MAEDM 111: Methods of Research

Course Outline and Introduction to

Research

Romeo C. Layones, M.A.T.

COURSE OUTLINE
I. Research: A Way of Thinking
A. Definition of Research
B. Characteristics of Research
C. Types of Research
D. Distinctions: Research Study, Research Project,
Research Program
II. The Research Process (Eight-Step Model)
III. Formulating the research problem
A. Reviewing the literature
B. Formulating a research problem
C. Identifying variables
D. Constructing hypothesis
IV.Conceptualizing a Research Design
A. The Research Design
B. Selecting a Study Design
COURSE OUTLINE
V. Constructing an Instrument for Data Collection
A. Selecting a Method of Data Collection
B. Collecting Data Using Attitudinal Scales
C. Establishing the Validity and Reliability of a Research
Instrument
VI. Selecting a Sample
A. Principles of Sampling
B. Types of Sampling
VII.Writing a Research Proposal
A. Parts of the Thesis: UNC Format
Textbook: Research Methodology by Ranjit Kumar (2011)

References:
Research Design by Creswell (2009)
How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education by
Fraenkel and Wallen (2007)
Research in Education by Best and Kahn (2006)
How to Research by Blaxter et al. (2006)
Research Methodology by Kothari (2004)
Research Methods by Sevilla et al. (1992)
GRADING SYSTEM

Subject Requirements Percentage

Midterm Examination 20%
Final Examination 30%
Research output
Reaction papers 40%
Other written outputs
Participation in class 10%
discussion/Attendance
Total 100%
GRADING SYSTEM

Rating Equivalent
99 – 100 1.00
96 – 98 1.25
93 – 95 1.50
90 – 92 1.75
87 – 89 2.00
THE NATURE OF RESEARCH

WAYS OF KNOWING (Fraenkel and Wallen, 2007)

➢ SENSORY EXPERIENCE
➢ AGREEMENT WITH OTHERS
➢ EXPERT OPINION
➢ LOGIC
➢ METHOD OF SCIENCE
WHAT IS RESEARCH?

➢ Research is a careful, systematic, patient study and

investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to
establish facts or principles (Grinnell, 1993)
➢ Research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable
scientific methodology to solve problems and create new
knowledge that is generally applicable (Grinnell, 1993)
➢ Research is a systematic investigation to find answer to
a problem (Burns, 1994)
➢ Research is a process for collecting, analyzing and
interpreting information to answer questions (Kumar, 2011)
➢Research is something that people undertake in order to
find out things in a systematic way, thereby increasing their
knowledge (Saunders et al., 2008)
WHAT IS RESEARCH?

➢ Research is the process of collecting, analyzing, and

interpreting data in order to understand a phenomenon.
(Leedy & Ormrod, 2001)

➢Scientific research is a systematic, controlled empirical

and critical investigation of propositions about the
presumed relationships among natural phenomena.
(Kerlinger, 1986)

Note: In scientific research, the emphasis is on obtaining

evidence to support or refute proposed facts or principles.
(Fraenkel and Wallen, 2007)
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH (Kumar, 2011)

CONTROLLED
➢ In cause and effect relationships, it is important to link
the effect(s) with the cause(s) and vice versa.
➢ This can be done by setting up the study in a way that
minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the
relationship.
➢ achievable in the physical sciences (experiments) but
not in the social sciences
RIGOROUS
➢ ensure that the procedures followed to find answers to
questions are relevant, appropriate, and justified
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH (Kumar, 2011)

SYSTEMATIC
➢ the procedures adopted to undertake an investigation
follow a certain logical sequence
VALID AND VERIFIABLE
➢ conclusion based on findings is correct and can be
verified by others
EMPIRICAL
➢ conclusions drawn are based upon hard evidence
gathered from information collected from real life
experiences or observations
CRITICAL
➢ process adopted and the procedures used must be able
to withstand critical scrutiny
 MODE OF INQUIRY

Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
TYPE OF APPLICATION
RESEARCH
Pure Research
Applied Research
OBJECTIVES

