RESEARCH - research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. It
involves inductive and deductive methods.
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY - Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing
knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts, methodologies, and understandings. This could
include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.
MARTYN SHUTTLEWORTH - In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of
data, information, and facts to advance knowledge.
CRESWELL - Research is a process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of a topic or
issue”. It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question and present an answer to the
question.
Business Research is a process of acquiring detailed information on all the areas of business and using such
information to maximize the sales and profit of the business. Such a study helps companies determine which
product/service is most profitable or in demand. In simple words, it can be stated as the acquisition of information
or knowledge for professional or commercial purposes to determine opportunities and goals for a business.
"Inquiry" and "research" most significant distinction is that inquiry aims to increase knowledge by clarifying doubts or
addressing a problem by looking for answers. On the other hand, we have research that is a formal effort done in an
organized manner to enhance the stock of information to find evidence, facts, or deeper information to set the base
for a statement or resolution.
TYPES OF RESEARCH ACCORDING TO DATA
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
*structured data
*statistical analysis
*objective conclusions
*surveys, experiments
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
*unstructured data
*summary
*subjective conclusions
*interview, focus groups, observations
CLASSIFICATION OF TYPES OF RESEARCH
ACCORDING TO ITS PURPOSE
Theoretical Research - also referred to as pure or basic research, focuses on generating knowledge, regardless of its
practical application. Here, data collection is used to generate new general concepts for a better understanding of a
particular field or to answer a theoretical research question.
Applied Research - the goal is to find strategies that can be used to address a specific research problem. Applied
research draws on theory to generate practical scientific knowledge, and its use is very common in STEM fields such
as engineering, computer science, and medicine.
This type of research is subdivided into two types:
1. Technological applied research: looks towards improving efficiency in a particular productive sector through
the improvement of processes or machinery related to said productive processes.
2. Scientific applied research: has predictive purposes. Through this type of research design, we can measure
certain variables to predict behaviors useful to the goods and services sector, such as consumption patterns
and the viability of commercial projects.
ACCORDING TO YOUR DEPTH OF SCOPE
Exploratory Research - used for the preliminary investigation of a subject that is not yet well understood or
sufficiently researched. It serves to establish a frame of reference and a hypothesis from which an in-depth study can
be developed that will enable conclusive results to be generated.
For example, an investigation of the role of social media in the perception of self-image.
Descriptive Research - The primary objective of descriptive research is to define the characteristics of a particular
phenomenon without necessarily investigating the causes that produce it.
For example, investigating how the public census of influential government officials differs between urban and nonurban areas.
Explanatory Research - is the most common type of research method and is responsible for establishing cause-andeffect relationships that allow generalizations to be extended to similar realities. It is closely related to descriptive
research, although it provides additional information about the observed object and its interactions with the
environment.
For example, investigating the brittle behavior of a specific material when under compressive load.
Correlational Research - The purpose of this type of scientific research is to identify the relationship between two or
more variables. A correlational study aims to determine whether a variable changes and how much the other
elements of the observed system change.
ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF DATA USED
Qualitative Research - is often used in the social sciences to collect, compare, and interpret information, has a
linguistic-semiotic basis, and is used in techniques such as discourse analysis, interviews, surveys, records, and
participant observations.
For example, examining the effects of sleep deprivation on mood.
ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF MANIPULATION OF VARIABLES
Experimental Research - It is about designing or replicating a phenomenon whose variables are manipulated under
strictly controlled conditions in order to identify or discover its effect on another independent variable or object. For
For example, randomized controlled trial studies for measuring the effectiveness of new pharmaceutical drugs on
human subjects.
Non-Experimental Research Also known as an observational study, focuses on the analysis of a phenomenon in its
natural context. As such, the researcher does not intervene directly but limits their involvement to measuring the
variables required for the study.
For example, a study on the effects of the use of certain chemical substances in a particular population group can be
considered a non-experimental study.
Quasi-Experimental Research - It controls only some variables of the phenomenon under investigation and is
therefore not entirely experimental. In this case, the study and the focus group cannot be randomly selected but
are chosen from existing groups or populations.
For example, assessing the effectiveness of an intervention measure in reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria.
Mixed-Method: Documentary, Field, and/or Laboratory - Mixed research methodologies combine results from both
secondary (documentary) sources and primary sources through field or laboratory research.
