Module 1

The Scientific Process

Ian A. Navarrete and Victor B. Asio

Visayas State University
Baybay, Leyte

Training-Workshop on Research Proposal Making, Writing for

Publication & Research Mentoring
Villa Lolita Apartelle, Tacloban City
December 5-9, 2011
 Imagine what would have happened to
science and to our civilization if past scientists
and thinkers did not believe in publication!

Leibniz Malthus Darwin Einstein

Wegener Kant A von Humboldt Watson & Crick

 Leibniz (1875) Malthus (1809) Darwin (1859) Einstein (1905)

Wegener (1915) Kant (1871) Humboldt (1845) Watson & Crick

1953
 Outstanding Filipino Scientists

Dr. Gelia Castillo

Dr. Angel Alcala

Planning and Conducting Research
The Scientific Method

1.Problem/Question
2.Observation/Research
3.Formulate a Hypothesis
4.Perform the Experiment
5.Analyze and Interpret
Results
6.Conclusion
7.Publish Results
1. Problem/Research Question:
Question

Identify a question or problem about a

topic that can be answered or solved
through experimentation

Could be based on personal interest,

observation, research priorities of
funding agencies
2. Observation/Literature Research:
Research

Make observations and conduct literature

review of your research topic (consult
authoritative references)
Find out if there were earlier studies related to
the study you are proposing
You can make preliminary studies
3. Formulate a Hypothesis & Objectives:
Objectives

Make an “educated guess” (hypothesis)

Predict a possible answer to the problem
or question

All objectives should be SMART i.e.

Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Realistic, and Timed.
4. Perform the Experiment:
Experiment

Design an experiment to test the hypothesis

and attain the objectives of the study
Select an appropriate study site
Use established or accepted approaches
Use standard or accepted field and
laboratory methods
Collect sufficient data to attain the objectives
5. Analyze and Interpret Results:

Use appropriate statistics (consult a

qualified statistician)
Present data in tabular and graphical
form
Supplement with photos if necessary
Interpret data according to objectives of
the study
Support with literatures
6. Formulate Conclusions:
Conclusions

Include a statement that accepts or

rejects the hypothesis.

Make brief and concise concluding

statement based on objectives

Make recommendations for further study

and possible improvements to the
procedure.
7. Publish Results (Final Step)

This is the last and final step in

conducting research
Research is not complete until this is
accomplished
Results maybe published in
proceedings, books, etc. but the most
important and accepted form of
publication is in peer-reviewed journals
 Functions of Peer-review
1. To act as filter to ensure only good research is
published.

2. Improve the quality of the research submitted for

publication.

Editor
Reviewer
Researcher/ Reviewer
Author
Reviewer
 The R & D process and how output affects
development

Research
Information
dissemination Use of Information

Gray lit Review articles Books Dev programs Under-

Extension Education Development
Int. Journal materials Policy-making
article

Science Technology Nations Progress

Source: Lacanilao (2009)

 Pathway to publication
Editor sends Reviewers
Author writes Author sends paper to evaluate the
the paper paper to editor reviewers paper

Editor sends Editor Reviewers submit

comments to consolidates evaluation to the
author evaluation editor

If accepted as
submitted/accept If rejected
with revision

Author revises Author answers

Author may
and answers additional
comments until change the
comments article is course of the
accepted paper