TOPIC 1: DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF

EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

What is research? What makes a good research? You

will definitely obtain different answers to these
questions depending on who the person is. Some
people say that they are conducting research when
they browse from the internet where to best buy
goods and services that they need. Others also claim
that television stations are into research when they
conduct viewer polls about topic of social interest
especially during election campaign. The Philippine
Social Weather Stations (SWS) is believed to be
performing research when they conduct popularity
rating of the president and other public officials for election purpose. Still
others claim that consultants working for companies are engaged in research
when they examine the life satisfaction index of people and the poverty
threshold in that area. Or perhaps you, too have navigated the internet to find
the information you need to accomplish an assignment or project. Are all these
undertakings research in essence? When is research called research? Is it
called research when it contributes to a body of science or when it follows the
scientific method? To find answer to these questions, let’s explore this lesson.

LET’S LEARN

Definition of Research

Etymologically, research comes from the french word “cerchier”

which means to seek or search. The prefix re which means “again” shows its
replicability. However, research has been understood differently by different
people. Diverse perspectives are attributed to the various meanings,
experiences, and purposes they consider about it.

Let’s examine the definitions below from different sources.

1 Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use

of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as 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. (HERDC Australia, 2012)

2 Research is truth seeking, aimed at describing or explaining,

conducted at a high level of proficiency or expertise that results in a
2
contribution to knowledge. (Coryn,2006)
 3 Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. One
can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for
pertinent information on a specific topic. (Kothari, 2004)

4 Research is a scientific investigation of phenomena which includes

collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that links
man’s speculation with reality. (Calmorin, 1998).

5 Research is a continuous discovery and exploration of the unknown.

It entails an investigation of new facts leading to the discovery of
new ideas, new methods, or improvements. (Sanchez, 1997)

Concept Check:

Construct your own definition of research using 5 common words used in the foregoing definitions.

Definition of Educational and Social Science Research

Research is utilized in various fields such as engineering, agriculture,

business, medicine and the like. In the field of education and social sciences,
research plays a vital role in enriching the body of knowledge in these
disciplines. Let’s examine their respective definitions for better appreciation.

 Education(al) research is that activity which is directed towards

development of a science of behaviour in educational situations. The
ultimate aim of such a science is to provide knowledge that will permit
the educator to achieve his goals by the most effective methods. (J.W
Best Robert and M. W. Raverse, 1992)

 Education research is a systematic activity that is directed at providing

knowledge, or understanding of existing knowledge which is of
relevance to improving the effectiveness of education. (Stenhouse,
1984)

 Social research is a systematized investigation to gain new knowledge

about social phenomenon and problems.” (C. A. Moser, 1985)
  Social research is a scientific undertaking which by means of logical
methods, aim to discover new facts or old facts and to analyse their
sequences, interrelationships, casual explanations and natural laws
which govern them. (P. V. Young)

Concept Check: From the foregoing definitions, give two (2) possible topics each in educational and social science resea

Educational Research Social Science Research

Characteristics of Research

What makes a good research? Why are some researches published and
others are not? Is it attributed to their usefulness, contribution, and readability?
To find this out, let us look at the characteristics of a good research.
1. It adopts a scientific method. Research is a systematic and critical
investigation to a phenomenon (e. g.,
reading comprehension ability,
Mathematics anxiety, COVID- 19).

2. It develops generalizations,
principles or theories. These
body of knowledge become the
bases for interpreting human
behaviors and societal conditions.
(e.g, Law of Supply and Demand,
Dewey’s Experiential Learning,
Piaget’s
Cognitive Theory)

3. It is directed towards finding answers to the questions and solutions to

the problems. Research is purpose-driven because it is conducted to
interpret and explain a phenomenon which is of individual and
collective interest. (e.g., What is the best cure for COVID- 19? Is
blended learning an effective strategy in teaching research?)

4. It is replicable. Results of research may be tested and retested in

various contexts by following the empirical processes involved in it.
 (e. g., Teacher A conducts research to verify claim that inquiry-based
instruction is more effective than lecture method.)

5. It is cyclical in nature. Research has no end because it starts with

a problem and ends with another problem. (e. g., Findings and
recommendations of a research serve as bases for further research
undertaking.)

Concept Check: Complete the prompt sentence below.

I like most thecharacteristic of research because
,

LET’S PRACTICE

Try This! Based on the foregoing lesson, complete the 3-2-1 Chart. Just write
phrases and not sentences.

3-2-1 Chart
Three (3) things that I Knew

Two (2) things that I want to Know

One (1) thing that I have Learned

LET’S ASSESS

Check This! Now that you have learned the definitions and characteristics of
research, construct a five (5)-sentence critique about the remarks of Senator
Villar as shown below. Be guided by the rubric for this assessment.
Rubric

Exceeds Meets Approaches

Criterion Expectations Expectations Expectations Comments
3 2 1
Presents the
Presents the
critique in a Presents the
critique in a
compelling, critique in a
Organization moderately
highly- disorganized
organized
organized manner
manner
manner
Demonstrates
Demonstrates Demonstrates
reasonably
Content thorough minimal
adequate
critique critique
critique
There were Grammar
Grammar,
few grammar, punctuation
Sentence punctuation
punctuation and spelling
Structure and spelling
and spelling errors were
were perfect
errors evident.