Module 1: Fundamentals of Research

Lesson 1:
Common Misconceptions
about Research

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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

• Misconceptions surrounding research are not uncommon, as the

process can be intricate and often misunderstood. Many people hold
preconceived notions about research that may hinder their grasp of
its true nature and purpose.
• Some may view research as an esoteric realm reserved exclusively
for academics, while others might perceive it as an arduous and
tedious undertaking devoid of real-world significance.
• However, these misconceptions fail to capture the research's
dynamic and impactful nature. In reality, research is a multifaceted
endeavor encompassing a wide range of disciplines and
applications, serving as a powerful tool for advancing knowledge,
addressing societal issues, and informing evidence-based decision-
making.
• In order to appreciate the value of research fully, it is essential to
dispel these misconceptions and develop a more nuanced
understanding of its purpose, methods, and potential impact.
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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

• The following are the most common misconceptions about

research, according to Leedy and Ormrod (2010):
1. Research is not mere information gathering.

A group of friends decides to work on a school project together. They divide the
tasks and one of them is assigned the role of conducting research. The friend
excitedly proclaims, "I'll do the research!"

• However, their understanding of research is limited to a quick internet search and copying
information from the first few sources they find. They believe gathering and presenting a
few facts in their project is sufficient. This misconception overlooks the importance of
critically evaluating sources, analyzing information, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
• Research goes beyond simply collecting data or facts. It involves a systematic and rigorous
process of inquiry that aims to generate new knowledge, test hypotheses, and provide
insights into complex phenomena.

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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

• The following are the most common misconceptions about

research, according to Leedy and Ormrod (2010):
1. Research is not mere information gathering.

A group of friends decides to work on a school project together. They divide the
tasks and one of them is assigned the role of conducting research. The friend
excitedly proclaims, "I'll do the research!"

• Research requires critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation of data, as well as the
application of appropriate methodologies and theoretical frameworks. It involves
formulating research questions, designing studies, and drawing meaningful conclusions
contributing to the existing knowledge body.
• In addition, it involves a more thorough and systematic approach, including identifying
relevant sources, critically evaluating the information, and synthesizing it to develop a
deeper understanding of the topic.

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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

2. Research is not mere transportation of facts from

one location to another.
A high school student, fascinated by the mysteries of ancient civilizations,
decides to write a research paper on the enigmatic "Lost City" of Atlantis.
Eager to impress the teacher, the student embarks on a journey of
information gathering by scouring books, online articles, and academic
journals about Atlantis. The student meticulously organizes the gathered
data, referencing each source appropriately, and presents it in a well-
structured and aesthetically pleasing format.

• Despite going through the motions of formal research, the student falls short of true research
in the paper. The crucial aspect of interpretation is missing. The student merely compiles
historical accounts, theories, and speculations about Atlantis but fails to analyze the available
data comprehensively.
• The paper lacks any meaningful conclusions or interpretations drawn from the assembled
facts. As a result, although the student displays effort and diligence in collecting and
organizing information, the absence of critical analysis and original insights means the
research paper remains incomplete.
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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

2. Research is not mere transportation of facts from

one location to another.
A high school student, fascinated by the mysteries of ancient civilizations,
decides to write a research paper on the enigmatic "Lost City" of Atlantis.
Eager to impress the teacher, the student embarks on a journey of
information gathering by scouring books, online articles, and academic
journals about Atlantis. The student meticulously organizes the gathered
data, referencing each source appropriately, and presents it in a well-
structured and aesthetically pleasing format.

• While research involves disseminating knowledge, its purpose goes beyond mere
transportation. Research endeavors to uncover new insights, challenge existing assumptions
and advance understanding in a particular field. It involves analyzing, synthesizing, and
interpreting information in a way that adds value and contributes to the broader academic or
scientific community.
• More so, it requires more than just presenting facts; it demands the ability to analyze and
synthesize information to draw valuable conclusions that contribute to a deeper
understanding of the subject matter.
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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

3. Research is not merely rummaging for information.

You are in the process of selling your current home and are interested in determining
its fair market value before listing it for sale. You call your realtor to seek advice on
setting the right asking price. The realtor responds, "I'll have to do some research to
determine the fair market value of your property."