Descriptive Research
Exploratory Research
Correlational Research
Explanatory Research
TYPES OF RESEARCH
(based on the mode of inquiry)
Differences with Quantitative research Qualitative research
respect to:
Underpinning Rationalism: “Human Empiricism: “The only
philosophy beings achieve knowledge that human
knowledge because of beings acquire is from
their capacity to sensory experiences.
reason (Bernard, (Bernard, 1994)
1994)
Approach to inquiry Structured/rigid/predet Unstructured/flexible/o
ermined methodology pen methodology
Main purpose of To quantify extent of To describe variation in
investigation variation in a a phenomenon,
phenomenon, situation, issue, etc.
situation, issue, etc.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
(based on the mode of inquiry)
Differences with Quantitative research Qualitative research
respect to:
Measurement of Emphasis on some Emphasis on
variables form of either description of variables
measurement or
classification of
variables
Sample size Emphasis on greater Fewer cases
sample size
Focus of inquiry Narrows focus in terms Covers multiple issues
of extent of inquiry, but but assembles
assembles required required information
information from a from fewer
greater number of respondents
respondents
TYPES OF RESEARCH
(based on the mode of inquiry)
Differences with Quantitative research Qualitative research
respect to:
Dominant research Reliability and Authenticity but does
value objectivity (value-free) not claim to be value-
free
Dominant research Explains prevalence, Explores experiences,
topics incidence, extent, meanings, perceptions
nature of issues, and feelings
opinions and attitude,
discovers regularities
and formulates
theories
TYPES OF RESEARCH
(based on the mode of inquiry)
Differences with Quantitative research Qualitative research
respect to:
Analysis of data Subjects variables to Subjects responses,
frequency distributions, narratives, or
cross-tabulations, or observational data to
other statistical identification of themes
procedures and describes thes
Communication of Organization more Organization more
findings analytical in nature, descriptive and
drawing inferences narrative in nature
and conclusions, and
testing magnitude and
strength of a
relationship
Source: Kumar, 2011
Classify the following as qualitative or quantitative research.
1. Creativity in Special Events - A Case Study on European Public Service
Broadcasters (Miren Arruza Zuazo)
2. Innovation Patterns in the Video Gaming Industry (Melanie Schembri)
3. IQ, Socioeconomic Status, Personality, Work Values, and Career Preferences
Among Fourth Year High School Students of Metro Manila
4. The Effect of Home Guidance on the Study Habits of Grade IV Pupils in Two
Districts of the Division of City Schools, Manila
5. Creativity and Art in Overcoming Boredom in the Primary Classroom (Christine
Lofaro)
6. Creativity and Music Achievement Among Grade VI Pupils in Three RVM
Schools in Manila
7. Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used by Indigenous
People of Gemad District, Northern Ethiopia
8. Promoting Creative Thinking Skills in Post-Soviet Countries: An Evaluation of a
Summer Program for Youths in Ukraine and Armenia (Wendy Shapiro)
9. Cognitive Apprenticeship: Its Effect on Students’ Atittude towards and
Performance in Mathematics
10. The Press in a Democracy: A Comparative Historical Analysis of the Non-
Passage of the Freedom of Information Act from 1992-2012 (Lois Joy G.
Guinmapang Ma. Zarina A. San Jose)
TYPES OF RESEARCH
(based on application)

PURE RESEARCH
➢Involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are
intellectually challenging to the researcher but may or may not have
practical application inn the present time or in the future (Bailey, 1978)
➢Concerned with the development, examination, verification, and
refinement of research methods, procedures, techniques, and tools that
form the body of research methodology (Kumar, 2011)

APPLIED RESEARCH
➢ the research techniques, procedures, and methods that form the body
of research methodology are applied to the collection of information about
various aspects of a situation, issue, problem or phenomenon so that
information gathered can be used in other ways, such as for policy
formation, administration, and the enhancement of understanding of a
phenomenon (Kumar, 2011)
Classify the following as pure or applied research.

