ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.

143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon

(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492

SHS DEPARTMENT

Learning Module
In
Inquiry, Investigation and Immersion

(S.Y 2021-2022)

Prepared by:
Adrian J. Andal

Checked and Approved by:

Nordyl L. Bianzon Jojie R. De Ramos

Instructional Development Committee

Noted by:

Vina N. Mendoza
Directress for Academic Affairs
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492

WEEK

Introduction:

Research is key to progress. It is believed that there can be no progress

without research. Almost everything including technologies enjoyed today is a
product of research. IN government, in education, in trade and commerce,
and in all types and kinds of industries, research is vital and essential to
development

The importance of research, therefore, cannot be taken for granted. Research

is viewed as the power that leads to discover answers to problems. And as
one tries to find solutions to problems, in the process, problems again arise,
making research a continuous process.

The meaning of research.

The word research is derived from the prefix ‘re’ which means repeat or redo,
and the root word search, which means to find or look for. From the etymology
of this word, research is literally means to repeatedly look for something which
had been in existence before.

The following are some of the definitions of research as presented by

various authors:

 It is a systematic quest for undiscovered truth (Leedy, 1974)

 It is a search for an answer to unanswered questions
 It is a systematic attempt to provide answers to questions (Tuckman,
1972)
 To search again, to take another more careful look, to find out more
(Selltiz, 1976)

In other words, when there are unanswered questions in mind, and one would
like to search for possible solutions, conducting research is a good alternative.
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
However, it is emphasized that research is systematic and being systematic, it
falls within the purview of science.

Other definitions of research

 It is systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of

hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among
phenomena
 It is a careful, critical, disciplined inquiry varying in techniques and
methods according to the nature and conditions of the problems
identified, directed towards the clarification or resolution of a problem
 Research is simply the systematic search for pertinent information on a
specific topic or problem (Aquino, 1986)
 Research is the process of gathering data or information to solve a
particular or specific problem in a scientific manner (manuel and
Medel)
 Research is a systematic study or investigation of something for the
purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher (Parel)
 Research is an attempt to gain solutions to problems (Treece and
Treece)
 Research is a systematic organized search for knowledge or answers
to questions (mason and Bramble, 1989)
 It is a systematic process of collecting and logically analyzing
information or data for some purpose (McMillan)
 It is a process of obtaining techniques, where truth, accuracy, validity,
reliability and other criteria can be ascertained (Genato, et.al, 1993)

From the foregoing definitions, it is evident that research is a process. As a

process, it is systematic, organized, objective, critical, exhaustive, and
comprehensive. It is done for the purpose of solving a problem or adding to
the body of knowledge.

Purpose of research
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
1. To discover new facts about known phenomena
2. To find answers to problems which are only partially solved by existing
methods and information
3. To discover previously unrecognized substances and elements
4. To provide basis for decision making in business, industry, education,
government and other undertakings.
5. To satisfy the researcher’s curiosity.
6. To find answers to queries by means of scientific method
7. To acquire a deeper and better understanding about a phenomenon
8. To verify or expand existing knowledge
9. To improve the educational practices for raising quality of school
products
10. To promote health and prolong life which are evident in nutritional
pharmaceutical and medical researches
11. To make work, communication, and travel faster, easier and more
comfortable.

Characteristics of good research

Systematic. It is systematic as there are interrelated steps or procedures a

researcher has to observe in solving a problem. In other words, it follows an
orderly and sequential procedure that leads to the discovery of truth, solution
of a problem or whatever is aimed to be discovered.

Objective. It is not based on guesswork. This is because empirical data have

to be gathered by the researcher before making any conclusion or proposing
any solution to an identified difficulty or problem. In other words, all findings
an conclusions are logically based on empirical data and no effort is made to
alter the result of the research.

Empirical. All the procedures employed and the data gathered are perceived
in the same manner by all observers. Generalizations are drawn by the
researcher upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from the
real life experiences and observations.
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
Comprehensive. If a researcher is serious about understanding a
phenomenon, he has to examine and analyze all its aspects or angles before
making a generalization or conclusion.

Critical. This means that procedures employed by the researcher must

withstand critical scrutiny by other researchers. Data should be analyzed
critically so that there is no error in the interpretation.

