SYLLABUS

I. TITLE OF THE SUBJECT: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (THESIS 1)

II. UNIT CREDIT: 3 UNITS
III. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The subject shall cover the whole gamut of research methodology addressed to
developing the student’s capability to prepare a research protocol/thesis proposal as basis for
conducting a mini-research study. It will focus on inculcating in the students the importance
and value of research and scientific studies to improve work and performance, as well as
evolving new theories or testing existing ones.

PREREQUISITE SUBJECTS: STAT 1

IV. OBJECTIVES

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To develop the capability of the students to design and present a research study
proposal to solve a problem in the field of their program

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Discuss the concepts, importance, and rationale of research and the
scientific method.
2. Enumerate the characteristics, qualities and roles of a researcher.
3. Discuss the ethical aspects of research.
4. Explain the logic/process of research as basis for making a research
proposal from:
4.1 Describing a research problem to include the background,
rationale, and the title of the study/research;
4.2 Describing properly the related literature and bibliography relevant
to the problem selected (as describe in 4.1)
4.3 Formulating research objectives, hypothesis, and assumption;
4.4 Stating the significance, limitation, and scope of the research
study;
4.5 Defining key terms and study/variables;
4.6 Developing the conceptual/theoretical framework of the study.
4.7 Describing the research method;
4.8 Discussing the study population and sampling method.
4.9 Developing the appropriate data collection method and
instrumentation;
4.10 Determining data measurement for analysis and interpretation of
collected data; and,
4.11 Stating the summary, conclusions and recommendations of the
research study.
5. Present a completed research protocol/proposal.

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 6. Make critical evaluation of own/members of the class research proposals
and of a completed research study, given a set of criteria.

V. COURSE CONTENT
1. The Nature of Research and the Scientific Method
1.1 Definition of research and scientific method
1.2 Importance and value of research; and,
1.3 Scientific foundations of research.
1.4 Types of Research
2. Characteristics, Qualities and Roles of a Researcher.
3. Ethical aspect of research
4. Overview of the Research Process as basis for preparing a Research Proposal, to
include the following:
4.1 The Research Problem:
*Identification/conceptualization of the problem;
*Background, need and rationale of the study;
*The main and specific problems; and,
*The Research Title.
4.2 The research objectives, hypothesis and assumptions.
4.3 Significance, limitation and scope of the study.
4.4 Definition of terms and variables
4.5 Conceptual/theoretical framework.
4.6 Related Literature and bibliography.
4.7 The Research Design and Method, such as:
 Descriptive Research/Normative Survey;
 Historical Research; and
 Experimental Research
4.8 Sampling Method and Description of the Respondents/ Venue of the study
4.9 Instrumentation and data collection
4.9.1 Data Collection Instruments;
4.9.2 Instrument validity/reliability; and
4.9.3 Organizing data collection.
4.10 Measurement for Analysis and Interpretation of data/results.
4.10.1 Statistical Tools:
 Descriptive Statistics;
 Inferential Statistics; and
 Statistics in Perspective.
4.10.2 Presentation of data through tables, graph, figures, etc.
4.11 Summary, conclusions and recommendations of the research.
5. The research proposal
6. Evaluating a research proposal and critiquing a completed research
study/thesis.

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 MODULE 1

NATURE OF RESEARCH AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

OVERVIEW

This lesson shall provide you with a general overview of research and the scientific
method. Definition by and views of different authorities shall provide you an understanding of
what research and scientific method means and enable you to form your own concept, which
hopefully will develop in you an appreciation and interest in this field of endeavor.

TOPIC OBJECTIVE

Discuss the concepts, importance, and rationale of research and the scientific method.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES GENERAL

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

1. Enumerate the commonalities in the definitions given by the different authors on

research.

2. Discuss research, problem-solving and the scientific method in terms of their

differences and commonalities.

