Understanding Research Process

What is Research?

• Research is a process of executing various mental acts to discover and examine facts and information.
• It involves investigating something through questioning to prove the accuracy of claims or conclusions about a topic.

Steps in Research

• Collect data/information.
• Study the data.
• Come up with a solution to the problem.

Characteristics of Research

Empirical

• Based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
• Collection of data relies on practical experience without consideration to scientific knowledge or theory.

Logical

• Based on valid procedure and principles.
• Scientific study is done in an orderly manner to ensure confidence in the results.

Cyclic

• Research is a cyclical process that starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
• Conclusions and recommendations are stated.

Methodical

• Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic methods and procedures.

Replicability

• Research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
• This involves using the same instrument, method, and procedure but with different subjects or venues.

Critical

• Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
• A higher level of confidence must be utilized (e.g., 1.0% or 5.0% level of confidence).

Analytical

• Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data.
• This can be done through historical, descriptive, experimental, or case study methods.

Types of Research Based on Application

Pure Research

• Deals with concepts or abstract things.
• Aims to increase knowledge about something.

Applied Research

• Intended to apply research to societal problems or issues.
• Aims to make positive changes in society.

Types of Research Based on Purpose

Descriptive Research

• Aims to define or give a verbal portrayal of a person, thing, event, group, situation, etc.

Correlational Research

• Shows relationships or connectedness of two factors, circumstances, or agents called variables.

Explanatory Research

• Elaborates or explains the reasons behind the relationships of two factors.
• Explains the ways by which such relationships exist.

Exploratory Research

• Finds out how reasonable or possible it is to conduct a research study on a certain topic.
• Discovers ideas on topics that could trigger interest in conducting research studies.

Action Research

• Studies ongoing practices in schools, organizations, communities, or institutions.
• Aims to bring improvement to the system.

Types of Research Based on Types of Data Needed

Qualitative Research

• Requires non-numerical data.
• Uses words to express results, focusing on people's thoughts, beliefs, feelings, views, and lifestyle.

Quantitative Research

• Involves measurement of data.
• Presents research findings in numerical forms.

Types of Data

Primary Data

• Obtained through direct observation or contact with people, objects, artifacts, etc.

Secondary Data

• Already written or reported data.

Approaches of Research

• After choosing a topic, the next step is to decide how to approach the research.