1. Developing a sampling technique that can be applied to a certain situation

2. Developing an instrument, say, to measure the stress level in people

3. Applying the Multiple Intelligence(MI) theory to improve students’ learning

4. Skinner’s work on reinforcement

5. Improving the energy efficiency of homes, offices, or modes of transportation

6. Diagnosing the very low use of a certain collection in a library

7. Improving agricultural crop production

8. Developing a methodology to assess the validity of a procedure

9. Treating or curing a specific disease

10. Jean Piaget’s research on intellectual growth of all children

TYPES OF RESEARCH
(based on objective)
Type Objective Example
Descriptive Describe Describe the type of service
systematically a provided by an organization,
situation, problem, the administrative structure
phenomenon of an organization, the
performance level of a group
of students
Correlational To discover or What is the impact of
establish the advertising on the sale of the
existence of a product?
relationship/associati What is the relationship
on/interdependence between technology and
between two or more unemployment?
aspects of a situation
TYPES OF RESEARCH
(based on objective)
Type Objective Example
Explanatory To clarify why and how there How does the home
is a relationship between two environment affect
aspects of a situation or children’s level of
phenomenon academic achievement?
Exploratory To explore an area where little Is it practical to move
is known or to investigate the the start of school year
possibilities of undertaking a from June to August in
particular research study the provinces?
(When the study is carried out
to determine its feasibility, it is
called feasibility study or pilot
study)
Source: Kumar, 2011
Classify the following as descriptive, correlational, explanatory, or exploratory.
1. Impact of technology on employment

2. Why do some people migrate to another country while others do not?

3. Effectiveness of an immunization program in controlling infectious disease

4. Strategies put in place by a company to increase productivity of the workers

5. Why does a particular intervention work for some and not for others?

6. The impact of incentives on productivity of workers

7. A feasibility study for a quick service restaurant

8. Attitudes of workers towards management

9. Association between attitude and performance

10. Is it viable for a university to put up satellite schools in other provinces?

DIFFERENTIATING RESEARCH STUDY, RESEARCH
PROJECT, RESEARCH PROGRAM

RESEARCH STUDY
➢ An investigation designed to solve a specific problem

RESEARCH PROJECT
➢ Embraces all or a number of relevant problems and
interactions within a specific discipline, hence, a project is
made up of two or more studies

RESEARCH PROGRAM
➢ A comprehensive research involving all relevant disciplines
in a particular community
RESEARCH STUDY, PROJECT, PROGRAM
Category/ Research Title
Level
Research Rice Productivity Program in the Bicol Region
Program
Research Irrigation and Soil Fertility Rice Pests Socio-economic Profiling
Project Improvement Project and Diseases of Rice Producers
Management
Project
Research • Levels of NPK Fertilizer • Inventory of • Socio-economic Profiling
Study Application Trial Insect Pests of Bicolano Farmers
• Effects of Varying on Rice • Farm Labor Supply and
Depths of Irrigation Water • Inventory of Demand Analysis
to Rice Weeds • Rice Marketing Practices
• Comparative Study on • Effect of of Bicolano Farmers
the Use of Organic and Timing of • Credit Behavior of Rice
Inorganic Fertilizers Insecticide Farmers in the Bicol
• Effects of Timing of Application on Region
Irrigation and Fertilizer Rice Yield • Rice Post-harvest
Application on Rice Yield Practices in Bicol

Source: Mascarinas, 2012

EIGHT-STEP MODEL OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS
(Kumar, 2011)

1. Formulate a research problem.

2. Conceptualize a research design.
3. Construct an instrument for data collection.
4. Select a sample.
5. Write a research proposal.
6. Collect data.
7. Process data.
8. Write a research report.
Source: Kumar, 2011
Representation of the Research Process (Sources: Marshall and Rossman, 1999;
Punch, 2005, as cited by Blaxter, 2006)
THE RESEARCH SPIRAL

Source: How to Research by Blaxter et al., 2006

THESIS (UNC FORMAT)
I. Introduction
A. Introduction
B. Statement of the Problem
C. Scope and Delimitation
D. Theoretical Framework
E. Conceptual Framework
F. Assumptions
G. Hypotheses
H. Definition of Terms
II. Review of Related Literature
A. Related Literature
B. Related Studies
C. State-of-the-Art
III. Research Design
A. Methodology
B. Population
C. Instruments
D. Statistical Treatment
IV. Analysis and Interpretation
V. Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations