Assignment #1

MRENG 001A - METHODS OF RESEARCH

PAGALARAN, JOHN LOUIS
BSCoE-32E1
March 25, 2024

1. Define Research
According to John W. Best, research is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of
controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles,
theories, and concepts, resulting in prediction for seeing and possibly ultimate control of
events. Hence, research is a step-by-step process of inquiry, data collection, and experiments
that leads to generalized conclusions that enables researchers to provide solutions to a specific
problem.

2. Identify Category/Types of Research

We can categorize research into to two types:
(a.) Quantitative (b.) Qualitative
QUANTITATIVE - Quantitative methodology is the dominant research framework in the
social sciences. It refers to a set of strategies, techniques and assumptions used to study
psychological, social, and economic processes through the exploration of numeric patterns.
Different forms of Quantitative Research:
1. Descriptive research seeks to describe the current status of an identified
variable. These research projects are designed to provide systematic information
about a phenomenon. The researcher does not usually begin with a hypothesis, but
is likely to develop one after collecting data. The analysis and synthesis of the data
provide the test of the hypothesis. Systematic collection of information requires
careful selection of the units studied and careful measurement of each variable.
2. Correlational research attempts to determine the extent of a relationship
between two or more variables using statistical data. In this type of design,
relationships between and among several facts are sought and interpreted. This type
of research will recognize trends and patterns in data, but it does not go so far in its
analysis to prove causes for these observed patterns. Cause and effect is not the
basis of this type of observational research. The data, relationships, and
distributions of variables are studied only. Variables are not manipulated; they are
only identified and are studied as they occur in a natural setting.
3. Causal-comparative/quasi-experimental research attempts to establish cause-
effect relationships among the variables. These types of design are very similar to
true experiments, but with some key differences. An independent variable is
identified but not manipulated by the experimenter, and effects of the independent
variable on the dependent variable are measured. The researcher does not randomly
assign groups and must use ones that are naturally formed or pre-existing groups.
Identified control groups exposed to the treatment variable are studied and
compared to groups who are not.
 4. Experimental research, often called true experimentation, uses the scientific
method to establish the cause-effect relationship among a group of variables that
make up a study. The true experiment is often thought of as a laboratory study, but
this is not always the case; a laboratory setting has nothing to do with it. A true
experiment is any study where an effort is made to identify and impose control over
all other variables except one. An independent variable is manipulated to determine
the effects on the dependent variables. Subjects are randomly assigned to
experimental treatments rather than identified in naturally occurring groups.
QUALITATIVE - Qualitative research is a process of naturalistic inquiry that seeks an in-
depth understanding of social phenomena within their natural setting. It focuses on the
"why" rather than the "what" of social phenomena and relies on the direct experiences of
human beings as meaning-making agents in their everyday lives.
Different forms of Qualitative Research:
1. Historical research describes past events, problems, issues, and facts. Data are
gathered from written or oral descriptions of past events, artifacts, etc. It describes
“what was” in an attempt to recreate the past. It is different from a report in that it
involves interpretation of events and its influence on the present. It answers the
question: “What was the situation?”
Examples of Historical Research:
• A study of the factors leading to the historical development and growth of
cooperative learning
• A study of the effects of the historical decisions of the United States
Supreme Court on American prisons
• A study of the evolution of print journalism in the United States through a
study of collections of newspapers
• A study of the historical trends in public laws by looking recorded at a local
courthouse

2. Ethnographic research develops in-depth analytical descriptions of current

systems, processes, and phenomena and/or understandings of the shared beliefs and
practices of a particular group or culture. This type of design collects extensive
narrative data (non-numerical data) based on many variables over an extended
period of time in a natural setting within a specific context. The background,
development, current conditions, and environmental interaction of one or more
individuals, groups, communities, businesses or institutions is observed, recorded,
and analyzed for patterns in relation to internal and external influences. It is a
complete description of present phenomena. One specific form of ethnographic
research is called a case study. It is a detailed examination of a single group,
individual, situation, or site.
 Examples of Ethnographic Research:
▪ A case study of parental involvement at a specific magnet school
▪ A multi-case study of children of drug addicts who excel despite early
childhoods in poor environments
▪ The study of the nature of problems teachers encounters when they begin to
use a constructivist approach to instruction after having taught using a very
traditional approach for ten years

3. Narrative research focuses on studying a single person and gathering data

through the collection of stories that are used to construct a narrative about the
individual’s experience and the meanings he/she attributes to them.
Examples of Narrative Research:
A study of the experiences of an autistic student who has moved from a self-
contained program to an inclusion setting
A study of the experiences of a high school track star who has been moved on to a
championship-winning university track team

