MGA 200 RESEARCH METHOD IN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Date: SEPTEMBER 04, 2023

To: DR. MARGARITA BEBANCO

Research Method in GA Instructor

ASSIGNMENT 2

I. What are the key distinguishing characteristics that set research apart from casual inquiry or opinion-based discourse?
II. Why objectivity is considered a crucial characteristic in research?
III. Explain how the purposeful inquiry aspect of research influences the formulation of research questions and objectives.
IV. How does the systematic process differentiate research from other forms of investigation?
V. Explain the significance of empirical evidence in the context of research characteristics.

I. WHAT ARE THE KEYS DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS THAT SET RESEARCH APART FROM CASUAL INQUIRY
OR OPINION-BASED DISCOURSE?

The characteristics of Research that set apart from casual inquiry or opinion-based discourse are Qualitative Research,
Quantitative Research, Systematic Process,and Analytical and Critical

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH is means for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to
a social or human problem. The process of research involves emerging questions and procedures, data typically
collected in the participant’s setting, data analysis inductively building from particulars to general themes, and the
researcher making interpretations of the meani ng of the data. Qualitative research collects non-numerical data such as
words, images, and sounds. The focus is on exploring subjective experiences, opinions, and attitudes, often through
observation and interviews. Qualitative research aims to produce rich and detailed descriptions of the phenomenon being
studied, and to uncover new insights and meanings.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH is means for testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables. These
variables, in turn, can be measured, typically on instruments, so that numbered data can be analyzed using statistical
procedures. The aim is to produce objective, empirical data that can be measured and expressed in numerical terms.
Quantitative research is often used to test hypotheses, identify patterns, and make predictions.

SYSTEMATIC PROCESS means research involves w well organized and structured approach, it is planned and executed
systematically.

ANALYTICAL AND CRITICAL means the research should be conducted ethiucally, respecting the rights and well-being of
participants, and adhering to ethical guidelines and standards.

II. OBJECTIVITY IS CONSIDERED A CRUCIAL CHARACTERISTIC IN RESEARCH

Objectivity is a crucial characteristic of scientific research. Objectivity means being objective or impartial and not being
influenced by personal experiences, value judgments, or preconceived notions. It is the opposite of subjectivity, which is an
outlook governed by one's personally held beliefs, opinions, or tastes. Objectivity is free from all bias. A bias is an unfair
tendency to prefer one outcome, thing, person, or group of people over another. There are many different kinds of biases.
People have both overt and implicit biases. For example, one may be biased toward their family members over strangers or
someone who likes the same sports team. Unconsciously, people may also behave differently toward people of different
races, and it is vital to recognize and reduce bias in daily life and scientific research.
 III. EXPLAIN HOW THE PURPOSEFUL INQUIRY ASPECT OF RESEARCH INFLUENCES THE FORMULATION OF
RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIVES.

The process of inquiry starts with developing a research question. By defining exactly what the researcher is trying to find out,
these questions influence most of the rest of the steps taken to conduct the research. That’s true even if the research is not for
academic purposes but for other areas of our lives.

For instance, if you are seeking information about a health problem in order to learn whether you have anything to worry
about, research questions will make it possible for you to more effectively decide whether to seek medical help-and how
quickly.

Or, if you are researching a potential employer, having developed and used research questions will mean you are able to
more confidently decide whether to apply for an internship of job there.

The confidence you will have when making such decisions will come from knowing that the information they are based on was
gathered by conscious thought rather than serendipity and whim.

IV. HOW DOES THE SYSTEMATIC PROCESS DIFFERENTIATE RESEARCH FROM OTHER FORMS OF INVESTIGATION?

Researchers use systematic methods for the purpose of scientific discoveries by following specific steps, such as testing a
hypothesis. The development of therapeutic treatments for anxiety and mood disorders, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy,
are rooted in the systematic process of discovery.
The study has a clear structure with definite procedural rules that must be followed. There are rules for designing a study, for
controlling different problems that may adversely influence the study, and for choosing and applying statistics (if necessary). It
is these rules that make such studies systematic and that can help us read, interpret, and critique studies. It is these rules that
underlie the logic of research.

V. EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF RESEARCH CHARACTERISTICS

Empirical evidence is the information obtained through observation and documentation of certain behavior and patterns or
through an experiment. Empirical evidence is a quintessential part of the scientific method of research that is applicable in
many disciplines.

In the scientific method, the pieces of empirical evidence are used to validate or disprove a stated hypothesis, statement, or
claim. In the scientific world, a hypothesis can be accepted by the community only if sufficient (empirical) evidence that
supports the hypothesis is provided.

Empirical evidence is primarily obtained through observation or experimentation. The observations or experiments are known
as primary sources. However, it can also be obtained through various secondary sources, including articles, reports,
newspapers, etc. The process of finding empirical evidence is called empirical research.

The main concern with empirical research is the collection of unbiased evidence. Researchers must carefully design the
research while minimizing exposure to potential errors. In the scientific world, it is common that several scientists or
researchers gather evidence simultaneously by replicating the same study. In addition, peer review is a primary tool in science
that is used to validate the evidence provided in a study or research.

Prepared and Submitted by:

JEFFREY G. SINTAON
MGA 1A Student