Summary

This document provides a general overview of research methods, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It also touches on topics like the characteristics and functions of research, and specifically criminological research. These methods are commonly used in social science research.

Full Transcript

Research - etymologically, it is derived from the prefix re which means to repeat or re-do, and the root word search which means to find or look for; hence, research literally means to repeat looking for something, which had been in existence before; - collection of data in a rigorously...

Research - etymologically, it is derived from the prefix re which means to repeat or re-do, and the root word search which means to find or look for; hence, research literally means to repeat looking for something, which had been in existence before; - collection of data in a rigorously controlled situation for the purpose of prediction or explanation (Quinton, 2006); - systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher (Parel, 1973 as cited by Sanchez, 1998); - purposive, systematic and scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for prediction for intention, for the discovery of truth, or for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation and improvement of the quality of human life (Calderon and Gonzales, 1993); - to search again, to take another more careful look, to find out more (Selliz et. al., 1976). * Major Types of Research: 1. According to Goal: 1.1. Pure or Theoretical - type of research done for the sake of knowing. It is mainly concerned with testing theory or establishing general principles. This type of research is not aimed at solving a problem for practical purposes, like knowing the causes of youth delinquency. 1.2. Applied or Practical Research - type of research done to solve a problem for practical ends, like providing rehabilitation programs for youthful delinquents. 2. According to Statistical Content: 2.1. Quantitative Research - used for the purpose of measuring; - one where analysis proceeds by using statistics, tables and charts; - assigned numeral value; - can be measured in the usual sense; “explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics).” For example: The height of adult males. The weights of preschool children. The ages of patients seen in a dental clinic. 2.2. Qualitative Research - used for the purpose of capturing life as participants experience; - one where analysis is done by extracting themes or generalization from the data in the form of words and images drawn from the documents, observations and transcript; - seeks to answer questions about why and how people behave in the way that they do. It provides in- depth information about human behavior; - Focus Group Discussion (FGD); For example: Classification of people into socio-economic groups. * Characteristics of Research: 1. Systematic - follows the interrelated steps/procedures in solving a problem; 2. Objective - based on empirical data, not on guesswork; 3. Comprehensive - examination and analysis of all aspects/angles before making a generalization or conclusion; 4. Critical - procedures employed must be able to withstand detailed scrutiny; 5. Valid - conclusions must be based on actual findings; 6. Verifiable - correctness and validity of the results are based on the methods and procedures being used; 7. Empirical - generalizations drawn are rooted upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real-life experiences or observations. * Functions of Research: 1. Corrects perceptions as well as expands them. 2. Gathers information on subjects or phenomena that people lack or have little knowledge about. 3. Develops and evaluates concepts, practices and theories. 4. Obtains knowledge for practical purposes like solving problems on juvenile delinquency, drug addiction, alcoholism and the like. 5. Provides hard facts that serve as bases for planning, decision- making, project or program implementation, monitoring and evaluation. * research contributes to expanding knowledge, and improves the quality of human life. * CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH - form of research that inquires into the: 1. etiology of crime, or the causes of criminal pathology; 2. epidemiology of crime, or the control of the spread of criminal social dysfunction; 3. administration of criminal justice system; 4. therapy, behavior modification and reparation programs; 5. political and governmental systems; 6. social and cultural environment; and 7. social change, trends and progress in all of these areas.  Importance of Research in Criminology 1. It helps students and even professionals to ascertain or recognize what works in the areas of law enforcement, prosecution, legal service, court system, correctional institutions and community. 2. It provides the basis for formulation of criminal justice policies. 3. It equips students with skills essential for educational and professional success, notably critical and analytical thinking skills, and making sense out of the data from multiple sources. 4. It helps students identify more effective approaches to law enforcement and administration of justice. 5. It helps students become educated consumers of research by being able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of studies in the field of Criminology. * * * The THESIS AND ITS PARTS 1. 1. THE THESIS 2. 2. WHAT IS A THESIS? noun, plural the·ses1.a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections: He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war.2.a subject for a composition or essay.3.a dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done original research, as one presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree. 3. 3. PARTS OF A THESIS 4. 4. INITIAL PAGES Title Page Approval Sheet Abstract Acknowledgment Dedication Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures 5. 5. TITLE PAGEThe following information needs to be on the title page: The title (and possibly the subtitle) of your thesis First name and surname of the author(s) Whether it is a ‘Bachelor’s thesis’ or a ‘Master’s thesis’ Faculty and department Place and date of completion 6. 6. APPROVAL SHEET This is to prove that the authors have passed the requirements needed for the thesis. This is signed by the thesis/FS adviser, panel and the Dean. This also states the grade obtained by the author/s. 7. 7. ABSTRACT An abstract presents a brief summary of your thesis. The aim of the abstract is to briefly provide the reader with the most important information from the entire text. An abstract never contains new information. This summary is no longer than 2 pages of A4. 8. 8. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This is a page focused on expressing gratitude to organizations, agencies or individuals who, in one way or another, have aided the researchers in finishing the thesis. 9. 9. DEDICATION This is the page for dedicating the thesis to certain people or groups who have inspired the researchers while doing the thesis. 10. 10. TABLE OF CONTENTS The table of contents is essentially a topic outline of the thesis. It is compiled by listing the headings in the thesis down to whichever level you choose. 11. 