MODULE NO.

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NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO COLLEGE
Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte

Department of Criminology
Criminology 7: Criminological Research
2nd Semester of A.Y. 2020-2021

Topic

Classification of Research, Following the Scientific method of Research, Designing the

Study, Steps in Making Research, Elements of Research Problem

Rationale

This module will provide the students with the basic knowledge and principles on the
research, scientific method of research, designing the study, steps in making research and
the elements of research problem.

Intended Learning Outcomes

ILO1. Explain the kinds of Research.

ILO2. Explain the importance of scientific method
ILO3. Design a research Study
ILO4. Identify the elements of research and apply the steps in making research

Activity/Activities

Virtual discussion, online quiz

Discussion

Kinds and Classifications of Research

1. 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

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among, for example, student characteristics, organizational patterns and
policies, and educational consequence.”
2. 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 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. According to time element.
o Historical research describes what was.
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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.

Why should the scientific method of research be followed?

One of the characteristics of good research is that, it is systematic. It follows the scientific
method of research which includes the following sequential steps:
1. Determine (recognizing) the problem;
2. Forming of hypothesis;
3. Doing the library research;
4. Designing the study;
5. Developing the instruments for collecting data;
6. Collecting the data;
7. Analyzing the data;
8. Determining implications and conclusions from the findings, and
9. Making recommendations for further research

Steps in making research

As explained by Edwin S. Johnson in his book Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice

1. The selection of the research topic. This is the original idea that motivates curiosity, the
area of personal or academic interest that generates the driving force. The mind should be so
stimulated by the topic that these is a certain sense of compulsion to undertake the research.
2. The decision on a hypothesis. The research idea must be testable. It is usually put in the
form of a null hypothesis, or a statement of no relationship. This original proposition is called
the research hypothesis.
3. The decision on how the variables can be used for data. All research id dependent upon
data. Data are empirical base for new theory. This step includes the construction of the
instrument.
4. The decision on the research methodology-where, when, and how data are to be
collected and organized. This includes sample size, time limits, cost limits, and technical
considerations of data handling.
5. Statistical analysis. This methods or level chosen decides the sophistication of the study.
6. Interpretation. From the organization of systematic data collection and collation, computer
printouts, graphs, and tables, conclusions must be drawn that are relevant to the research
problem.
7. Presentation. This should be in the proper format. It should reflect scholarly style, yet be clear
and easy to read. Style should never confuse important findings.

Steps in scientific method

1. Determining (recognizing) the problem;
2. Forming a hypothesis;
3. Doing the library research;
4. Designing the study;
5. Developing the instruments for collecting data;
6. Collecting the data;
7. Analyzing the data;
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8. Determining implications and conclusions from the findings; and
9. Making recommendations for further research.

The principles of scientific methods are:

1. Rigid control,
2. Objectivity,
3. Systematic organization, and
4. Rigorous standards.

1. Rigid control refers to the manipulation of the research variables. Variables are those things
that vary in quantity and quality which are to be manipulated by the researcher. Examples of
variables are age, sex, population, adequacy, efficiency, etc. there are variables which should
be controlled rigidly, that is, kept constant or equal in a certain research work.
2. Objectivity means that there should be no bias or partiality in treating the results of the inquiry.
The results should not be tampered with, whatever they may be.
3. Systematic organization refers to proper and accurate tabulation of data as well as
presenting them in statistical tables ready for interpretation.
4. Rigorous Standards refers to the setting up of standards or principles which serve as bases
for evaluating the findings of a study. Such standards should not be changed to suit the
expectations of the researcher. The principles also refer to the accurate statistical computation
and interpretation of quantified data.

It should be noted that the development of this module follows the sequential steps of the
scientific method of research.

Designing the Study

Designing the study must follow the scientific method of research. Aside from choosing the
right problem, forming the hypotheses, and library research, designing the study also includes
deciding on the method of research to be used, the study also includes deciding on the method of
research to be used, the study population, the instruments for gathering data and its preparation, the
sampling design, statistical treatment of data, and analysis and presentation of data.

Following are discussions and explanations of each of these aspects of the research
procedure. After carefully studying these discussions and explanations, the researcher can already
make a workable design of research for his investigation.

There are three major research methods with their respective variations from which the
researcher may choose the method he wants to use depending upon the nature of his investigation.
These are the historical, descriptive, and experimental methods of research.

Discussed and explained also are the different methods of collecting data such as the
interview, questionnaire, observation, tests, and others as well as the preparation of their respective
instruments.

Sampling designs such as pure random, systematic, stratified, cluster and other types are also
well elaborated on.

Other activities involved in conducting research inquiries and writing research reports are also
given clear explanations with illustrations for better understanding. How to write the research report
or thesis has been given very ample explanations and illustrations, chapter by chapter for better
understanding of the whole process of research reporting or thesis writing.

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How is a problem known to be a research problem?

Based on the book of Jose F. Calderon & Expectation C. Gonzales as defined a problem is
(1) any significant, perplexing and challenging situation, real or artificial, the solution of which requires
reflective thinking; (2) a perplexing situation after it has been translated into a question or series of
questions that help determine the direction of subsequent inquiry. Dewey. (Good, p.414)

Elements of a Research Problem

The term research problem implies that an investigation, inquiry or study is to be conducted,
or that the 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. These elements
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 of topic to be investigated. This answers to the question “what?” What is
to be investigated or studied?
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 gathers. This answers the
questions “when?” when is the study to be carried out?
5. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This answers the question
“who?” or “from whom?” Who are the respondents? From whom are the data to be gathered?
6. 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?
7. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This answers the question
“who?” or “from whom?” Who are the respondents? From whom are the data to be gathered?
8. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation. This answers the question “why?” Why is
there an investigation, inquiry or study?
9. The subject matter or topic to be investigated. This answers to the question “what” What is to
be investigated or studied?
10. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. This answers the questions
“where?” Where is the study to be conducted?
11. The period or time of the study during which the data are to be gathered. This answers the
question “when?” is the study to be carried out?
12. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This answers the question
“Who?” or “From whom?” Who are the respondents? From whom are the data to be gathered?
13. 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?
14. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This answers the question
“who?” or “From whom?” Who are the respondents? From whom are the data to be gathered?

Summarizing, the elements of a research problem are aim or purpose, subject matter or topic,
place or locale, period of time and population or universe. They respectively answer questions starting
with why, what, where, when, and who or from whom.

In formulating the title of a research inquiry, the aim is usually omitted and sometimes the
population is not also included.

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Assessment
Given a statement below, examine if it can be a research problem using the elements of
research Problem.

1. Identify the effects does social media have on people’s minds.

2. Improving speaking skills through YouTube aided instructions.

Resources

• Foronda A.M. (2020). Criminological Research. Wiseman’s Books Trading,

Inc.
• Calderon, J.F., & Gonzales, E.C. (2014). Methods of Research and Thesis
Writing. National Book Store, Inc.
• Calmorin, L.P., & Calmorin, M.A. (2007). Research Methods and Thesis
Writing. Rex Book Store Inc.
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325846733_INTRODUCTION_T
O_RESEARCH

Prepared By

Rubyrosa B. Luna, MST, LPT

CECS Faculty

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