MODULE WEEK NO.

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NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO COLLEGE
Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte
Tel. No. (063) 227-8004
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Computer Science Department

CS 404: Thesis 1
1st Semester of A.Y. 2020-2021

Introduction
This module is all about the introduction of research, its definition, characteristics, and kinds and
classification.

Rationale

This module will provide students an organized approach in learning the research definition,
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characteristics, kinds and classification. This will also enable students to develop their critical
thinking.

Intended Learning Outcomes

A. Explain the importance of research.

B. Use a particular research methods.
Activity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwVl_-lnoys

1. How do research helps to resolve covid-19 disease?

Discussion
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
 According to Good (as cited in Calderon and Gonzales, 2014) research is a careful, critical,
disciplined inquiry, varying in techniques and methods according to the nature and
conditions of the problem, directed towards clarification or resolution of the problem.
 Based on Treece and Treece (as cited in Calderon and Gonzales, 2014) research is an
attempt to gain solutions to the problems, a collection of data in a rigorously controlled
situation for the purpose of prediction or explanation.
 As stated by Aguino (as cited in Calderon and Gonzales, 2014) research is a systematic
search for pertinent information on a specific topic or problem.
 As said by Manuel and Medel (as cited in Calderon and Gonzales, 2014) research is the
process of gathering data or information to solve a particular or specific problem in a
scientific manner.
 As mention by Sanchez (as cited in Calderon and Gonzales, 2014) research is a systematic
study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering questions posed by the
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researcher.
 Based on Calderon and Gonzales research may be defined as a purposive, systematic and
scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting and interpreting
data for the solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth, or
for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation and
improvement of the quality of human life.

Questions
 With the definition above, why research is important?
 Define research based on your own understanding.

Purposes of Research:
 To discover new facts about known phenomena.
Ex: Alcohol is a known phenomenon and research may turn it into a kind of fuel equal in
quality to gasoline.
 To find answers to problems which are only partially solved by existing methods and
information.
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Ex: Cancer is a serious disease which is only partially cured by present methods but due to
intensive and continuous research, the disease may be eradicated later on.
 Improve existing techniques and develop new instruments or products.
Ex: This goal envisages the invention of new gadgets and machines, food products and other
used by man.
 To discover previously unrecognized substances or elements.
Ex. Previously we had only 92 elements but due to research we now have more than 100.
 Discover pathways of action of known substances and elements.
Ex: Due to research we come to know the dangers from the abusive use of unprescribed
drugs and some poisonous substances.
 To order related, valid generalizations into systematized science.
Ex: The result of this purpose research is the science we are now studying in school.
 To provide basis for decision-making in business, industry, education, government, and in
other undertakings. One approach in decision-making is the research approach (This is
basing important decisions upon the results of research)
 To satisfy the researcher’s curiosity.
Ex: Edison was curious about how a hen hatches her eggs and made a research on that and
he invented the incubator.
 To find answers to queries by means of scientific methods.
Ex: One important question that may be asked which can be answered only by means of
research is: In what setting is life expectancy higher, in the city or in the barrio?
 To acquire a better and deeper understanding about one phenomenon that can be known
and understood better by research.
Ex: Why women are generally smaller than men?
 To expand or verify existing knowledge. This usually happens when researches are
replicated. Newly discovered facts may be found to expand knowledge gained from a
previous research or verified if the same facts are found.
 To improve educational practices for raising the quality of school products.
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Ex: Research surveys often result in the revision of curricula and instructional innovations to
maximize the effectiveness of the learning process.
 To promote health and prolong life.
Ex: This purpose is very obviously demonstrated in pharmaceutical, nutritional, and medical
research.
 To provide man with more of his basic needs – more and better food, clothing, shelter, etc.
Ex: The work of the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna is a good
example of this purpose.
 To make work, travel, and communication faster, easier, and more comfortable.
Ex: Due to research airplanes are made to fly faster, land vehicles to run faster, labor-saving
machines have been invented and improved, radio and television bring news immediately to
the remote areas, and more wonders of electricity are making life easier and better.

Questions
 What is the impact of research to our society?