WHY RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT
The main purposes of research are to inform action, gather evidence for theories, and contribute to developing
knowledge in a field of study.
WHY RESEARCH IS NECESSARY AND VALUABLE IN OUR DAILY LIVES
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It’s a tool for building knowledge and facilitating learning.
It’s a means to understand issues and increase public awareness.
It helps us succeed in business.
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It allows us to disprove lies and support truths.
It is a means to find, gauge, and seize opportunities.
It promotes a love of and confidence in reading, writing, analyzing, and sharing valuable information
It provides nourishment and exercise for the mind.
REASONS WHY RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT
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RESEARCH EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE BASE
RESEARCH GIVES YOU THE LATEST INFORMATION
RESEARCH HELPS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE UP AGAINST
RESEARCH BUILDS YOUR CREDIBILITY
RESEARCH HELPS YOU NARROW YOUR SCOPE
RESEARCH TEACHES YOUR BETTER DISCERNMENT
RESEARCH INTRODUCES YOU TO NEW IDEAS
RESEARCH HELPS WITH PROBLEM-SOLVING
RESEARCH IS USED TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS IN MANY AREAS
RESEARCH ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY
JACKS OF SCIENCE - Every day, we benefit from the countless hours of research that have been conducted by
scientists and scholars around the world. From the moment we wake up in the morning to the time we go to bed at
night, we rely on research to improve our lives in a variety of ways.
Collect essential information.
Research provides the researcher with all crucial information in the field of his work, study, or operation
before he starts working on it. Before beginning a project, most companies do research to acquire a fundamental
idea about the things they must do for the project.
Create changes
At times, there are inherent problems in a process or a project that is difficult to find out. Research helps
people unearth the root cause and related components of a process. The concluding outcome of such research raises
a claim for change and at times is victorious in producing changes.
Improving standard of living.
Only through research can new inventions and discoveries come to life. The luxuries and the amenities that are now
available to everyone are the results of research done by someone. With the world facing more and more crises each
day. Researchers are needed to find new solutions to tackle them.
For a safer life.
Research has made groundbreaking discoveries and developments in the fields of health, nutrition, food technology,
medicine, and so on. These things have improved the life expectancy and health conditions of the human race in all
parts of the world and helped eradicate diseases like polio and smallpox completely.
To know the truth.
It has been proven time and again that many established facts and known are just cover-ups or blatant lies or rumors.
Research is needed to investigate and expose these and bring out the truth.
Explore history.
Research about planet history and human history has enabled people to learn and understand more about their
forefathers and helped them learn from their mistakes and absorb good things from their lives.
Understanding arts
This helps people in understanding the work of artists in literature, paintings, sculptures, and everything that can be
attributed to artistic touch. If no research is conducted into any of these, people will never be able to understand any
of these as per the artist’s imagination.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
EMPIRICAL – based on direct experience or observation by the researcher (observation using our senses)
LOGICAL - based on valid procedures and principles. It measures what is intended to measure.
CYCLICAL - begins with a problem and ends with the problem. Asking about another problem for future researchers.
ANALYTICAL - utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental, or
case study. QUANTITATIVE – Analyze variables and use statistical tools and treatments. QUALITATIVE – Analyze
themes and use thematic data analysis.
CRITICAL - exhibits careful and precise judgment. Avoid being SUBJECTIVE Always be OBJECTIVE.
METHODICAL - conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic methods and procedures. You can
use MODEL RESEARCH.
REPLICABILITY - The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at
valid and conclusive results.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
Reliability
It is a measure of repeatability or replicability. It is the repeatability of any research, research instrument,
tool, or procedure. Today there are instruments that can estimate the reliability of any research instrument. If any
research yields similar results each time it is undertaken with a similar population and with similar procedures, it is
called to be reliable research.
Validity
is the strength with which we can make research conclusions, assumptions, or propositions true or false. It
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.
Accuracy
Accuracy means that each process in the research has been undertaken accurately. It 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 the best possible manner and whether research procedures suit the research problem or
not.
Generalizability
is the extent to which research findings can be applied to larger populations. 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 representative of the whole
population.
Empirical
The 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.
Systematic
Every research follows an approach or paradigm of research but regardless of any paradigm, the research
should have one main approach, i-e., a systematic approach to research. This systematic approach helps the
researcher understand the steps to be taken and in what order to take each step.
