THESIS 1
conclusion.
LESSON 1
 RESEARCH
-is recognized as a vital tool for solving man’s
multifarious problems and in making life richer and fuller
-came from prefix ‘re’ which means to repeat or redo
and root word ‘search’ which means to find or look for
-is concerned with finding answers (Mason & Bramble,
1989)
-a systematic process of collecting and logically
analyzing information or data for some purpose
(Macmillan & Schumacher 1989)
-a process of obtaining knowledge through techniques,
where truth, accuracy, validity, reliability, and other
criteria can be ascertained (Genato et al, 1993)
-a critical and exhaustive investigation or
experimentation, having for its aim the discovery of new
facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of
accepted conclusions, theories or laws in the light of
newly discovered facts or the practical application of
such conclusions, theories or laws (Leedy, 1993)
-a systematic inquiry geared towards proving information
to solve problems (Emory, 1995)
-a systematic and empirical approach to answering
questions. It is concerned with understanding
phenomenon, within the context of our theories and
experiences regarding the phenomenon (Bieger & Gail,
1996)
-it is the continuous discovery and exploration of the
unknown. It entails an investigation of new facts, leading
to the discovery of new ideas, new methods or
improvements (Charles, 1988)
 CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
Systematic
-it is systematic as there are interrelated steps or
procedures a researcher has to observe in solving
problem. It originates with a problem, followed by
gathering of data in a logical and orderly manner guided
by a reasonable guess or hypothesis and ends with a
conclusion based on observable fact of data.
Objective
-it is not based on guesswork. This is because empirical
data have to be gathered by the researcher prior to
making conclusion of proposing new solution to an
identified difficulty or problems.
Comprehensive
-if a researcher is serious about understanding a
phenomenon, he needs to examine and analyze all
aspects or angles before making a generalization or
Critical
-this means that procedures employed by the
researches must be able to withstand critical scrutiny by
other researchers
Valid
-whenever a researcher formulates conclusion, these
have to be based on actual findings
Verifiable
-research is said to be verifiable as other researchers
can check on the corrections of the results by replicating
the study, based on methods and procedures employed
by the researcher
Empirical
-research is empirical as generalizations drawn by a
researcher are rooted upon hard evidence gathered from
information collected from real-life experiences or
observation.
 THE VALUE OF RESEARCH
-Expert Opinion
-Sensory Experiences
-Agreement with Others
-Reasoning
-Common Sense
-Research
 TYPES OF RESEARCH
Descriptive Research
-a type of research that seeks to describe systematically,
factually, accurately, and objectively a situation, problem
or phenomenon.
Correlational or Associational Research
-in this type of research, the investigator tries to probe
on the significance of the relationship between two or
more factors or characteristics.
Explanatory Research
-in this type of inquiry, the researcher seeks to clarify
why and how a relationship exists between two or more
aspects of a situation or phenomenon.
Exploratory Research
-this kind of study is undertaken when the investigator is
after probing or exploring areas were little is known
about the research problem
Experimental Research
-in this type of research probes into the cause of an
effect by exposing one or more experimental groups to
one or more treatments or conditions
Ex-post Facto or Casual Comparative Research
-when the investigator delves on analyzing the possible
effect of a factor which cannot be manipulated and
controlled
Historical Research
-the researcher attempts to reconstruct the past
objectively and accurately or to explain an incident that
happened in the past with the use of data taken from the
past
Ethnographic Research
-is done when the researcher is concerned with
explaining or describing a phenomenon holistically with
the use of multiple data collection.
 THE RESEARCH PROCESS
STEP 1 - Idea Generating Phase
STEP 2 - Problem Definition Phase
STEP 3 - Procedures Design Phase
STEP 4 - Data Collection Phase
STEP 5 - Data Analysis Phase
-means that the problem you are going work on can be
completed without undue amount of time, money or
effort
Researchable
-means that data can be collected to answer the problem
you posed.
Ethical
-must not involve physical or psychological harm or
damage to human beings or organizations
 TYPES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
Descriptive Research Question
-typically asks ‘What is’
-suggests a survey research design
Relationship Research Question
-asks ‘What is the relationship between two or more
variable or factors under study?’
-implies a correlational design
Difference Research Question
-typically asks ‘Is there a difference between or
among respondents in relation to a characteristic or
factor under study?’

STEP 6 - Interpretation Phase -often used when a researcher is a after comparing two
or more observations
STEP 7 - Communication Phase
 STATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
 SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
-declarative form is used when stating the main problem
-Personal Interests and Observation of the study
-Problem Needing a Solution
-Other Investigator’s Theories and Research
-Literature in One’s Field of Specialization
-Completed Theses and Dissertations
-Suggestions from Colleagues and Professors

 FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE CHOICE OF

A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Novel
-focus on a topic that has not been investigated before
Relevant
-results of the study must have practical values to you
and to others in the field
Interesting
-as the researcher, you need to consider your interest in
the choice of your research of your problem
Feasible
THESIS 1
LESSON 2

 DEFINING KEY TERMS IN PROBLEM

-In any study, you need to define the key terms or
concepts in the statement of the problem in order to
avoid confusion or ambiguity (Kumar, 1996)
Conceptual Definition
-is the definition of a term as given by authorities or
experts in a particular discipline
Operational Definition
-is the researcher’s own definition of a term, based on
how it will be used in his study

 IDENTIFYING THE VARIABLES OF A STUDY

-to ensure objectivity in the study of an identified
problem, the researcher has to be clears as to what
variables are to be examined or investigated. A variable
is a property or characteristic that takes different values
(Kerlinger, 1986; Wiersma, 1991)
Independent Variable
-the cause supposed to be responsible for bringing
about changes in the dependent variable
Dependent Variable
-the effect of a cause
Intervening Variable
-a variable whose existence is inferred but that cannot
be manipulated or controlled
Moderator Variable
-a variable that may or may not be controlled but has an
effect on the research situation