3. Describe the role and values of research in your field of interest/work.

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 MODULE 1
NATURE OF RESEARCH AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

INTRODUCTION

All the things we are now enjoying such as electricity, potable water, radio, television,
travel by land through automobile/jeepney/bus and by air through airplanes, computers and
many, many more, are the results and products of innumerable researches. Think what we will
be today if we do not have such visionaries as the researchers in the different fields!

In the field of medicine and public health, vast researches had been completed and are
still underway as experts are indefatigably pursuing how to prevent and cure the many physical
and psycho-social problems that best man kind. In spite of the many problems and waste of
human and material resources in the pursuit of new things, many and more men and women
are engaged in research so as to improve the lot of people of this generation and the generations
to come.

MEANING OF RESEARCH

According to the different authors research is defined as follows:

CARTER GOOD -Ideally, research means the careful, unbiased investigation of a

problem, based in so far as possible, upon demonstrable facts
and involving refined distinction, interpretation, and usually
some generalization.

CRAWFORD, C.C -A systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing

specialized tools, instruments and procedures in order to obtain
more adequate solution to a problem.
-It starts with a problem, collect data or facts, analyze these
critically and reaches decision based on actual evidence.
-It involves original work instead of a mere exercise of personal
opinion.
-It evolved from a genuine desire to know rather than desire to
prove something.
-It is quantitative, seeking to know not only what, but how much,
and measurement is therefore a central feature of it.

-Research is an attempt to widen one’s load on life. Thus, the

end of research is something new. End product is therefore the
discovery of the truth.

PAREL -A systematic study or investigation of something for the

purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher.

Therefore, research is defined simply as the “systematic search for pertinent

information on a specific topic or problem”.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

1. It gathers new knowledge or data from primary or firsthand sources.

2. It is expert, systematic and accurate investigation.

3. It is logical and objective, applying every possible to verify the data collected and
the procedures employed.

4. It endeavors to organize data in quantitative terms, if possible, and to express them

as numerical measures.

5. It is carefully recorded and reported.

RESEARCH AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

SCIENTIFIC METHOD is also viewed as a process of investigation and follows substantially

the steps of PROBLEM – Solving namely:

1. Formulation and development of the problem for investigation and survey of

the related literature.

2. Selection and use of one or more appropriate methods for gathering evidence,
together with analysis and interpretation of data.

3. Implementation of the findings and reporting.

This PROCESS involves objectively or viewing a situation on the basis of factual

evidence without bias and the use of empirical data in a systematic manner.

The Steps of the Scientific Method are:

1. The problem is stated;

2. Hypothesis is formulated for testing;
3. Facts are gathered from observation of experimentation;
4. Data compiled and interpreted;
5. Conclusions are drawn; and,
6. Recommendations are given.

However, the concept of problem-solving and the scientific method are often
considered as synonymous since both involves finding answers to problems. The basic
difference between the two is that in problem solving there is always a problem that needs a
solution that are necessary and may have immediate application, whereas in the scientific
method there may not be a problem but one maybe interested in the answer to a question using
procedures and techniques ( Treece and Treece, 1977).

Research is more rigorous and broader in scope than problem-solving. The terms
research and scientific method are sometimes used synonymously. According to Best (1970)

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“research is considered to be more formal, systematic and intensive process of carrying out a
scientific method of analysis” for the purpose of discovery and development of an organized
body of knowledge. In problem-solving, the scientific method “maybe an informal application
of problem identification, hypothesis formulation, observation, analysis and conclusion”
designed to make decision. Therefore, research is a quest for knowledge through diligent search
or investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of new
knowledge. Whereas scientific method is a systematic body of procedures and techniques
applied in carrying out investigations targeted at obtaining new knowledge. Both maybe
considered a course of critical inquiry leading to the discovery of facts or information which
increases understanding of things around us.

PURPOSES OF RESEARCH

According to Aquino (1994) and Fonollera (1993), these are:

1. To determine the status of phenomena, past and present;

2. To ascertain the nature, composition and practices that characterizes a
phenomena;
3. To trace growth, change, and development of history;
4. To study cause and effect relationships;
5. To serve as basis for decision-making; and,
6. To discover laws and generalization, and new facts.