Controlled
In real-life experience, there are many factors that affect an outcome, and a single event is often a result of
several factors. When a similar event is tested in research, due to the broader nature of factors that affect that event,
some factors are taken as controlled factors while others are tested for a possible effect.
PROCESS OF RESEARCH
8 steps in the research process are:
1. Identifying the Research Problem
2. Reviewing of Literature
3. Setting Research Questions, Objectives, and Hypotheses
4. Choosing the Study Design
5. Deciding on the Sample Design
6. Collecting Data from The Research Sample
7. Process and Analyze the Collected Research Data
8. Writing Research Report – Developing Research Proposal, Writing Report, Disseminating and Utilizing Results
ETHICS IN RESEARCH
Research ethics matters for scientific integrity, human rights and dignity, and collaboration between science and
society. These principles make sure that participation in studies is voluntary, informed, and safe for research subjects.
Honesty - Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honesty report data, results, methods, and procedures,
and publication status. Do not fabricate falsify or miss present data.
Objectivity - Strive to avoid bias experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer-review, personnel
decisions, grant writing, experiment testimony, and other aspects of research where objectivity is expected or
required. Avoid minimize bias or self-deception.
Integrity - Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought and action
Carefulness - Avoid careless errors and negligence. Keep good records of research activities such as data collection,
research design, and correspondence with agencies.
Openness - Share data, results, ideas, tools, and resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
Respect for intellectual property – honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use
unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give credit where credit is due. Give proper
acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to research. Never plagiarize.
Confidentiality - Protect confidential communications and personal information of your respondents, if any.
Social Responsibility - Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through research, public
education, and advocacy.
Competence - Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong education
and learning.
Legality - Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.
Animal care - Show respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct necessary or poorly
designed animal experiments.
Human subjects protection - When conducting research on human subjects minimize harms and risks and maximize
benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy; take special precautions with vulnerable populations; strive
to distribute the benefits and burdens of research fairly.
FOUR TYPES OF RESEARCH
PURPOSE
BASIC RESEARCH – to understand and explain
APPLIED - to help people understand the nature of human problems
EVALUATIVE – to improve human intervention within specific conditions
ACTION – to solve specific problems within a program/organization/community
DESCRIPTION
BASIC RESEARCH – this research takes the form of a theory that explains the phenomenon under investigation to give
its contribution to knowledge.
APPLIED – pursues potential solutions to human and societal problems
EVALUATIVE – studies the processes and outcomes aimed at attempted solution.
ACTION – pursues potential solutions to solve specific problems within a program/organization/community
CHARACTERISTICS
BASIC RESEARCH – descriptive in nature; answering what, why and how questions
APPLIED – prescriptive in nature. Focusing on the how questions.
EVALUATIVE – “observatory” in nature; judging the effectiveness of a program, policy, or product
ACTION - data collection then to be formal and the people in the situation are directly involved in gathering
information and studying themselves
DEFENITION
EXPLORATORY RESEARCH - seeks to investigate an under research aspect of life
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH - seeks to richly describe an aspect of social life
EXPLANATORY RESEARCH - seeks to explain an aspect of social life
GOALS
EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
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Scope out the magnitude/ expand a particular phenomenon, problem, or behavior
The generate some initial ideas about the phenomenon
To test the feasibility of undertaking a more expensive study regarding that phenomenon
Example: a research measuring the extent of citizens' dissatisfaction, understanding how dissatisfaction is
manifested (e.g., public protest) and the causes of their movements (e.g., ineffective public policies) in relation
inflation, interest rates, unemployment or higher taxes.
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
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To make careful observations and detailed documentation of phenomenon of interest
Must be based on scientific method (i.e., must be replicable, precise, etc.) and more reliable than casual
observations by untrained people
Example: Tabulation of demographic statistics by CENSUS or unemployment statistics by DOLE, Chronicling
ethnographic reports of gang activities among adolescent youth in urban populations, Role of technologies such as
Twitter and instant messaging (IM) in the spread of democracy movements in Middle Eastern countries
EXPLANATORY RESEARCH
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To explain observe phenomena, problems, or behaviors
To answer why and how type of questions of certain phenomena
to connect the dots in research by identifying causal factors and outcomes of the target phenomenon
Example: understanding the reasons behind adolescent crime or gang violence, with the goal of prescribing strategies
to overcome such societal ailments.
