RESEARCH

Luzviminda T. Orilla, Ph.D

INTRODUCTION

One of the main difficulties

that a graduate student has
to hurdle before he gets his
much – coveted degree is the
writing of his thesis.
WHAT IS A THESIS?

A thesis is a statement, claim or

proposition which one wants to prove
or disprove.
It is a normal requirement for a
baccalaureate or master’s degree in
any field.
The Logic in Thesis Writing
 It must have a proposition or a claim (actually a thesis) which can be
obtained through readings or literature review.
 In order to prove or disprove this claim, the said investigation must
be arranged or designed in the most efficient and effective manner.
 Using an appropriate research design, the data to be used must be
presented properly into an information in order to show that the
claim is in fact validated or falsified by analysis.
 Through discussion, the data will turned into useful information.
 Conclusion must then be formed.( i.e. either restate the claim or
modify the thesis based on analysis).
Four Basic Research Paradigms

Positivism, or the quantitative/scientific

approach (predicts)
Interpretivism, or the qualitative
approach (understand)
Critical science, or the critical approach
(emancipates)
Postructuralism (deconstructs)
Definition of Research
Research is a purposive, systematic and
scientific process of gathering, analyzing,
classifying, organizing, presenting and
interpreting data for the solution of a problem,
for prediction, for invention, for the discovery
of truth, or for the expansion or verification of
existing knowledge, all for the preservation
and improvement of the quality of life.
(Calderon, 1993)
Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical
Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
The collection of data relies on practical experience without benefit of
the scientific knowledge or theory.
2. Logical
Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific
investigation is done in an orderly and accurate manner so the researcher
can draw valid conclusions based on actual evidence.
3. Cyclical
Research starts with a problem and ends with a problem. From the
recommendations of a completed research, other problems crop up as
subjects for further study. Hence, research is a cyclical process.
Characteristics of Research
4. Analytical
Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data and in analyzing
them so that there is no error in their interpretation.
5. Replicability
Research designs and procedures are replicated to arrive at valid and conclusive
results. The more replications, the more valid and conclusive the results would be.
6. Objective and Ethical
There should be no bias or partiality in treating the results and no effort is made to
alter them. Integrity in research is must. Ethical rules must be observed.
7. Critical
Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. Data are treated statistically at a
higher level of confidence to determine its significance or usefulness.
3 Major types of Research
1. HISTORICAL
It is conducted to reconstruct the past objectively and accurately which is often in
relation to the tenability of a hypothesis.
It is interpretative – it describes present situations inn terms of past events.
2. DESCRIPTIVE
It is a purposive and systematic process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, and
tabulating data about prevailing conditions, practices, beliefs, processes, trends, and
cause-effect relationships and then making adequate and accurate interpretation
about such data with or without the aid of statistical methods.
3. EXPERIMENTAL
It is conducted to discover the influence of one or more factors upon a condition,
group or situation. It describes, manipulates and analyzes variables in carefully
controlled conditions as a basis for inferring or concluding how or why a particular
event occurs.
Type of Research According to Goal
1. BASIC or PURE RESEARCH
It is conducted primarily to test or arrive at a theory. Its main objective is to add to
the body of scientific knowledge by exploring the unknown and discover new facts
without any particular thought as to its immediate and practical application.
2. APPLIED RESEARCH
It involves seeking new applications of scientific knowledge to the solution of a
problem, such as the development of new device, or new method. It is conducted for
the purpose of applying, or testing theory, and evaluating its usefulness.
3. ACTION RESEARCH
It is a feature of applied research which involves discovering and identifying a
problem in the local setting and solving it in the same setting but without intention of
generalizing its results. It is a decision-oriented research involving the application of
scientific method in response to an immediate need to improve existing practices.
Basic or Pure Research is done for the
development of theories and principles
Applied Research is the application of the
results of pure research
Action Research is the application of the
scientific process to solve a particular
problem in a particular setting
Types of Research According to
Approach
Quantitative Research
 uses scientific methods and involves the generation of models, theories and
hypothesis
 develops instruments and methods for measurements
 applies experimental control and manipulation of variables
 collects empirical data, analyzes them and evaluates results
Qualitative Research
 focuses on how individuals and groups view and understand the world and
construct meaning out of their experiences
 its goal is not to estimate statistical parameters but generate hypotheses to be
tested quantitatively
 focuses on understanding of research phenomena in situ, that is in their
naturally-occurring context(s)
MEANING OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
 It is characterized by the fact that once the problem is
answered, it will have advanced the state of knowledge in
a particular discipline.
 It has some significance. This significance may be of direct
contributory significance in the sense that will benefit a
group of people or it may be significant in the sense that
it will have opened new vistas and avenues in a particular
discipline.
Characteristics of a Research Problem

SPECIFIC
The problem should be specifically stated.
MEASURABLE
It is easy to measure by using research instruments in collecting data.
ACHIEVABLE
Data are attainable using correct statistical techniques to arrive at precise results.
REALISTIC
The problem is rational and real results are not manipulated.
TIME-ABOUND
Time frame is required in every activity. The shorter the completion, the better.
RESEARCH PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
All research is set in motion by the existence of a problem. A problem is a
perceived difficulty, a feeling of discomfort with the way things are, a
discrepancy between what someone believes should be and what is. While
problems are the initiating force behind research, not all problems require
research. A potential research situation arises when three conditions exist:
 1. A perceived discrepancy between what is and what should be.
 2. A question about why the discrepancy exists.
 3. At least two possible and plausible answer to the question.