MODULE 2
DESCRIPTION
Of
Characteristics, Qualities and Roles of a Researcher

OVERVIEW

This lesson will provide you with listing of attributes of an ideal researcher. This list is
not intended to scare you but given this list, you should be able to make an inventory of your
own qualities and attributes that approximate and can be developed, as a beginning researcher.
Since researchers are not “born” and skills in research can be learned and developed, any
intelligent worker can go into research, given the opportunity and time.

TOPIC OBJECTIVE

Enumerate the characteristics, qualities and roles of a researcher.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson you be able to:

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 1. Identify the most qualities of a researcher that is necessary for a beginning
researcher.

2. List down the qualities you posses that approximate the must qualities you have
identified.

3. Make a plan to develop your potential and improve your qualities/attributes as

future researcher.

4. Enumerate what you think should be your roles in research, with examples.

MODULE 2
CHARACTERISTICS, QUALITIES AND ROLES OF A RESEARCHER

INTRODUCTION

Research work is highly technical and very tedious one that requires a large amount of
human and material resources. To be a dedicated researcher, substantial amount of physical
energy and stamina, as well as intellectual energy are needed, often working long hours in the
pursuit of a research project, a great personal sacrifice. In the course of getting too involve and
committed in a research product, high level of communication skills and resourcefulness to get
support for a project, funding-wise, materially and for other assistance, are very necessary. For
those whose innovative ideas are too revolutionary for the current time will have to brave the
ridicule of many people, even by his colleagues, and sometimes be branded as a lunatic and a
dreamer.

The researcher therefore must be equipped with technical know-how on his/her field of
interest, as well as qualities and attributes that will enable him/her to sustain and vigorously
pursue an idea. While research work is sometimes thankless and may not bring immediate
monetary reward, the various activities can lead one to advance in his career and be recognize
later as an authority or expert in the field of medicine, allied health, nursing, psychology, etc.

DESIRED QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCHER

1. CREATIVITY
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The researcher should posses a spirit of adventure in seeking new facts and has to keep his/her
imagination roaming. Creative or new ideas may come to mind during an informal
conversation, while preparing a lecture, when driving or riding a bus, thinking or during brain
storming sessions.

2. TENACITY

This is an attribute of being able to put effort on an unresolved or troublesome issue clearly in
view until one feels comfortable about it. This means that the researcher has the intensity of

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effort and patience needed for overcoming the many hurdles and frustration involved in the
research process.
3. JUDGEMENT

A good researcher has refinement of judgment, and is able to decide whether a particular
research question/objective is relevant or not. This also means being able to imagine varied
outcome that are likely to occur from the research work and to consider how each possibility
might advance scientific knowledge, influence management and health policy, or guide further
research.

4. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVITY AND COMPETENCE:

Being objective means that the investigator must include all data points, including those that
are unsupportive; being aware of personal values and biases. The researcher must not have a
preconceive idea of the outcome of a study or should not engage in any misconduct, fraud or
acts of bad faith in connection with the research, or correct results, even if it did not come out
of the study.

Being competent means that the researcher has overall mastery of his/her subject of interest or
field of expertise. The researcher should have a scholarly conduct and is very much in
command of what he/she is doing.

5. PERSONAL INTEGRITY

This means than the researcher should not withhold information about the possible minor or
major risks involved in a study, the discomfort or benefits, and the researcher should protect
and not intentionally deceive the subjects particularly on the effect and outcome of the study
that may affect his/her self as a person.

6. TRUTHFULNESS

A researcher must be truthful about the purpose(s), method/(s) and finding(s) of a study, and
does not make any attempt to disguise any unpleasant results or conduct the research “under
cover”. Especially if the result is not what the research community expected.
7. ANALYTICAL

An analytical mind that a researcher should possess is when he/she is able to participate in
critical thinking, or this simply means that the researcher has a “questioning” mind based on
the problem(s) stated and all angels of the issue are dissected.