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH VS QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Quantitative research is expressed in numbers and graphs. It is used to test or confirm theories and assumptions.
This type of research can be used to establish generalizable facts about a topic.
Qualitative research is expressed in words. It is used to understand concepts, thoughts, or experiences. This type of
research enables you to gather in-depth insights on topics that are not well understood.
RESEARCH PARADIGM - a cluster of beliefs and dictates reach for scientists in a particular discipline influence what
should be studied how research should be done and how results should be interpreted.
ONTOLOGICAL - a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of beings. It is a particular theory
about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence.
EPISTEMOLOGICAL – a theory of the nature and foundations of knowledge
AXIOLOGICAL - the study of the nature of value and valuation, and of the kind of things that are valuable
RHETORICAL - the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing especially the use of figures of speech and other
compositional techniques.
METHODOLOGICAL - relating to the system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity
QUANTITATIVE DATA COLLECTION METHODS
 Surveys: List of closed or multiple-choice questions that are distributed to a sample (online, in person, or
over the phone).
 Experiments: Situations in which different types of variables are controlled and manipulated to establish
cause-and-effect relationships.
 Observations: Observing subjects in a natural environment where variables can’t be controlled.
QUALITATIVE DATA COLLECTION METHODS
 Interviews: Asking open-ended questions verbally to respondents.
 Focus groups: Discussion among a group of people about a topic to gather opinions that can be used for
further research.
 Ethnography: Participating in a community or organization for an extended period of time to closely observe
culture and behavior.
 Literature review: Survey of published works by other authors.
MIXED METHODS APPROACH
 You conduct interviews to find out how satisfied students are with their studies. Through open-ended
questions you learn things you never thought about before and gain new insights. Later, you use a survey to
test these insights on a larger scale.
 It’s also possible to start with a survey to find out the overall trends, followed by interviews to better
understand the reasons behind the trends.
ANALYZING QUANTITATIVE DATA
 Quantitative data is based on numbers. Simple math or more advanced statistical analysis is used to discover
commonalities or patterns in the data. The results are often reported in graphs and tables.
ANALYZING QUALITATIVE DATA
 Qualitative data is more difficult to analyze than quantitative data. It consists of text, images or videos
instead of numbers.
QUALITATIVE
Subjective
Used to develop theories
takes a broad complex approach
Answers why and how questions
explore patterns and themes
express in Word
formulate hypothesis
QUANTITATIVE
objective
used to test theories
takes a narrow specific approach
answers what questions
explores statistical relationship
express in numbers
test hypothesis
RESEARCH GAP TYPE
EVIDENCE GAP
Results from studies allow for conclusion in their own right but are contradictory when examined from a more
abstract point of view.
KNOWLEDGE GAP
Desired research findings do not exit.
PRACTICAL-KNOWLEDGE GAP
Professional behavior or practice deviate form research-findings of not covered by research.
METHODICAL GAP
A variation of research method is necessary to generate new insights or to avoid distorted findings.
EMPERICAL GAP
Research findings or propositions need to be evaluated or empirically verified.
THEORETICAL GAP
Theory should be applied to certain research issues to generate new insights. There is lack of theory thus a gap exist.
POPULATION GAP
Research regarding the populations that is not adequately represented or under-research in the evidence base or
prior research.
KINDS OF RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS
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ARTS-BASED RESEARCH - personal expression of various art forms is used as a primary mode of inquiry
RESEARCH IN HUMANITIES - deals with human culture such as philosophy, religion, literature, linguistics, and
history. it includes ancient and modern languages, human geography, laws, politics, and other social science.
SPORTS RESEARCH - Intended for athletes to endure their health and wellness goals through proven high
quality products. It helps the coaches and athletes to access information and apply it to develop programs
and techniques in sports.
SCIENCE RESEARCH - discover lost postulate theories that can explain natural or social phenomena. Applies
systematic and constructed scientific methods to obtain, analyze, and interpret data. A strong and testable
hypothesis is the fundamental part of the scientific research.
MATHEMATICS RESEARCH - provides mathematics mastery topics and helps develop confidence and interest
to solve more mathematical problems. it may also assist to find new methods to simplify calculations.