Rigorous. Procedures to be followed in solving s problem should be relevant,

appropriate, justified and strictly observed.

Valid. Whenever a researcher formulates conclusions, these are based on

actual findings.

Verifiable. Other researchers can check on the correctness of its results by

replicating the study based on the methods and procedures employed by the
researcher.

Other Characteristic

1. Research employs quantitative or statistical methods. Data are

transferred into numerical measures and are treated statistically to
determine their significance and usefulness
2. Research is an original work. Except for historical research, data are
gathered from primary source or first-hand sources and not from
secondary sources.
3. Research is an accurate investigation. Every research must be done
accurately so that the findings will lead to the formulation of a scientific
generalization
4. Research is a patient and unharried activity to ensure accuracy.
Research that is hurriedly done or conducted carelessly due to racing
against time may lead to shaky conclusions and generalizations.
5. Research requires an effort-making capacity. No research can be
conducted without the exertion of much effort. It involves much work
and time.
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
6. Research requires courage. The researcher oftentimes undergoes
hazards, discomforts, and the like. At times, researcher encounters
public and social disapproval. Also, disagreements with colleages may
arise.

Types and Classification of research and the research process

Types and classification of research

There are different ways of classifying a research. On the basis of who

undertakes research, research can be either be academic research or a
research project. Academic research is one conducted by an individual in
fulfilling the requirements for the conferment of an academic title or degree.
Baby theses, master’s theses, feasibility studies, and doctoral dissertations
fall under this type of research. ON the other hand, a research project is a
type of research undertaken by an individual or group of individuals as part of
their professional work assignment.

Based on the final use or application of research results, research can either
be pure/theoretical or applied/practical. Pure or theoretical research is one
done for the purpose of formulating a theory, principle, or law with no intended
application of results. Research in this case is undertaken for the purpose of
gaining knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Conversely, applied or practical
research is an inquiry to test or evaluate a theory or knowledge arrived at, in
the solution of a problem for useful ends.

When methodology or research design is used as basis for categorizing

research, research can take any of the following types (Catane, 2000);

1. Descriptive research. This type of research endeavors to describe

systematically, factually, accurately and objectively a situation, problem
or phenomenon. It seeks to describe “what is”
2. Correlational/Associational research. In this type of research, the
investigator tries to probe the significance of relationship between two
or more factors or characteristics.
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
3. Explanatory research. In this type of inquiry, the researcher seeks to
clarify how and why a relationship exists between two or more aspects
of a situation or phenomenon. Questions like why job stress
contributed to burnout or why low morale can lead to low productivity
among the employees are problems which can be investigated
systematically through the explanatory design.
4. Exploratory research. This kind of study is undertaken when the
investigator is after probing or exploring areas where little is known
about the research problem. Feasibility and pilot studies fall under this
type of research.
5. Experimental research. In this type of research, the researcher
probes into the cause of an effect by exposing one or more
experimental groups to one or more treatments or conditions. For
example, when mathematics professor is after determining the
effectiveness of a learning module in raising the performance of his
students, he is actually engaging in experimental research.
6. Ex-post Facto/Causal-Comparative research. In this type of
research, when the investigator delves on analyzing the possible effect
of a factor which cannot be manipulated and controlled. Example, a
biology student who is interested in determining the incidence of lung
cancer among heavy smokers is a situation this type of research is
appropriate to employ.
7. Historical research. The researcher attempts to reconstruct the past
objectively and accurately or to explain an incident that happened in
the past with the use of data taken from the past.
8. Ethnographic research. This type of research is done when the
researcher is concerned with explaining or describing a phenomenon
holistically with the use of multiple data collection techniques.

With reference to the field of knowledge where the problem being studied
is associated with, research maybe historical, sociological, educational,
psychological or medical. It should be noted however that the above
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
classification of research is not absolute. Various authors have different
ways of classifying research.

The research process

1. Idea-generating phase. Research begins with an idea in which

researcher has interest. It is in this phase wherein the researcher has to
identify the topics that interest him most. It is in this step where he has to
justify why a study on a particular topic is needed. Once a topic of interest
is already identified, the researcher has to start reading articles and book,
converse with people who are knowledgeable in the area and begin
thinking about it.