3. Differentiate Quantitative from Qualitative

The overall structure for a quantitative design is based in the scientific method. It uses
deductive reasoning, where the researcher forms an hypothesis, collects data in an investigation
of the problem, and then uses the data from the investigation, after analysis is made and
conclusions are shared, to prove the hypotheses not false or false. The basic procedure of a
quantitative design is:
1) Make your observations about something that is unknown, unexplained, or new.
Investigate current theory surrounding your problem or issue.
2) Hypothesize an explanation for those observations.
3) Make a prediction of outcomes based on your hypotheses. Formulate a plan to test
your prediction.
4) Collect and process your data. If your prediction was correct, go to step 5. If not,
the hypothesis has been proven false. Return to step 2 to form a new hypothesis
based on your new knowledge.
5)
6) Verify your findings. Make your final conclusions. Present your findings in an
appropriate form for your audience.
Qualitative methodology is inductive in its reasoning. The researcher selects a general
topic and then begins collecting information to assist in the formation of an hypothesis.
 The data collected during the investigation creates the hypothesis for the researcher in
this research design model.
1) Identify a general research question.
2) Choose main methods, sites, and subjects for research. Determine methods of
documentation of data and access to subjects
3)
4) Decide what you will collect data on: questions, behaviors to observe, issues to
look for in documents (interview/observation guide), how much (# of questions, #
of interviews/observations, etc.).
5) Clarify your role as researcher. Determine whether you will be obtrusive or
unobtrusive, objective or involved
6) Study the ethical implications of the study. Consider issues of confidentiality and
sensitivity.
7) Begin to collect data and continue until you begin to see the same, repeated
information, and stop finding new information.
8) Interpret data. Look for concepts and theories in what has been collected so far.
9) Revise the research question if necessary and begin to form hypotheses.
10) Collect further data to address revisions. Repeat Steps 6 and 7.
11) Verify your data. Complete conceptual and theoretical work to make your
findings. Present your findings in an appropriate form to your audience.

4. How to define/distinguish/identify research problem

A research problem is a gap in existing knowledge, a contradiction in an established theory, or a
real-world challenge that a researcher aims to address in their research. It is at the heart of any
scientific inquiry, directing the trajectory of an investigation. Before you conceive of your project,
you need to ask yourself “What is a research problem?” A research problem definition can be
broadly put forward as the primary statement of a knowledge gap or a fundamental challenge in a
field, which forms the foundation for research.
CHARACTERISTIC OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
Novel: An ideal research problem introduces a fresh perspective, offering something new
to the existing body of knowledge. It should contribute original insights and address
unresolved matters or essential knowledge.
Significant: A problem should hold significance in terms of its potential impact on theory,
practice, policy, or the understanding of a particular phenomenon. It should be relevant to
the field of study, addressing a gap in knowledge, a practical concern, or a theoretical
dilemma that holds significance.
Feasible: A practical research problem allows for the formulation of hypotheses and the
design of research methodologies. A feasible research problem is one that can realistically
be investigated given the available resources, time, and expertise. It should not be too broad
or too narrow to explore effectively, and should be measurable in terms of its variables and
outcomes. It should be amenable to investigation through empirical research methods, such
as data collection and analysis, to arrive at meaningful conclusions A practical research
problem considers budgetary and time constraints, as well as limitations of the problem.
These limitations may arise due to constraints in methodology, resources, or the complexity
of the problem.
Clear and specific: A well-defined research problem is clear and specific, leaving no room
for ambiguity; it should be easily understandable and precisely articulated. Ensuring
specificity in the problem ensures that it is focused, addresses a distinct aspect of the
broader topic and is not vague.
Rooted in evidence: A good research problem leans on trustworthy evidence and data,
while dismissing unverifiable information. It must also consider ethical guidelines,
ensuring the well-being and rights of any individuals or groups involved in the study.
DEFINING RESEARCH PROBLEM
Identifying a research problem involves recognizing gaps in existing knowledge, exploring
areas of uncertainty, and assessing the significance of addressing these gaps within a
specific field of study. This process often involves thorough literature review, discussions
with experts, and considering practical implications.
1. Look for a broad problem area: Identify under-explored aspects or areas of
concern, or a controversy in your topic of interest. Evaluate the significance of
addressing the problem in terms of its potential contribution to the field, practical
applications, or theoretical insights.
2. Learn more about the problem: Read the literature, starting from historical
aspects to the current status and latest updates. Rely on reputable evidence and data.
Be sure to consult researchers who work in the relevant field, mentors, and peers.
Do not ignore the gray literature on the subject.
3. Identify the relevant variables and how they are related: Consider which
variables are most important to the study and will help answer the research
 question. Once this is done, you will need to determine the relationships between
these variables and how these relationships affect the research problem.
4. Think of practical aspects: Deliberate on ways that your study can be practical
and feasible in terms of time and resources. Discuss practical aspects with
researchers in the field and be open to revising the problem based on feedback.
Refine the scope of the research problem to make it manageable and specific;
consider the resources available, time constraints, and feasibility.
5. Formulate the problem statement: Craft a concise problem statement that
outlines the specific issue, its relevance, and why it needs further investigation.
6. Stick to plans, but be flexible: When defining the problem, plan ahead but adhere
to your budget and timeline. At the same time, consider all possibilities and ensure
that the problem and question can be modified if needed.