The last point is important. If there is only one possible and plausible answer to
the question about the discrepancy, then a research situation does not exist
(Fisher, et al., 1991:4).
Other reasons:
 When there is absence of information resulting in a gap in
our knowledge
 When there are contradictory results
 When the solution can be answered by using statistical
methods and techniques
 When there are probable solutions, but they have not yet
been tested
 When a fact exists and you intend to make your study
explain it
Other Purposes
 Discover new facts of known phenomena
 Find solution to problems that are only partially solved
 Improve or develop new products
 Discover unrecognized substances or elements
 Validate generalizations into systematic order
 Provide basis for decision-making in any undertaking
 Satisfy the researcher’s curiosity
 Acquire better and deeper understanding about one phenomenon to another
 Verify existing knowledge
 Improve existing practices
 Promote health and prolong life
 Enhance man’s basic life
Where and how does to look for a
Research Problem?
 The easiest place to find a research problem is the library of theses. Scan
these research reports, read their problems, go to their finding and
conclusions, then look at the RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES. This
section describes some problems that may be pursued by a new researcher.
 The next best place to look for a problem is the classroom. In your day to day
discussions on issues, there are certain issues that probably carry with them
hidden problems for research. Your professor may have mentioned some
outstanding problems in your specific discipline. Try to talk to him about
these problems and see if the topics interest you.
 Finally, if you are presently working , then your workplace may be the best
place for you to look for a practical research problem. Do you have ideas on
how best to improve the productivity of your office? Are there things which
you think hamper the effectiveness of your organization? How do you fellow
workers react to new policies and regulations?
Other Sources of Research Problems
1. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
There are a lot of happenings in the world for a person not to notice. What is required of a would be
researcher is the keenness and sensitivity to what is occurring around him.
2. PRACTICAL PROBLEMS
Research may be stimulated by problems of existing practices and needs that require immediate
solution.
3. RESEARCH IN JOURNALS, THESES AND DISSERTATIONS
From any of these sources an investigator can draw research issues or problems which require a
scientific study.
4. CONFERENCES, SYMPOSIA, DIALOGUES, MEETINGS
In any of these activities, it is likely that problems related to the theme or advocacy of the gathering are
discussed.
5. LIST OF RESEARCH PRIORITIES (Institution, Govt. Agencies, NGOs, Industry and Private
Institutions).
Research priority areas of these groups are usually published in the internet.
The Literature Review as an Aid in Formulating a
Research Problem

 The better route to the formulation of a research problem is, perhaps, to

settle first on a TOPIC. What topic do you wish to concentrate on? This is not
the same as the problem. It is, in a sense, broader than the research
problem.
 Use the power of the internet to search for scientific research articles on the
topic. Read at least five (5) most recent researches on the topic. It is
recommend that you download and read only pdf files because they are more
reliable (in terms of accuracy). For each article that you have read, take
careful notes and answer the following:
1.What is the main thesis of the research article? What did the authors find?
2. What information are missing in the research article?
ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
 Aim or purpose.(Why is there an investigation?
 Subject matter or topic.(What is to be
investigated?
 Placeor locale. (Where is the study to be
conducted?)
 Period or time. (When is the study to be carried
out?)
 Population or Universe. (From whom are the data
to be gathered?)
GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION OF A
RESEARCH PROBLEM OR TOPIC
 It must be chosen by the researcher (interest/field) to avoid blaming
others or offering excuses for any obstacle encountered.
 The research topic must be manageable. Its data meet the standard of
accuracy, objectivity & verifiability.
 The result of the study must clarify, resolve unsatisfactory conditions. It
must contribute a new bit of knowledge to what already exist.
 It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people.
 It must not advocate any change in the present order of things by means of
violence but by peaceful means.
 There must be a consideration of hazards involved either physical, social,
or legal.
Other Guidelines
 The research problem or topic must be chosen by the researcher
himself.
 It must be within the interest of the researcher.
 It must be within the specialization of the researcher.
 It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle.
 It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance.
 It must be researchable and manageable, that is,
Data are available and accessible.
The data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity, and verifiability.
Answers to the specific questions can be found.
The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is, they can be accepted or
rejected
 Equipment and instruments for research are available and can give
valid and reliable data.
 It can be completed in a reasonable period of time.
 It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and situation
(timely and of current interest).
 The results are practical and implementable.
 It requires original, critical, and reflective thinking to solve it.
 It can be delimited to suit the resources of the researcher but big
enough to be able to give significant, valid and reliable results and
generalizations.
 It must contribute to the fund of human knowledge, to the national
development goals for the improvement of the quality of human life.
 It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people.
 There must be a consideration of the hazards involved, either physical,
social or legal.