Characteristics of a Good Research

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 Research is systematic
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.
 Research is controlled
All variables except those that are tested or being experimented upon are kept constant
(not allowed to change or vary) so that the changes made on the subjects of the study can
be attributed only to the experimental variable. This is especially true in an experimental
research.
 Research is empirical
All the procedures employed and the data gathered are perceived in the same manner by all
observers. For instance, one says that there are five persons in the room, all agree to the
existence of the five persons. However, if one says that there are five ghosts in the room;
one or more at all may believe it because not all people believe in ghosts. Ghosts are
examples of data that are not empirical.
 Research is analytical
There is a critical analysis of all the data used so that there is no error in their interpretation.
 Research is objective, unbiased, and logical
All the findings and conclusions are logically based on empirical data and no effort is made
to alter the results of the research.
 Research employs hypothesis
This is to guide the investigation process. In experimental studies, hypotheses are expressly
stated but in descriptive studies, the specific sub-problems or specific questions serve as the
hypotheses and the hypotheses are tested and not proved.
 Research employs qualitative or statistical methods
Data are transformed into numerical measures and are treated statistically to determine
their significance or usefulness.
 Research is original work
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Except in historical research, data are gathered from primary sources or first-hand sources
and not from secondary sources (usually printed materials such as books, or theses, etc.)
 Research is done by expert
The researcher uses valid and carefully designed procedures, valid data-gathering
instruments, and valid data. He subjects his data to expert scrutiny.
 Research is accurate investigation, observation and description
In fact, every research activity must be done accurately so that the findings will lead to the
formulation of scientific generalizations. All conclusions are based on actual evidence.
 Research is patient and unhurried activity
This is to ensure accuracy. Research that is hurriedly done or conducted carelessly due to
racing against time may lead to shaky conclusions and generalizations.
 Research requires an effort-making capacity
No research can be conducted without the exertion of much effort. No one without any
effort-making capacity can conduct a research because research involves much work and
time.
 Research requires courage
Research requires courage because the researcher oftentimes undergoes hazards,
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discomforts and the like. At times the researcher encounters public and social disapproval.
Also, disagreements with colleagues may arise.
Question
Choose three variables of a good research and explain it on your own opinion.

Kinds and Classifications of Research

 According to purpose:
o Predictive or prognostic research has the purpose of determining the future
operation of the variables under investigation with the aim of controlling or
redirecting such for the better. “Predictive research proposes to give the result from
one specific educational practice or pattern and seeks to establish a close statistical
connection between characteristics of students and a prediction of educational
outcome.”
o Directive research determines what should be done based on the findings. This is to
remedy an unsatisfactory condition if there is any.
o Illuminative research is concerned with the interaction of the components of the
variable being investigated, as for example, “interaction of the components of
educational systems and aims to show the connections among, for example, student
characteristics, organizational patterns and policies, and educational consequence.”
 According to goal.
o Basic or pure research is done for the development of theories or principles. It is
conducted for the intellectual pleasure of learning. Much of this kind of research has
been done in psychology and sociology. (Manuel and Medel, p. 18)
o Applied research is the application of the results of pure research. This is testing the
efficacy of theories and principles. For instance, a principle says that praise reinforces
learning. To determine if this is true, one conducts an experiment in which there are
two classes. In one class, he uses praise but in the other class there is no praise at all.
o All other things are kept equal. At the end of the experimental period, he gives the
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same test to the two classes. If the scores of the pupils in the class with praise are
significantly higher than those in the class without praise, then the principle is true.
 According to the levels of investigation.
o In exploratory research, the researcher studies the variables pertinent to a specific
situation.
o In descriptive research, the researcher studies the relationships of the variables.
o In experimental research, the experimenter studies the effects of the variables on
each other.
 According to the type of analysis.
o In the analytic approach, the researcher attempts to identify and isolate the
components of the research situation.
o The holistic approach begins with the total situation, focusing attention on the
system first and then on its internal relationships.
 According to scope.
o Under this category is action research. This type of research is done on a very limited
scope to solve a particular problem which is not so big. It is almost problem solving.
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 According to choice of answers to problems.