11. LIST OF TABLES / LIST OF FIGURES Include a list of figures (illustrations) and a list of tables if you have one or more items in these categories. Use a separate page for each list. List the number, caption, and page number of every figure and table in the body of the thesis. 12. 12. TITLE OF CHAPTERS1. Problem and Its Background2. Review of Related Literature and Studies3. Methodology of the Study4. Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data5. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations 13. 13. CHAPTER I Introduction andBackground of the Study 14. 14. INTRODUCTION The first chapter of your thesis is your introduction. This is where you provide an introduction to the topic of your thesis: you give the context in terms of content of the research project. 15. 15. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The significance of the study will mainly focus on the question “Who will benefit from the study?”. This section will state the contribution of your study and the usefulness of your study in the society. 16. 16. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The problem must be reflected to your title or the readers must know your problem by just simply reading your topic. The problem must not be answerable by yes or no and must be arranged in the flow of your documentation or study. 17. 17. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK A conceptual framework elaborates the research problem in relation to relevant literature. This section may summarize the major (dependent and independent) variables in your research. The framework may be summarized in a schematic diagram that presents the major variables and their hypothesized relationships. It should also cover the following: Existing research and its relevance for your topic Key ideas or constructs in your approach Identify and discuss the variables related to the problem. Conceptualized relationships between variables Independent variables (presumed cause) Dependent variables (presumed effect) Intervening variables (other variables that influence the effect of the independent variable) 18. 18. Instructional Materialsand Equipmentcommonly used in Effects of the use ofteaching Science instructional Materials and 1Traditional Materials equipment 2Technological Equipment Profile of the respondents 1Age 2Gender 3Civil Status 4Educational Attainment 5Years of Service 19. 19. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION The scope is mainly the coverage of your study and the Delimitation is the limitation of your study or topic. 20. 20. DEFINITION OF TERMS The definition of terms must be arranged in alphabetically. It must be also stated if you used your definition of terms in technically or operationally. 21. 21. CHAPTER II Review of RelatedLiterature and Studies 22. 22. RELATED LITERATURE In this part you must get your data and information from any books, magazines, and news papers. You must label your published material with local or foreign. 1. Must be also organized to cover specific problems. 2. Must take all the evidences about the problem with the author’s experiences. 3. As much as possible, get the latest published materials. Avoid old published materials. 4. It must be related to your topic. If not, do not get it. 5. On the last part of this part you must have a statement how this old published material helps the researcher in their current study and relate it to your study. 23. 23. RELATED STUDIES In this part you must get your data and information from unpublished material such as previous or old study, research or thesis. In some format, you must label your unpublished material with local or foreign. 1. This should be organized to cover the specific problems. 2. You must take note all of the evidences that the previous researcher came up. 3. The unpublished material should not be older than 5 years if possible. 4. It must be related to your topic. If not, do not get it. 5. On the last part of this part you must have a statement how this old unpublished material helps the researcher in their current study and relate it to your study. 24. 24. CHAPTER IIIMethodology of the Study 25. 25. RESEARCH DESIGN The appropriate research design should be specified and described. 26. 26. POPULATION AND SAMPLES Describe the population of interest and the sampling of subjects used in the study. 27. 27. RESEARCH INSTRUMENT Describe the instrument and what it will measure. State qualifications of informants if used in the study. 28. 28. VALIDATION PROCEDURE Discuss how the validity and the reliability will be established. Specify the level of reliability (probability). 29. 29. DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE Describe how instrument will be administered. 30. 30. DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURE AND STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA Describe the processing and treatment of data 31. 31. CHAPTER IVPresentation, Analysisand Interpretation of Data 32. 32. PRESENTATION OF DATA Present the findings of the study in the order of the specific problem as stated in the statement of the Problem. Present the data in these forms: – Tabular – Textual – Graphical (optional) 33. 33. ANALYSIS OF DATA Data may be analyzed quantitatively or qualitatively depending on the level of measurement and the number of dimensions and variables of the study. Analyze in depth to give meaning to the data presented in the data presented in the table. Avoid table reading. State statistical descriptions in declarative sentences, e.g. in the studies involving: 34. 34. INTERPRETATION OF DATA Establish interconnection between and among data Check for indicators whether hypothesis/es is/are supported or not by findings. Link the present findings with the previous literature. Use parallel observations with contemporary events to give credence presented in the introduction. 35. 35. CHAPTER V Summary ofFindings, Conclusions and Recommendations 36. 36. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS This describes the problem, research design, and the findings (answer to the questions raised). The recommended format is the paragraph form instead of the enumeration form. For each of the problems, present: – The salient findings, – The results of the hypothesis tested 37. 37. CONCLUSIONS These are brief, generalized statements in answer to the general and each of the specific sub-problems. These contain generalized in relation to the population. These are general inferences applicable to a wider and similar population. Flexibility is considered in making of conclusions. It is not a must to state conclusions on a one-to-one correspondence with the problems and the findings as all variables can be subsume in one paragraph. Conclusions may be used as generalizations from a micro to a macro-level or vice versa (ZOOM LENS approach). 38. 38. RECOMMENDATIONS They should be based on the findings and conclusion of the study. Recommendations may be specific or general or both. They may include suggestions for further studies. They should be in non-technical language. They should be feasible, workable, flexible, doable, adaptable. 39. 39. REFERENCES:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thesis http://www.jpsimbulan.net/thesis-writing- guide/how-to-write-a-thesis/

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