2. Problem-Definition Phase. As the ideas generated in the first phase

are very general or vague, the researcher has to redefine them. This is the
problem-definition phase. This particular step involves the following
activities: identification and definition of the variables to be studied;
development of the theoretical and conceptual framework of the study; the
formulation of the major and specific problems to be investigated and the
formulation of hypothesis.

3. Procedures-Design Phase. After identifying the problems and

hypothesis, the researcher has to decide on the methods and procedures
he will use in the collection and analysis of data. Activities that a
researcher has to undertake in this phase include the following: decision
on what research methodology to employ; selection of research
participants; development and validation of data-gathering tools;
specification of the procedures to be observed in the actual collections of
data and planning the analysis of data gathered.

4. Data-Collection phase. After preparing the research plan, the

researcher has to proceed gathering the data from the subjects of the
study. It is in this phase where the procedures devised in the previous step
are implemented by the researcher rigorously.
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
5. Data-analysis Phase. In this particular phase, the researcher analyzes
the collected data from the previous step, based on his data analysis plan.
Appropriate and quantitative techniques and procedures are then applied
for the data that have been recorded, coded and tabulated.

6. Interpretation Phase. Having analyzed the data, the researcher

continues to make sense out of them by interpreting the results in terms of
how they aid in responding to the research problem posed at the
beginning of the study, and how the answer contributes to knowledge in
the field. After generating answers to the problem, the researcher has to
compare the results predicted based on the theoretical framework of the
study.

7. Communication Phase. After completing the data analysis and

interpretation phases, the researcher has to compare a written or oral
report or the study conducted, either for publication or presentation to
colleagues or a panel of experts. This report has to include a description of
all the above steps in the research process.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

A research problem shows that someone would like to research on or

perhaps, that which a person finds unsatisfactory or unsettling; a difficulty
of some sort, or a state of affairs that needs to be changed.

The choice of a problem is often, if not, always difficulty. The difficulty of

choosing a problem is sometimes premeditated by lack of understanding
of the nature of research and systematic problem-solving activity.

Sharpening skills for discovering and Identifying problems

1. Reading a lot of literature in your field of concentration and being

critical of what you read.
2. Attending professional lectures.
3. Being a keen observer of situations and happenings around you
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
4. Thinking out the possibility of research for most topics or lessons taken
in content courses;
5. Attending research colloquia/seminars;
6. Conducting mini-researches and noting on the obtained finding closely;
7. Compiling researches
8. Visiting various libraries for possible discovery or researchable topics
9. Subscribing to journals in your field.
10. Building up a library of materials of materials in your field.

Choosing a research problem

Good and Scates classified factors or criteria into external and internal

External Criteria

 Novelty and avoidance of unnecessary duplication. Concerned with the

element of newness
 Importance in the field
 Availability of the data
 Choice of method – institutional or administrative cooperation
 Funding support or sponsorship
 Facilities and equipment
 Ethical Considerations

Internal Criteria

 Interest/Experience of the the researcher

 Training
 Cost
 Time

Sources of Problems:

 Actual problems encountered

 Technological changes and curricular development
 The graduate’s academic experience
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
 Consultation
 Specialization
 Analysis of an area of knowledge
 Consideration of existing practices and needs
 Repetition or extension of investigation
 Repetition or extension of investigation
 “Off-shoots” of studies under way

Elements of Research Problem

The term research problem implies that an investigation, inquiry or study is to

be conducted, or that a problem is ready for investigation, inquiry or study.
There are certain elements that a problem must possess before it becomes a
research problem ready for investigation (See, et.al., 2000). These are:

1. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation. This answers the

question WHY? Why is there an investigation, inquiry or study?
2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated. This answers the
question WHAT? What is to be investigated?
3. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. This
answers the question WHERE? Where is the study to be conducted?
4. The period or time of the study during which the data are to be
gathered. This answers the question WHEN? When is the study to be
carried out?
5. Population or universe from whom the data are collected. This answers
the question WHO? Or from WHOM? Who are the respondents? From
whom are the data to be gathered?

Elements

1. Purpose
2. Subject matter
3. Place or locale
4. Period or time
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
5. Population or universe

In formulating the title, the aim is usually omitted and sometimes the
population and time are omitted.

