Communication for Academic Purposes

Research: Meaning, Characteristics, Values of Research to Mankind

and Classification of Research
What is Research?
Experts defined research in different perspectives. Their own definition is based on their own
field of specialization and interest. However, their definitions are geared to the basic meaning of
research which is applied in any field of study. The following experts define research as follows:
According to Adanza, Bermudo, Rasonable (2009), research is looking for answers to a query
using the most logical and valid methods. Baac (2008), discoursed that researched is the process
by which the collection and analysis of data to generate a theory or test a theory is done
systematically.
On the other hand, Calmorin (2007) defines research as the scientific investigation of phenomena
which includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that link an
individuals’ speculation with reality. Moreover, Dejillas(2000) expresses that research is a
systematic and scientific way of investigating a problem with the view of understanding it and
finding solutions to it.
Lastly, Mugo (2000), states that research is a careful or diligent search, studious inquiry or
examination especially investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery or interpretation
of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts or practical application of
such new or revised theories or laws. It can also be the collection of information about a
particular subject.

Characteristics of Research
According to Calmorin(2007), research has the following characteristics.
1. Empirical- research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
2. Logical- Research is based on valid procedures and principles.
3. Cyclical- Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a
problem.
4. Analytical- Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether
historical, descriptive, experimental or case study.
5. Critical- Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
6. Methodical- Research is conducted in methodical manner without bias using systematic
method and procedures.
7. Replicable- The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
Moreover, other characteristics of research were stressed as follows:
 1. Research originates with a question or a problem.
2. Research requires a clear articulation of a goal.
3. Research follows a specific plan of procedure.
4. Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub-problems.
5. Research is guided by a specific research problem, question or hypothesis.
6. Research accepts certain critical assumptions.
7. Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in attempting to resolve the
problem that initiated the research.

Values of Research to Man

Research is said to affect people’s lives and endeavor. Calmorin (2007) listed the following
values of research to man.
1. Research improves quality of life.
2. Research improves instruction.
3. Research improves students’ achievement.
4. Research improves teachers’ competence.
5. Research satisfies man’s needs.
6. Research reduces the burden of work.
7. Research improves the exportation of food products.
8. Research responds to the economic recovery and austerity measure of the country.
9. Research trains graduates to become responsive to the economic development of the
country and compete globally.
Kinds of Research
There are three kinds of research according to Adanza, Bermudo, Resonable (2009):
Basic Research deals with the processes of objects and things, or information about
different topics with no concern for a direct pay-off.
Applied Research probes into the unknown using directly the results to a current problem.
Empirical Research is more specific than basic research, but implies its nature from the
use of data, whether quantitative or qualitative.
Classification of Research
Research can be classified as follows:
 Evaluation Research. This is concerned with the application of theories and facts in
evaluating the relative worth of two or more possible alternatives or decisions.
Research and Development. This research is concerned with the application of existing
theories or body of knowledge in developing new products, systems or procedures.
Action Research. This is concerned with the application of existing theories in the
conceptualization of a possible alternative solution to an existing problem situation.
Library Research. Research is conducted in the library. Data needed to solve the research
problems are available in the library.
Field Study. Research is conducted in the natural setting.
Laboratory Research. Research is conducted in artificial or controlled conditions by
isolating the study.
Parts of a Research Paper
Writing a research paper (or a research proposal) can be compared to being a lawyer in a court
case. If you were the lawyer, you would state your case (define your topic), search for evidence
(find your sources), present evidence (reveal findings), and make closing arguments (discuss
conclusions). Although you may believe that your client is guilty or innocent, the jury would not
be interested in your opinions, but in the evidence you present and in the clear and logical
manner in which you make your case. In the same way, you must objectively address your
research topic as if you are the lawyer making a case for a jury.
I would like you to focus your attention on the sample research paper I will show you. You
notice that its parts are unlabeled. Based on your readings, you have to identify the parts of the
research paper and after which a thorough discussion of those parts will follow.
A researcher must familiarize himself/herself on the different parts of a research to facilitate
easier writing of its parts. They are as follows:

