest and accurate data will also create honest
and reliable results, and conversely, inaccurate or altered data will results to unreliable,
destructive and damaging results. There are also some research that is time bounded and
therefore the data gathering should also be as per the designed timetable of the researcher.
b. Data processing and analysis
Data analysis depends on the type and level of information that has been collected in
relation to the statement of the problem or the research question. Data collected shall be
analysed in a way that it will answer the research questions. The analysis will either prove
the hypothesis correct or will reject it.
Data analysis is also a crucial step in the research process. Inaccurate usage and analysis
of data will eventually lead to a false conclusion or of not any bearing to the existing body
of knowledge. In a more complex study or when the study has so many data to be
interpreted and analyse, the help of a statistician is preferred. The statistician can help the
researcher identify which data will be used to answer the specific question.
Moreover, the results of analysis shall be tested whether it is statistically significant or
not based on the criteria or level of acceptance that the researcher have set or planned in
the design of the study. The higher is the statistical significant, the higher is the reliability
of the research study.
c. Drawing the conclusion
Conclusion does not only come from the results of the data interpretation and analysis.
Drawing up conclusion must be based from the results of the data analysis and on the
overall understanding of the researcher on the research study and on the process of
conducting the research. The statement of the problem must be re-visited, and the
researcher must recognize on what extent that the results have answered the questions.
At this point also, the researcher may opt to make some recommendations for
improvement of other future research.
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Step 4: Study write-ups
Writing up the study is basically the documentation and the narrative of the whole step-bystep research process conducted by the researcher, starting from the very beginning, which is the
conceptualization of the research topic, up to the drawing of conclusions. It is said to be a one of
the most critical part of the research study, since it is through writing that the researcher will
communicate to the reader or to the other researcher.
Basically, writing up the research can start immediately after the research proposal, which is
basically the first part of the research study or the conceptual framework. The second part is the
review of related literature or the theoretical framework of the research. The third which is the
methodological framework is basically the discussion about the methodology or the data gathering
approach of the study. And the fourth, the analytical framework is the phase in which the data
gathered were interpreted and analysed based on the statement of the problems. It is also the stage
which the conclusion and the recommendation have been drawn and suggested.
3.
THE FOUR FRAMEWORKS OF RESEARCH
The four frameworks of the research process serves as the structure of the whole study which
the researcher can use as guide in doing research. These frameworks will help the researcher avoid
confusion, uncertainty, and even fear, by having a step-by-step approach to the research process.
These four frameworks are; conceptual, theoretical, methodological, and the analytical framework.
Figure 1.3 The four frameworks of research
Conceptual framework is the most important framework of the research process. First and
foremost, a research should begin with an idea, a concept that triggers the researcher and the
community as well. This idea should be defined and refined properly. By refining the concepts,
the specific and main objectives of the research should be targeted properly and precisely. It is at
this framework that the topic of the study have been conceptualized. Without an idea or concept
or a hypothesis, there will be no research study. The conceptual framework dictates the flow and
outcome of the other frameworks.
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The theoretical framework is the second framework. In theoretical framework, the ideas and
main objectives are carefully reviewed and studied to make sure that the concept is unique,
possible, viable, economical (for students), and effective. Also, past studies are reviewed to make
sure that the theory is valid. It is where related literature and studies have been developed. This is
at this framework the researcher will establish the gap between the existing knowledge and the
present study. The review of related literature will help the researcher refine his statement of the
problem. Through this framework, the researcher can narrow down or be more specific about his
statement of the problem. It can be concluded that, the conceptual framework and the theoretical
framework is a cyclic process; conceptualized the topic, review the literature and then refine the
topic, and then repeat and repeat until the research have already satisfied with the research topic.
The methodological framework pertains to the design of the study. After refining the
objectives and reviewing the literature, effective methods should be presented to better analyse
what specific methods and steps would justify the concept best and what do not. Also, if these
methods are being considerate of the research setting and respondents. When these processes are
already completed, then a research is ready for proposal. It is the framework that discussed the
type of data or information that will be gathered and how it will be gathered, and how it will be
analysed. It can either be quantitative data or qualitative data, depending on the statement of the
problem.
And lastly, after all results are taken, the analytical framework follows. The analytical
framework is the framework in which the data or information that have been gathered will be
interpreted and analysed based on the statement of the problem. It is where data are treated and
analysed. It is where results are discussed to draw certain conclusions that answer the research’s
statements of the problem. If the data are not handled well and analysis is not done right, then it
affects the research as a whole. Conclusion also will be drawn not only based on the data analysis
results, but also to the overall understanding and experience of the author on the research study.
