Science Research

1
Introduction to Research
• At the end of this chapter, you should be
able to:
• define research;
• state the aims of research;
• classify research based on the
objective of the study and the
condition of which the study is done;
and
• identify sources of research topics
or research problems.
The Nature of Inquiry and Research
• “ re” and “search” .
• “re”- again, anew or over again.
• “search”- a verb meaning to examine closely and
carefully , to test, to try and to probe.
• describing a careful, systematic, patient study
and investigation in some field of knowledge,
undertaken to establish facts or principles.
(Grinnell, 1993).
The Nature of Inquiry and Research
• research is a structured inquiry that
acceptable scientific methodology to utilizes
problems and creates new knowledge that solve
is generally applicable.
• a process for collecting, analyzing and
interpreting information to answer questions
that result in the acquisition of new knowledge.
Research Process
• It involves a purposive, organized, and
planned program of activities that result
in the acquisition of new knowledge.
Criteria of a Research
1. The process is being undertaken
within a framework of a set of 

Philosophies
Validity
philosophies.  Reliability
 Unbiased and Objective

2. It uses procedures, methods and

techniques that have been
tested for their validity and
reliability;

3.It is designed to be unbiased

and objective.
Aims of Research?
1.Generating new knowledge or
information
• generate measurable and testable
data, gradually adding to the
accumulation of human knowledge.
• can strengthen the truthfulness of a
theory, bring forth ideas regarding
the theory or even create a new
theory.
2. Verifying existing knowledge
• aims to verify or prove the
truthfulness of existing theories of
knowledge.
• may lead to development of new
ideas, strengthen a current
knowledge and or debunk a theory.
3. Application of new knowledge
• Once a new knowledge has been proved or verified,
next move is to utilize that new knowledge into
something useful to humankind.
4. Advancement of the Researcher’s Expertise

• As researchers conduct more studies, their knowledge on

a particular field widens. They gain and learn a lot from
every experience they encounter.
• Become experts to of a particular field from which their
study focuses on.
Function of Research

WHY CONDUCT
RESEARCH?
1.Exploration
• Seeks to find more
about a topic or broader
information
perspective and
knowledge to what is additional
currently known.
2. Description
• Give additional information on
newly discovered ideas which
were results of exploration.
3. Explanation
• Looks on how things are
connected together and how
things interact.
• It aims to explain relationships
existing between variables.
Characteristics of Research
1. Realistic
2. Logical
3. Cyclical
4. Analytical
5. Objective
6. Critical
 Realistic  Logical
• Results of investigation • Research should follow
should be based on actual valid procedures and
data gathered the principles. There are proper
researcher himself. and logical approaches to
• Data to be presented find out answers to a
should be a valid evidence particular research
of one’s investigation. questions.
 Cyclical  Analytical
• It starts with a problem • Research utilizes proven
and ends with another analytical procedures in
problem. Thus, research gathering the data,
is not expected to end whether historical,
when the research descriptive, experimental
questions has already and case study.
been answered.
 Objective  Critical
• Conclusion should be • Research exhibits careful
drawn based on the and precise judgment.
accuracy of the empirical
data that supports the
study.
 Rigorous /Accurate
• You must be scrupulous
in ensuring that the
procedures followed to find
answers to questions are
relevant, appropriate and
justified.
 Systematic
• This implies that the
procedures adopted to
undertake an investigation
follow a certain logical
sequence. The different steps
cannot be taken in a haphazard
way. Some procedures must
follow others.
 Valid and verifiable
• This concept implies that
whatever you conclude on
the basis of your findings is
correct and can be verified
by you and others.
 Empirical
• This means that any
conclusions drawn are based
upon hard evidence gathered
from information collected
from real-life experiences or
observations.
Qualities of a Good Researcher
 Research-oriented
 Efficient
 Scientific
 Effective
 Active
 Resourceful
 Creative
 Honest
 Economical
 Characteristics of a Researcher
1. Intellectual Curiosity. A researcher undertakes a deep thinking and inquiry
of the things, and situations around him.

2. Prudence. The researcher is careful to conduct his research study at

the right time and at the right place wisely, efficiently, and
economically.

3. Healthy Criticism. The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of

the results.

4. Intellectual Honesty. An intelligent researcher is honest to collect or gather

data or facts in order to arrive at honest results.

5.Intellectual Creativity. A productive and resourceful investigator

always creates new researches.