o In evaluation research, all possible courses of action are specified and identified and
the researcher tries to find the most advantageous.
o In developmental research, the focus is on finding or developing a more suitable
instrument or process than has been available.
 According to statistical content.
o Quantitative or statistical research is one in which inferential statistics are utilized to
determine the results of the study. Inferential statistics such as correlation, chi-
square analysis of variance, etc. are used to test the hypothesis. This type of research
usually includes comparison studies, cause-and-effect relationships, etc.
o Non-quantitative research. This research in which the use of quantity or statistics is
practically null. This is especially true in anthropological studies where description is
usually used. Descriptive data are gathered rather than quantitative data.
 According to time element.
o Historical research describes what was.
o Descriptive research describes what is.
o Experimental research describes what will be.

Historical, descriptive, and experimental researches are the three major research methods.
All other methods, kinds, and types of research whatever they are called fall under these three
major methods.

Some Hindrances to Scientific Inquiry

 Tradition
This is accepting that customs, beliefs, practices, and superstitions are true and are parts of
the daily lives of men.
For example: there is a traditional belief among some women that women who are
conceiving should avoid eating dark or black foods such as coffee because their children will
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become dark also.
This may be true or not, but many women believe and practice it without verifying its truth.
 Authority
This is accepting without questions, an opinion about a certain subject which is given by
someone who is considered an authority on the subject.
For example:
If an ordinary person says that Maranding is a City, he may be laughed at. In one
hand, if the Municipal Mayor says the same thing, he is believed without question.
 Inaccurate Observation
This is describing wrongly what is observed.
For example:
When Ana heard that the VPAA is strict, she eventually believed without conducting
further investigation.
 Overgeneralization
 This is establishing a pattern out of a few instances.
For example:
One sees one or two graduates in the CS department don’t know how to
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make a program, then he conclude that CS graduates don’t know how to make a program.
 Selective Observation
This is persisting to believe an observed pattern from an overgeneralization and ignoring
other pertinent patterns.
For example:
One sees for the first time that a CS graduate don’t know how to make a program,
then he conclude that CS graduates don’t know how to make a program ignoring the fact
that there are other graduate who are also very good in creating or developing a system.
 Made-up Information
This is making up information to explain away confusion.
For example: Maria wrongly interpreted the findings of research material.
 Illogical reasoning
This is attributing something to another without any logical basis.
For example:
A mother would says to their children do not marry a man/woman who is belong to
a broken family because your family will be broken too.
 Ego-involvement in understanding
This is giving an explanation when one finds himself in an unfavorable situation.
For example:
When a student got a low grade, he says that he got a low grade because his professor has a
personal grudge against him and he is a victim vindictiveness.
 Mystification
This is attributing to supernatural power, the phenomena that cannot be understood. This
is accepting that there are things which are beyond human intelligence to understand and
which are reserve only to a supernatural being. Thus, no effort is exerted to make a scientific
inquiry about these phenomena.
 To err is human
This is an attitude that admits the fallibility of man.
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For example:
When a man renders a wrong decision or commits mistakes, he merely leans on the
saying, “ to err is human” or “tao lang po nagkakamali din” without making effort to
find out why he committed the error, how he committed it, what is the implication of
his mistakes, and how he can correct it.
 Dogmatism
This is an unwritten policy of certain institutions and government prohibiting the study of
topics that are believe to run counter to the established doctrines of such institutions or
government.
For example:
For instance, a remote possibility that a research student in a Christian church-
related school can make a study about the non-existence of God.

Exercise
1. What do you call a person who do research works?
2. How does research contribute to our lives?
3. Why do research play an important role in the society?
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Assessment

The quiz will be sent to your email 20 minutes before the classes end.

Reflection

1. With the challenges brought to us by covid-19 pandemic, how important is research? Why?

Resources and Additional Resources

 Calderon, J.F., & Gonzales, E.C. (2014). Methods of Research and Thesis Writing. National
Book Store, Inc.

Additional Resources:

 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
325846733_INTRODUCTION_TO_RESEARCH

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