Ex.

Aim/Purpose : To determine the status of

Subject matter : The teaching of Mathematics

Place or Locale : national High schools in metro manila

Period or Time : School Year 2009-2010

Population/Universe : The respondents are implied to be teachers or

pupils or both

Title : “The teaching of Mathematics in national High

Schools in metro Manila during SY 2009-2010”

Ex:

Aim/purpose : To determine the effect of

Subject Matter : Online Class as a learning method

Place or Locale : ICT-ED Institute of Science and Technology

Period or Time : Academic Year 2021-2022

Population/Universe : The respondents are the students

Title : “The Effect of Online class as a learning method

to the students of ICT-Ed Institute of Science and

Technology Academic Year 2021-2022”

GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS

The following are some guides in the selection or research problems:

 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
1. The research problem or topic must be chosen by the researcher. This
is to avoid blaming others or offering excuses for any obstacle
encountered.
2. It must be within the interest of the researcher. This is to make sure
that the researcher will focus attention to the research work.
3. It must be within the specialization of the researcher. This will in
someway make the work easier for him because he is working on
familiar grounds. Besides, this may improve his specialization, skills
and competence in his profession.
4. It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle. He must
have a workable understanding of the study.
5. It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance.
6. It is researchable and manageable. That is:
a. Data are available and accessible
b. The data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity and
verifiability. The data gathered must be accurate, objective and
not biased and can be verified if the study will not be valid and
the generalizations formulated will be faulty.
c. Answers to specific questions can be focused.
d. The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is, they can be
accepted or rejected; and
e. Equipment and instruments for research are available and can
give valid and reliable results. The construction and validation
are fully discussed in methodology.
7. It can be completed within a reasonable period of time.
8. It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and
situation, timely and of current interest. This means that research
projects must be able to make substantial impact upon situations and
people.
9. The results are practical and implementable.
10. It requires original, critical, and reflective thinking to solve it.
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
11. It can be delimited to suit the resources of the researcher but big
enough to be able to give significant, valid, and reliable results and
generalizations.
12. It must contribute to the national development goals for the
improvement of the quality of human Life.
13. It must contribute to the fund of human knowledge. All the facts and
knowledge that we have are mostly the products of research. Any
study to be conducted must add a new bit of knowledge to what we
already have.
14. It must show or pave the way for the solution of the problem or
problems intended to be solved. Usually, after an inquiry has been
conducted, recommendations are made for the solution of the
problems discovered, which, if implemented can solve the problems.
15. It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people. It
must not advocate the promotion of anti-social values such as drug
addiction, cruelty, hatred, divisiveness, multiple sex-mating etc.
16. It must not advocate any change in the present order of things by
means of violence but by peaceful means.
17. There must be a return of some kind to the researcher like monetary
(either increase in salary or publication of results), advancement of
position; improved specialization, competence and skill in professional
work; enhanced prestige and reputation, and satisfaction of intellectual
curiosity.
18. There must be a consideration of the hazards involved, either
physically, socially or legally.

TIPS IN DEVELOPING RESEARCH PROBLEMS AND RESEARCH

QUESTIONS

 Watch for recurring problems and see if you can discern a pattern in
situations that lead to the problem.
 ICT-ED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273 0908-985-7492
 Think about aspects of your work that are irksome, frustrating, or do
not result in an intended outcome – then try to identify factors
contributing to the problem that could be changed.
 Critically, examine some of the decisions you make in the performance
of your functions. Are these decisions based on tradition, or are they
based on systematic evidence that supports their efficacy? Many
practices, in business, in education that become custom, might be
challenged.
 As an alternative to identifying problematic situations, identify the
aspects that you most enjoy or in which you have the greatest interest.
 In a pinch, do not hesitate to replicate a study that is reported in
research literature. Replication provides a valuable learning experience
and has the potential to make a meaningful contribution because it can
corroborate or challenge earlier findings.
 In wording your research questions or statement of purpose, it may be
useful to look at published research reports for models.

ACTIVITY 1

Direction:
In a clean paper, write random words that come to your mind. Any word will do.
Take your thoughts in the situation where you find yourself most interested in. Do
this in essay. (Minimum of 100 words)