Recommendation also may opt to include by the researcher depending on the outcome of the
research study.
4.
THE FOUR FRAMEWORKS AND THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Figure 1.4 The four frameworks approach to the research project
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1. Conceptual Framework contains the idea, statements of the problem, and main and specific
objectives. Generally, it is where the working title is in progress. It is important because it
helps to put the idea in order and use. Concepts are key words and key ideas. Theory, in
the other hand, is made up of numerous number of concepts, which are aligned through
dedicated time of research. Concepts, however, can be old or new ideas, wherein they are
developed and evolved to come up to a larger piece that is a theory. So when a researchers
starts a study, he starts with meaningful concepts that can come together as a compacted
statement or objectives to his research. After that, these held concepts are tested and
evaluated. And when they are truly valid, then a researcher just succeeded into bringing
another theory to that respective discipline, and thus an addition to the bigger knowledge.
The conceptual framework paves way for the theoretical framework. Because it is
where concepts and ideas are defined and refined. In conceptual framework, the flow and
order of determination of concepts are polished. This way, the flow of theoretical
framework is finalized, and the researcher can put together what to be reviewed first and
last, based on their significance and importance. That is why it is with utmost importance
that a researcher should review the conceptual framework over and over again, because
through the course of research, the conceptual framework evolves nonstop based on your
new discoveries and learnings from the review of related literature in theoretical
framework. After dedicated reviews, your research concepts now have a strong support
and structure; and realization of research gets clearer by the day. Nothing is more important
than a concept you can fight for and defend when the research gets in the stage of research
proposal.
2. Theoretical Framework. It is where the theories and general rules of the ideas and
objectives are being studied carefully. Also, similar studies and readings are tapped to make
way and clarify the direction of the desired concepts. After all the literature review,
everything about the idea is polished to make way for the preparation of actual experiments.
It is necessary to engage with the literature first to make sure that your research gives a
useful contribution to that specific body of knowledge. Because you never know, your
concept might be untimely, or your concept has already been studied carefully before, or
your idea might be too broad to shoulder that theories and laws cannot justify them. You
will never know to these situations until you have made a careful review of your related
literature. Also, by reading your literature, you can also learn a lot, and can even add to
your ideas that can improve and polish your research. By doing this, you also make a good
effort to contribute your own mind to your discipline.
Table 1.1 Detail of the four frameworks of research project
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A theoretical framework defines and elaborates the relationships of all
variables/key concepts through literature. A literature framework starts from the
introduction and review of related literature, wherein an overview and start-up of the key
concepts to be reviewed in related literatures is presented. Next is followed by related
readings, where the concepts go through not violating codes and laws. After that, related
literature follows. It helps the researcher review other journals and books that contain the
topic of research. Next is followed by related studies, where the researcher reviews works
of other researchers and learn from them. With this, a researcher can distinguish what still
needs to be done and not, for that specific topic or concept. Next is synthesis and
justification, though short and concise, this part is still important because the researcher
will set his research apart from the rest. He will justify why the idea came up, what needs
to be solved or developed, and how did he do it unlike the work of other researchers. Lastly,
a theoretical framework is established. By bearing and analysing everything above, the
theoretical framework comes to life. This part is the utmost summary of review of related
literature. It all comes from the own words and understanding of the researcher. It is the
overall justification of the concept, where all ideas and reasoning are clearly tabulated
presented.
The relationship between the conceptual framework and theoretical framework is
structured with each other. A comprehensive theoretical framework will never be possible
if not because of a thorough and clear conceptual framework. They work hand-in-hand
always. After generating an idea, and the researcher sets his main and specific objectives,
then he can be ready for his literature review. And in the literature review, it has a structure
of its own too. It should start with short introduction, followed by the review of readings,
then review of literature, review of studies, then synthesis and justification, and lastly is
the summarized and polished theoretical framework. Every step that was defined in the
conceptual framework should be interconnected and congruent with the ones in the
theoretical framework. With this relationship of structure and organization, then a
research’s conceptual framework and theoretical framework is heading the right direction.
3. Methodological Framework follows. It is where certain methods are studied and if they are
relevant to the realization of research. Also, data collection methods are simplified to
expedite the whole methodology process.
4. Analytical Framework, where data are treated and analysed. It is where results are
discussed to draw certain conclusions that answer the research’s statements of the problem.
If the data are not handled well and analysis is not done right, then it affects the research
as a whole.