• In this context, the realtor's use of "research" implies a more systematic and in-depth approach to
arrive at an accurate valuation. Instead of simply rummaging through files or randomly seeking
information, the realtor will thoroughly analyze recent sales data for properties comparable to
yours. This involves studying market trends, examining the selling prices of similar homes in the
neighborhood, and considering various factors that might influence your home's value.
• By conducting this comprehensive research, the realtor can provide you with a well-informed and
reasonable asking price for your current home, ensuring you make an informed decision in the
selling process. In this example, the realtor emphasizes that proper research involves more than
casual searching; it requires a deliberate and structured approach to arrive at meaningful and
relevant conclusions.
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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

4. Research is not a catchword used to get attention..

You are watching your favorite TV show. Then, an advertisement with a particular line
catches your attention:

“Years of research have produced a new toothpaste, achieve a radiant smile

with sparkling white!”

• The phrase "years of research" catches your attention. The product must be good, you reason,
because years of research have been spent on developing it. You order the product, and what do
you get? A regular toothpaste! No research, merely the clever use of a catchword that fulfilled its
purpose: to grab your attention. "Years of research"—what an attention-getting phrase, yet how
misleading!

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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

Research Defined
• Research is a structured procedure of gathering, examining, and
comprehending data to expand our knowledge of a specific subject
that intrigues or concerns us. While individuals commonly adopt a
systematic approach to address everyday issues, we emphasize formal
research here.
• Formal research involves a deliberate effort to deepen our
understanding of a phenomenon and share our discoveries with the
wider scientific community (Leedy & Ormrod, 2010).
• For Best and Kahn (1995), research can be described as a methodical
and unbiased examination and documentation of controlled
observations. This process has the potential to generate
generalizations, principles, or theories that enable the prediction and,
in some cases, the eventual control of events.

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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

Research Defined
• The concepts related to research signify that research plays a crucial
role in expanding our understanding of the world around us.
Researchers can uncover patterns, relationships, and underlying
principles that govern various phenomena by systematically collecting
and analyzing data.
• This knowledge serves as the foundation for developing generalizations
and theories that contribute to our predictive abilities.
• Research gives us insights into the complex workings of nature, society,
and human behavior. It enables us to make informed decisions, solve
problems, and address critical challenges in fields ranging from science
and medicine to social sciences and technology.
• Moreover, research empowers us to challenge existing beliefs, explore
new frontiers, and continuously push the boundaries of knowledge.
Without research, our understanding of the world would remain
stagnant, and progress would be impeded.
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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

Quantitative Research
• Quantitative research involves testing objective theories by
examining the relationship between measurable variables. It
employs statistical procedures to analyze numerical data
collected through instruments. (Price & Oswald, 2009).
• The research report follows a structured format and includes
sections such as introduction, literature and theory, methods,
results, and discussion.
• Quantitative researchers aim to test theories deductively,
control for bias, consider alternative explanations, and achieve
generalizability and replicability. The approach is focused on
proving, disproving, or supporting existing theories (Creswell,
2009; Aliaga & Gunderson, 2000; Chico & Matira, 2016).
• Quantitative research provides a valuable framework for
investigating and understanding the relationships between
variables.

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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

Quantitative Research
• Researchers can uncover patterns, correlations, and causal relationships by
employing deductive approaches and statistical analysis in their quest for
knowledge.
• The emphasis on neutrality and objectivity in quantitative research underscores
the importance of minimizing bias and maintaining a systematic and rigorous
approach. The ability to collect data from a large sample further enhances the
findings' scope and reliability.
• This approach is particularly useful when the goal is to explain phenomena or
evaluate existing theories. However, it is essential to recognize that quantitative
research is just one part of the larger research landscape, and its strengths
should be complemented by other research approaches, such as qualitative
methods, to comprehensively understand complex phenomena (Leavy, 2017).
• By integrating multiple research approaches, scholars can explore different
dimensions of a topic, enriching our understanding and contributing to a more
holistic body of knowledge.

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Lesson 1: Common Misconceptions about Research

End of Lesson 1.
Thank You!
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao

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