8. EQUITABILITY

Giving credit where credit is due. That is, all sources of publication or speeches, etc. are
properly and promptly acknowledged.

9. COURAGE

Researcher should be able to face publicly any distortion about his study and be able to clarify
any misconception or misinterpretation that others make of his research findings. That is, the

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researcher should be able to face any criticisms objectively and accept them with an open and
unbiased mind or with a “grain of salt,” so to speak.

10. NOBILITY

Is expressed in the application of processes and procedures to protect the rights of the subjects
in the research. A good researcher assumes the responsibility for protecting subjects from harm,
deceit, coercion and invasion of privacy. Confidentiality should be stressed.

11. COOPERATIVE

This means that the researchers should actively participate by being helpful with the authorized
review committee or agency, like the Ethics Review Board. It is the responsibility of any
researcher to submit the proposed research to this Board for the protection of the subject’s right
and compliance with the recommendations indicate cooperativeness. Also, participation and
cooperation with studies conducted by other researchers is shown by answering and sending
back promptly the completed questionnaire, as requested.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO – 1993), the important qualities of a
researcher associated with successful research are:

1. A spirit of adventure in seeking new facts.

2. Perseverance and patience.
3. Integrity to one’s self and to the value of the scientific method.
4. An analytical mind and able to participate in critical thinking.
5. Receptivity to criticism at the professional level.
6. Openness of mind, and the ability to see the significance of the unexpected observation.
7. Objectivity.

These are similar to the above and every researcher should opt and plan to develop these
qualities.
ABILITIES OF RESEARCHERS

According to Dressel (1981) there are eight (8) abilities researchers should develop and
possess in order to carry out a research study. These are:

1. Ability to recognize the existence of a problem.

2. Ability to define a problem.
3. Ability to select information pertinent to the solution of the problem.
4. Ability to make relevant hypothesis and predict the consequences of a problem.
5. Ability to recognize assumption bearing on the problem.
6. Ability to draw conclusions validly from assumptions, hypothesis and pertinent
information.
7. Ability to judge validity of the process leading to the conclusion.
8. Ability to evaluate a conclusion in terms of its application.

The mechanism through which these skills can be attained is through constant practice.
The beginning researcher should accept the rigorous standards of the research process and
should have the patience to work painstakingly, unhurriedly, objectively, accurately and
systematically.

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 In this regard, a researcher should develop a scientific attitude by seeking rationality as
basis for verification, rather than depend on intuition and emotion.

ROLE OF THE RESEARCHER

According to Fraenkel and Wallen (1993), the roles of researcher are to:

1. Assure that the research study is ethically sound and acceptable.

2. Come up with well-designed research protocol or proposal, and with valid
conclusions.
3. Promote appropriate attention to research ethics.
4. Up-hold personal and professional integrity.
5. Minimize conflict of interest with others.

All of these roles imply that a researcher must be a proper and ethical person who
recognizes that the Golden Rule should be applied in all his/her dealings with people.

MODULE 1: EXCERCISE

1. In your own words, define research 2.

2. When are research, scientific method and problem-solving appropriate and why?
3. Enumerate your reasons for:
3.1 Not liking research: and / or
3.2 Liking research.
4. Write in 150 words why research is necessary to you, as a community worker, specifically
in a public health and/or hospital setting, or, in the academe and industry.

MODULE 2: EXCERCISE

1. From the list of qualities and characteristics of a good researcher, select those you think are
attributes necessary for a beginning researcher. Share this in class.

2. Enumerate as many attributes or qualities you have that will make you a prospective
researcher. Write directly on this page, using the following format. If you need more space, use
the back or write in a separate paper.
QUALITIES I POSSES REASONS WHY THIS QUALITY WILL
QUALIFY ME AS A FUTURE
RESEARCHER

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