5.
THE DIFFERENT SOCIAL RESEARCH PARADIGMS
Positivism is a view where everything is structured and studied through the interpretation of
natural science only. While for interpretivism, it is a view that questions natural occurrences, and
that they occur for a reason – may it be experiences, languages, relationships. Interpretivism values
quality over quantity and it criticizes positivism (Katzenbach, 2003). For social constructionism,
it is view where everything came from human interaction and is a social responsibility. Meaning,
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an idea isn’t just an idea itself, but rather, a collective idea and/or experience of many. The
discussed research ethics included honesty, confidentiality, social responsibility, and respect for
intellectual property. Overall, I think that it’s only right and just that we, researchers should be
sensitive with the above responsibilities. As researchers, we produce another idea, an additional
knowledge into the society, so it’s only fitting that we give it our hundred percent.
6.
THE CYCLICAL PROCESS OF ACTION
A research project can be deemed researchable when it is cyclical. Meaning, the concept of
the research came or interpreted from a large body of idea and sprung another idea. And after the
realization of that research project, other researchers can also get ideas from it.
Figure 1.5 The process of action research
The key concept in research is discovery. Because when an idea or inquiry is diligently studied
and followed by experimentation, then it becomes a fact. And when that theory is evaluated and
accepted, it can be adapted and would be of great help.
The limit of research developed without a theoretical base is that it is not cyclical, a research
conducted only in the own understandings of the researcher, and not environmentally applicable
(Morgeson, 2010). We all have learned that to start a research, one must have an idea, and that
idea will generate another theory that will be back again and contribute to the general knowledge.
So if a researcher only based his data to limited understandings, and were not carefully conspired
by the philosophical frameworks, then that researcher just generated a null research, wherein it
does not benefit the body of knowledge at all. We, researchers, should be aware of this, and make
sure that we contribute to the general good of our respective fields.
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7.
RESEARCH ETHICS: A TEST OF INTEGRITY
A research study once completed will become a part of the already existing body of knowledge
in which many people or individuals may find new information. This research will somehow and
sometime will become a part of the existing literature where the new batch of researcher will base
their new research study. So, imagine what will happen if the information on that specific research
was false or inaccurate; or, the data used in that research were altered and manipulated; or, the
interpretation and the model of data analysis is not appropriate to the nature of the data gathered.
For sure, it will bring potential harm to that body of knowledge and the user or those involve on
it.
It is said that, the integrity of the researcher dictates the quality of research study, and
following ethical standards and principles defines the researcher’s integrity. Ethics by definition
is the “moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour”. It is basically about the human’s ability
to do good or bad.
There are many ethical principles that a researcher should consider in making research, and
these are summarized in to two core objectives:
a) Beneficence – means that the welfare of those involve in the research shall be the goal of
the researcher.
b) Non-malfeasance – means that those involve in the research shall not be harmed even
by very small infliction.
(Excerpt from Laerd Dissertation website)
Research ethics provide rules for the more ethical and responsible conduct of research studies.
The following are some of the ethical standards and principles that can be adopted in the conduct
of research;
1. Honesty - Researcher must not alter, fabricate or falsify information in a research studies.
Data gathering, interpretation and analysis should be reported completely and honestly.
2. Objectivity - Researcher shall not be biased in any part or in any phases of the research
study.
3. Integrity - Researcher must exhibit consistency throughout the research process.
4. Carefulness - Researcher shall not be negligent specially when dealing with data gathering,
interpretation and analysis.
5. Openness and transparency - The author must be open and transparent to everyone that is
involved in the conduct of research, including the mentor or the professor, the adviser and
other contributor. In this way, any potential problems will be discovered early and
eventually be dealt properly.
6. Respect of Intellectual Property Rights - The author must not copy or plagiarized the work
of other researcher. He/ She must cite the work of other author properly and shall be
included in the list of references.
7. Anonymity and confidentiality - The concept of anonymity refers to the guarantee that the
researcher will give to those involved in the study that their identity will not be divulged
in public before, during and after the research study. Similarly, the concept of
confidentiality pertains to the assurance of the researcher about the confidentiality of any
information that those involved have contributed in the research.
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8.
HOW TO FORMULATE A RESEARCHABLE PROJECT
First from Conceptual Framework, a researcher would source out the different definitions and
similar relationships from my chosen idea, and from that I can question the different gaps of my
idea. Next, I can pick up my own definition and ideas to simplify my key topic. Also by doing
this, I can separate and distinguish my main and specific objectives.
