What is Research

• the scientific investigation of phenomena, which includes the collection, presentation,

analysis, and interpretation of data or facts that link man’s speculation of reality (Calmorin ,
2016)

• the process of discovering new knowledge. This knowledge can be either the
development of new concepts or the advancement of existing knowledge and
theories, leading to a new understanding that was not previously known
By DiscoverPhDs, September 10, 2020.

• is a systematic way to find out facts and knowledge. There are two types of research,
one is by method and other is by purpose.

• the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment; the search
for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solutions to a problem
(Kothari, 2006)

Purpose of Research -By DiscoverPhDs, September 10, 2020

• to enhance society by advancing knowledge through the development of scientific

theories, concepts and ideas.
• met through forming hypotheses, collecting data, analyzing results, forming
conclusions, implementing findings into real-life applications and forming new
research questions.
• to find out what is known, what is not and what we can develop further. In this way,
scientists can develop new theories, ideas and products that shape our society and
our everyday lives.

The purpose of research is to further understand the world and to learn how this knowledge
can be applied to better everyday life. It is an integral part of problem solving.

From weather forecasts to the discovery of antibiotics, researchers are constantly trying to
find new ways to understand the world and how things work – with the ultimate goal of improving
our lives.

Although research can take many forms, there are three main purposes of research:
1. Exploratory: is the first research to be conducted around a problem that has not yet been
clearly defined. It aims to gain a better understanding of the exact nature of the problem and
not to provide a conclusive answer to the problem itself. This enables us to conduct more in-
depth research later on.

2. Descriptive: expands knowledge of a research problem or phenomenon by describing it

according to its characteristics and population. Descriptive research focuses on the ‘how’
and ‘what’, but not on the ‘why’.

3. Explanatory: also referred to as causal research, is conducted to determine how variables

interact, i.e. to identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Values of Research to Man

• improves quality of life
• Improves instruction and students’ achievements
• Reduces the burden of work
• Satisfies man’s needs
• Improves the exportation of food products
 • Improves teachers’ competence
• Responds to the country’s effort as economic recovery
• Trains graduates to respond to the socioeconomic development of the society and
to compete globally
• Makes the country great again

Qualities of a Good Researcher

• R – Research-Oriented
• E - Efficient
• S - Scientific
• E - Effective
• A - Active
• R - Resourceful
• C - Creative
• H - Honest
• E - Economical
• R - Religious

Qualities of a Good Research

• 1. Empirical- based on direct observation or experience of the researcher
• 2. Logical – Based on legal principles and procedures I gathering data
• 3. Cyclical – starts with a problem and ends with a problem
• 4. Analytical – utilizes proven analytical procedures in collecting data.
- historical-past : descriptive research-, present: experimental – future. Case study – past, present,
future.
• 5. Methodical – conducted in an orderly manner without bias., using systematic procedures
and techniques, appropriate research design, and statistical too to arrive at scientific
interpretation.

• 6. Critical - exhibits careful and exact judgement

• 7. Replicable - Research designs and procedures are duplicated or duplicated using

different materials

• 8. Statistical treatment – statistical treatment is used to transform the available data into
something more meaningful from which knowledge can be gained.

Types of Research By Purpose by ANWAAR AHMAD GULZAR APRIL 16, 20154

1. Basic Research- is mainly concerned with generalizations and the formulation of theory. It is
driven by curiosity or interest in a subject. The main motivation is to expand man’s knowledge, not
to create or invent something. Many scientists believe that basic research lays the foundation for
the applied research that follows.

2. Applied Research - or field research, involves practical problems of the society. It can be argued
that the goal of applied research is to improve the human condition. An example of applied research
could be a study to find out how the school feeding program has affected school enrollment rates in
drought-prone districts.
3. Action Research - It is a unique form of applied research and a reflective process of progressive
problem solving. It is also called “practitioner research” because of the involvement of the actual
practitioner in real life. Action implies that the practitioner is involved in the collection of data,
analysis, and the interpretation of results. He or she is also involved in implementing results of the
research and is thus well placed to judge the effectiveness of the interventions
Methods of Research

Research methods for data collection fall into one of two categories: inductive methods or deductive
methods.

Inductive research methods focus on the analysis of an observation and are usually associated with
qualitative research. Deductive research methods focus on the verification of an observation and
are typically associated with quantitative research.

Qualitative Research - a method that enables non-numerical data collection through open-ended
methods such as interviews, case studies and focus groups. It enables researchers to collect data
on personal experiences, feelings or behaviors, as well as the reasons behind them.

Quantitative Research - is a method that collects and analyses numerical data through statistical
analysis. It allows us to quantify variables, uncover relationships, and make generalizations across
a larger population. As a result, quantitative research is often used in the natural and physical
sciences such as engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, finance, and medical
research, etc.

Following are the steps in research process:

• Explain the objectives of research, present the problem and state the hypothesis/es.
• Elaborate on the research design mainly with reference to methodology of data collection
and analysis.
• System of data collection with clear understanding of sampling techniques and/or census
approach.
• Description, tabulation, coding, analysis of data and statement of analytical
results/findings.
• Interpretation of these findings/results and reaching objective conclusions.
• Attempting reliable prediction.

Challenges Faced by Researchers

Matthieu Chartier, PhD. Tips And Tricks 8 Challenges Faced by Researchers (and Tips to Help) (fourwaves.com)

Top 8 challenges that researchers face and some tips to help.

1. Choosing your research topic

TIP: Stay flexible and consider all the angles
2. Finding research funding
TIP: Think outside your social and geographical boxes
3. Convincing others of the value of your research
TIP: Reflect on your research purpose
4. Overcoming imposter syndrome
TIP: Remind yourself of your research (and personal) success
5. Building a good research team (or finding collaborators)
TIP: Use all available resources and expand your network
6. Recruiting research participants (or collecting samples)
TIP: Don’t be afraid to ask (but be sure to come prepared)
7. Staying self-motivated and managing your time
TIP: Plan and put accountability systems in place
8. Ensuring your research doesn’t sit and collect dust
: TIP: Wrap up your research with the future in mind