AGRICULTURE RESEARCH - improves productivity and quality of crops irrigation storage method effective
farm management and marketing of agricultural resources. agriculture is the backbone of the economic
system providing food raw materials and employment opportunities.
FISHERIES RESEARCH - increase the productivity and management of fishery resources to provide food.
Protect and maintain different bodies of water for a sustainable supply of aquatic resources.
ICT RESEARCH - aim to adapt current technology advancement which enhances development of resources.
BUSINESS RESEARCH - acquire information in business to maximize the sales and profit. It aids business
companies regulate which product or service is most profitable or in demand.
SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH - flying for human behavior gathering information about people and society.
Definition of Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research is a scientific method of observation to gather nonnumerical data. It refers to the
meanings, concepts, characteristics, metaphors, symbols, and descriptions of phenomena, and not to their
counts or measures.
Purpose of Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research promotes a deep, holistic understanding of a particular phenomenon.
Characteristics of Qualitative Research
1. Human understanding and interpretation in data analysis
2. Active, powerful and forceful in data gathering and rephrasing interview
questions
3. Multiple research approaches and methods that allows you to plan your
study and being multi-method research
4. Specificity to generalization on specific ideas will lead to generalizations or
conclusions.
5. Contextualization - context or situation of individual’s life
6. Diversified data in real-life situations on collecting data in a natural setting
7. Abounds with words and visuals that presents people’s view in a picture,
video, drawing or graphs.
8. Internal analysis on examining the data yielded by the internal traits of the
subject persons.
Strengths of Qualitative Research
1.It adopts a naturalistic approach to its subject matter.
2. Promotes a full understanding of human behavior/personality traits in their
natural setting.
3. It is instrumental for positive societal changes.
4. It engenders respect for people’s individuality.
5. it’s a way of understanding & interpreting social interactions.
6. Increases researcher’s interests in the study.
7. Offers multiple ways of acquiring and examining knowledge about
something.
Weaknesses of Qualitative Research
1. It involves a lot of researcher’s subjectivity in data analysis.
2. It is hard to know the validity/reliability of the data.
3. It is open-ended questions yield “data overload” that requires a long-time
analysis.
4. It is time-consuming.
5. It involves several processes whose results greatly depend on the researcher’s
views or interpretations.
Kinds of Qualitative Research
1. Case Study - A long-time study of a person, group, organization or situation and an empirical inquiry that
investigates current phenomenon
2. Ethnography - a study of a particular cultural group.
3. Phenomenology - “live-experienced” of a phenomenon
4. Content and Discourse Analysis A . Content Analysis- is a research technique that analyzes the modes of communication such as letters, emails, etc.
b. Discourse Analysis- is the study of social life, understood through analysis of language it includes face-toface talk, non-verbal interaction, images, and symbols. Materials for Discourse Analysis include books,
newspapers, periodicals, brochures advertisements.
5. Historical Analysis - is a qualitative method where there is an examining of past events to draw conclusions
and make predictions about the future.
6. Grounded Theory - takes place when there is a discovery of new theory which underlies your study at the
time of data collection and analysis.
7. Narrative Report - designed to present things or events that have happened in the past through a logical
progression of the relevant information. The main purpose of a narrative report is to present a factual
depiction of what has occurred.
8. Biography - the study of an individual’s life and struggles and how they reflect cultural themes of the society.
It deals with an interesting story found in documents and archival materials. It is concerned with the
reconstruction of life histories and the constitution of meaning based on biographical narratives and
documents.
Five common types of biography are:
(1) Scholarly Chronicles - focus on the historical portrayal of an individual life.
e.g., “Biography of Gloria M. Arroyo, the First Woman President of
the Philippines.
(2) Intellectual Biography - narrative of life through the conceptual analysis of the subject’s motives and beliefs
within the world of ideas.
e.g., “Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal”
(3) Life History Writing - recording of life memories, and experiences, whether one’s or another’s.
e.g., “The Hardships of Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFWs)”.
(4) Memoir Biography - stylistic presentation of the biographer’s reflections and insights in relation to the factual
account of life.
e.g., “The Experiences of Stranded Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic”
(5) Narrative Biography - a nonfiction account of the life experiences of a person.
9. Action Research - is classroom-based or school-based research that seeks transformative change through
the process of taking action and doing research, which is linked together by critical reflection. This type of research