Next step will be the theoretical approach, where I can go in detail. First in line will be the
related readings, making sure I go by the rules and laws of my objectives. It’s followed by related
literature where I can check books and publications that contain my topic of interest. Next is related
studies where other researchers have invested their time to study a topic similar to mine. Then next
will be the synthesis and justification explaining why our works and ideas are unique from each
other. Lastly for theoretical approach will be the theoretical framework, where key concepts are
put together and related to each other to explain in detail the primary goal of the research, and why
it is relevant, and unique and a contribution.
A researcher should plan the literature review because it composes of a structure. And when
there is a structure, there is a continuous, organized flow of ideas that were congruent to the key
concepts or ideas in the conceptual framework. And just for a recap, we all know that literature
review starts with an introduction and review of related literature wherein an overview and startup of the key concepts to be reviewed in related literatures is presented. Next is followed by related
readings, where the concepts go through not violating codes and laws. After that, related literature
follows. It helps the researcher review other journals and books that contain the topic of research.
Next is followed by related studies, where the researcher reviews works of other researchers and
learn from them. With this, a researcher can distinguish what still needs to be done and not, for
that specific topic or concept. Next is synthesis and justification, though short and concise, this
part is still important because the researcher will set his research apart from the rest. He will justify
why the idea came up, what needs to be solved or developed, and how did he do it unlike the work
of other researchers. Lastly, a theoretical framework is established. By bearing and analysing
everything above, the theoretical framework comes to life. This part is the utmost summary of
review of related literature. It all comes from the own words and understanding of the researcher.
It is the overall justification of the concept, where all ideas and reasoning are clearly tabulated
presented. With this flow and structure of ideas, a researcher should really plan carefully and ahead
what should be put and presented in the literature review, to ensure effective and efficient course
of research.
The researcher could effectively develop the key arguments when the key concepts are
presented clearly in the conceptual framework first hand. After that, the flow of literature review
can go seamless and if arguments are presented well enough. For example, the researcher makes
it a point to pinpoint different opinions and study through sub-sections. It can be very helpful to
the researcher to be able to put up all the necessary words and ideas and not mixing them all. It
could also build a strong presentation towards the specific argument. And most importantly, the
researcher should establish his own theoretical framework where the important literature related
to the study are summarized and after that is the own opinion and insights of the researcher. By
doing this he develops a strong claim and understanding of his respective research course. Also,
by organizing the own take on all the reviewed literature, the researcher can present it and that
would be the core and principal of the arguments, answers, and conclusions that will be made
throughout the realization of the research.
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For the methodological approach, the detailed process of data collection and treatment and
experimentation can be sourced out from related literature and studies, where past experiments
yielded the desired outcome, or even a new or combination of experimentation can be discovered.
And lastly for analytical approach, the core of data analysis can be sourced from related
readings and literature, making sure that we go by the written rules and laws of our respective
fields. This strategy, followed step-by-step, can surely bring out agreeable results and can realize
a researcher’s idea into new knowledge.
End Chapter Questions:
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What is a research?
Discuss the importance of research
Enumerate the four frameworks of the research process. Discuss how these frameworks are
related to each other.
Discuss the importance of having a literature review in the conduct of research.
Discuss how the research process starts.
Discuss the importance of ethics in the conduct of research.
Enumerate and elaborate at least five ethical principles in conducting a research process.
When can a project be deemed viable?
What are the social-science paradigm and how do they differ from each other?
Discuss the relevance and value of research and give an example to prove your answer.
References:
Arthur A. (2009). Introduction to Research Process. Retrieved from
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/pathol/research/pdf/2a_Introduction_to_the_Research_Process_Revisi
on_2009.pdf
Blakenship, D. (2009). Applied Research and Evaluation Methods in Recreation. Retrieved from
https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/steps-of-the-research-process
Giddens, A. (2001). Sociology, Cambridge: Polity
Katzenbach, J.R. and Smith, D.K. (2003). The wisdom of Teams: Creating The High Performance
Organization, New York.
Latham, J. R. (2014). The Research Canvas: A Framework from Designing and Aligning the DNA of
Your Study.
Morgeson, F.P., Scott, DeRue and Karam, E.P. (2010). Leadership in Teams: A functional approach
to understanding leadership structures and processes. Journal of Management 36(1):5-39.
Principles of research ethics. Retrieved from http://dissertation.laerd.com/principles-of-researchethics.php
Yuki, G. (2010). Leadership in Organizations, New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall
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