Grade 11 - STEM 2 Practical Research 1 Reviewer

Types of Research

• Basic Research: Increases understanding of a problem, develops scientific theories, and has no direct application.
• Applied Research: Provides solutions and validation to answer a specific question, applicable to real-life settings.

Characteristics of Research

• Empirical: Based on observations and experiments of theories.
• Systematic: Follows orderly and sequential procedures, based on valid procedures and principles.
• Controlled: All variables, except those being tested, are kept constant.
• Employs Hypothesis: Searches for facts, answers, and solutions to problems.
• Analytical: Shows analytical procedures in gathering data, whether historical, descriptive, or case study.
• Objective: Unbiased and logical, with findings based on real-life situations.
• Original Work: Requires its own examination and produces the data needed to complete the study.

Research Process

• Define Research Problem: Identify the problem to be addressed.
• Review of Related Literature: Examine existing evidence and experiences.
• Data Collection: Gather data through methods such as interviews, observations, and document collection.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data to find answers and solutions.

Grounded Theory Method

• Starts with data gathering and analysis, rather than formulating hypotheses.
• Develops theory from raw data, such as transcripts.

Case Study Method

• In-depth examination of a single person, institution, or event.
• Aim is to accurately describe the case through an in-depth examination.

Historical Method

• Uses hypothetical ideas to understand past events, anticipate future choices, and test for potential deviations.
• Examines past events using resources.

Qualitative Research

• Takes place in natural settings, such as homes, schools, or communities.
• Focuses on participants' perceptions and experiences.
• Examples: Immigration, violence in sports, poverty.

Sources of Research Topics

• Mass media communication (e.g., TV, newspapers, ads, radio, films).
• Books, internet, journals, government publications.
• Professional periodicals (e.g., specialized periodicals in different fields).
• General periodicals (e.g., Reader's Digest, Time Magazine, Women's Magazine).
• Previous readings and work experience.

Writing a Research Title

• Specify the specific concern or issue.
• Decide what you want to know about the specific concern or issue.
• Turn what you want to know into a question.
• Ensure the question is answerable and not too broad or too narrow.

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

• Clear: Provides enough specifics for the audience to understand its purpose.
• Focused: Narrow enough to be answered thoroughly.
• Concise: Expressed in the fewest possible words.
• Complex: Requires synthesis and analysis of ideas and sources.
• Arguable: Open to debate rather than accepted facts.

Types of Literature Review

• Integrative: Synthesizes findings from different approaches, allowing for integration of qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Traditional: Provides a quick overview of current studies.
• Syntactic: Synthesizes high-quality empirical information to answer a given research question.
• Scoping: Informs areas appropriate for a systematic review.

Guidelines in Choosing a Topic

• Interest in the subject matter.
• Availability of information.
• Timeliness and relevance of the topic.
• Limitations on the subject.
• Personal resources.

Topics to Avoid

• Controversial topics (e.g., Abortion, Assisted suicide, Atheism).
• Highly technical subjects that require expertise.
• Hard-to-investigate subjects with unavailable or outdated materials.
• Too broad subjects that lack focus.