Title
The title of a research paper is much more important than you may think. Many more people
read research titles than actually read the paper. The title has to do two things:
 accurately describe what the paper is about
 make the reader want to read the paper

People often ask, "Why the titles of research are documents so LONG? Two reasons:
1. Researchers want people to read their papers! A vague title will not catch the reader's'
interest and make them want to read more.
2. Scholars search databases (even Google is a database!) using key words. The more
relevant words in the title make it more likely that others will find the document in a
search.
Abstract
Abstracts should be about 250 words long. Even though it comes first in your paper, it should be
written last. It is a concise summary of your study. It is not an introduction to your paper.
The following are written in the abstract: the purpose of the study, the research design and the
significant findings of the study.

INTRODUCTION
The introduction should include a statement of the research problem. This section expands on the
research question you hope to answer in your study. It should also present a tentative answer to
that question—what you hope or expect to find. It should also include your rationale. The
rationale deals with how you have arrived at the conclusion that this research should be
undertaken. What was your line of reasoning? Why is it important to do this research, as a
statement of logic rather than a statement of belief? This section points out the practical
relevance of the problem, states what the given state of affairs is currently and what is
unsatisfactory about it.
Statement of the Problem
A statement of the purpose of the investigation and the specific problems you are trying to
answer.
It should include a statement of relevance to felt needs, its potential contribution to new
knowledge , policy implications and other possible uses of the results.
Significance of the Study
This part presents the contributions of the study in relation to: solving a problem, bridging
knowledge gap, improving social, health, and economic conditions, etc.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
This should include the specific scope of the problem, the nature of any subject treated, and their
number. The scope is expected to indicate a reasonable area of study which is large enough to
permit careful treatment.
These are the parameters that you put on your study to limit the scope. If you study is about
trombone students, for example, you can't study all of them. So, you place limits on your study:
only trombone players who are in the 6th grade in two middle schools in Ohio. These are not the
same as 'limitations.' Limitations are factors beyond the control of the research. Delimitations
are restrictions purposely placed on the study by the researcher. Delimitations may include:
 what you are not doing (and why)
 literature you will not review (and why)
 a population you are not studying (and why)
 the procedures and methods you are not using (and why)
After you have set your delimitations, then don't think outside the box!
METHODOLOGY

This section in the research manuscript should also specify the research design, the respondents
of the study, the research instrument, and the data gathering procedure, the data analysis and
the statistical treatment.

Research Design

This section describes in sufficient detail the most appropriate design that is applicable to the
study. It also describes the method of gathering the data, methods for observations and
interpretations, modifications and statistical methods used.

The following must be kept in mind in writing this section:

 Must be written in the past tense.
 Must not be written as though it were directions in a laboratory manual.

Methods of data collection

1. tests
2. experiments
3. surveys
4. questionnaires
5. observation
6. interviews
7. document review

Respondents of the Study

This part explains HOW and WHERE, HOW MANY are the respondents taken.
Research Instruments
This describes the research/ data gathering instruments used, e.g. questionnaire, test, interview,
checklist or rating scale.

Data Gathering Procedure

This part describes the procedure/process of obtaining the needed data.

Statistical Treatment and Data Analysis

This part describes how the gathered data were analyzed. It also describes the statistical tool/s
and formula/e used to answer the research questions of the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results, analysis and interpretation of data. All specific questions in
chapter 1 under statement of the problem are answered.
REFERENCES
The reference list must include full reference documentation for all articles and texts mentioned
in the study. All references should be listed alphabetically and formatted according to the APA
reference style.
Sample of references written in APA Style
Gee, J.P. (2014). An introduction to discourse analysis: Theory and Method: Routledge.

Ivkovic, D., & Lotherington,H. (2009). Multilingualism in cyberspace: Conceptualising

the virtual linguistic landscape. International Journal of Multilingualism, 6(1),17-36).

List of Higher Education Institutions. (n.d.) Retrieved August 20, 2017 from
ched.gov.ph/list-higher-education-institutions.