L1-RESEARCH.docx

**The Nature of Research** *-Research* is defined as a careful, systematic study in a field of knowledge that is undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles (Webster, 1984). -A systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find an answer to a question or a solution to a proble...

**The Nature of Research** *-Research* is defined as a careful, systematic study in a field of knowledge that is undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles (Webster, 1984). -A systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find an answer to a question or a solution to a problem, to validate or test an existing theory. **The Role of Research in Improving the Quality of Life** -Through research, new knowledge or technology is discovered. -New knowledge can result in development or improvement of skills, behavior or practices which leads to better quality of life. **Uses of Research as a Scientific Process** As a scientific process, research can be used to: -determine/describe an existing situation (situation analysis) -determine a population (people, objects, institutions, etc.) -compare two conditions or groups of population, -determine existence, degree, or nature or relationship between two or more factors, -evaluate and /compare effectives of an intervention, treatment or exposure **The Role of Research in Development** -Development projects/programs are designed to improve the welfare of man -Research is needed in describing and analyzing existing social or economic problems or conditions. - **The Role of Research in Development** -Development projects/programs are designed to improve the welfare of man -Research is needed in describing and analyzing existing social or economic problems or conditions. -Research data are important inputs to planning and in designing a program/project / activity intended to address an existing problem **Functions of Research** It helps us answer questions, solve problems and make decisions. It enables us to see and understand how and why a situation or a problem exists. It helps us discover new things and ideas. It allows us to validate existing theories or generate new ones. It helps us identify and understand the causes and effects of a situation or a phenomenon. **General Types of Research** **Descriptive Research** -Finds answer to the questions *who, what, when, where and how.* -What may be described are characteristics of individuals or groups (farmers , students, administrators, entrepreneurs, patients , etc. -or physical environments (schools, business, establishments, hospitals, cooperatives , etc.), -or conditions (epidemic , calamities , leadership styles , anxiety level, sales and profit , productivity, etc). EX. " Smoking habits of health service providers in government and private hospitals" "Marketing practices of the loom weaving industry in Region VI" "A typical office day of a government employee: a time allocation study" "The insecticidal properties of pepper" **Explanatory or Correlational Research** -Attempts to explain the possible factors related to a problem which have been observed in a descriptive study -This type of study answers the questions *why* and *how*? -The factors related to the problem, however, need not be viewed as real "causes" of the problem, but factors which are associated with or may contribute to the existence of a problem. -The researcher usually uses a theory or a hypothesis to account for or explain the forces that are "assumed to have caused" the problem EX. Emotional Quotient as Correlates to the Academic Performance of BSMT Students Relationship Between Socio-Economic Factors and Absenteeism Among BSMT Students in JBLFMU-Arevalo **Intervention or Experimental Research** -Evaluates the effect or outcome of a particular intervention or treatment -It studies the "cause and effect" relationship between certain factors on a certain phenomenon under controlled conditions -The subjects of the study are randomly assigned to the experimental group and to the control group and both groups are exposed to similar conditions except for the intervention/treatment. EX. Oil Absorption Capacity of Sawdust Using Different Varieties of Trees Absorption Capacity of Different Organic Materials in Bunker C Oil Calamansi (*Citrofortunella microcarpa* Bunge) and Lemon Grass (*Andropogon citrates* DC Stapf) Extracts and Organic Vinegar (Acetic acid): Alternative Solution as Cleaning Agent Against Rust (Ferric oxide) ***Pure/Basic vs. Applied*** -This type of research attempts to describe an existing situation and /or explain certain patterns of behavior using either or both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. -The goal of pure research is to offer better descriptions and better explanation of human behavior. \- The intention is to accumulate knowledge about a certain phenomenon. EX. " Factors Associated with Tardiness and Absenteeism Among JBLFMU-Arevalo Students" "Risk on Board, Risk Assessment and Perceived Effects of Risk Assessment among Bulk Carriers in Loboc and Muelle Loney Ports, Philippines " ***Applied Research*** -Aims to see an immediate solution to problem. -This type of research focuses on variables or factors which can be changed by intervention in order to achieve a desired goal, like improvement of health, school achievement or performance or increase in revenue. -Example: An experimental study comparing the effectiveness if two methods of improving health practices of mothers or two management styles of bank managers can yield results that recommend a better practice or style. EX. "The Effect of Fertilizer Brands on Crop Production" "Remedial Teaching: Its Effect on the Performance of Slow Learners" **2. Exploratory vs. Explanatory Research** **Exploratory Research** Exploratory studies are designed to describe an existing problem situation and examine the underlying factors that contribute to the emergence of the problem, the nature of which is ***not yet well known***. EX. "Domestic Violence" Ideas , Experiences, and Needs of Married Working Men in the City of Baguio" "Menopause: Working Women's Perceptions, Experiences and Coping Strategies" **Explanatory Research** -The primary goal of an explanatory study is to understand or explain a prevailing situation or -Explain a relationship between factors which may have already been identified in exploratory studies, and why the relationship exists. -Explanatory studies seek more specific answers to "why" and "how" questions. EX. "Relationship Between Alcohol Intake and Domestic Violence Among Married Men in the Municipality of Alimodian" "Extent of Exposure to Advertising Materials and Expenditure Patterns of Professionals in Iloilo City" **3. Quantitative vs Qualitative Research** **Quantitative Research** -This type of research seeks to quantify or reflect in numbers the observations on the characteristics of the population being studied. -It measures the number of respondents or objects possessing a particular characteristic. -It emphasizes precise measurement and often times requires statistical analysis of data of data or the testing of hypotheses based on a sample of observations. **Qualitative Research** -This type of research emphasizes verbal descriptions and explanations of human behavior and practices in an attempt to understand how the units or members of the study population experience or explain their own world. -To gather information, the researcher makes use of one or a combination of the following techniques: participant observation, key in formant interview, focus group discussion, direct observation , and in-depth analysis of a single case. **Examples of Quantitative Research Topics** "The Socio-economic Profile of Households in Upland Communities in the Province of Antique" " Health Seeking Behavior and Health Status of Retired School Teachers in Zamboanga" **Examples of Qualitative Research Topics** "The Meaning and Making of First Filipino Female Master Mariner: the Story of Capt. Ramilie Ortega Story" "Officers Shortage: Viewpoints from Stakeholders" "A Noble Profession Called Seafaring: The Making of an Officer" **Research Methods** 1. **Experimental Method** -The experimental method is used to determine the effectiveness of a treatment or an intervention or the "cause and effect" relationship of certain phenomena under controlled condition." -The subjects of the study are randomly assigned to the experimental group and to the control groups and both groups are exposed to similar conditions except for the intervention/treatment. -Among the different research methods, the experimental method yields the most conclusive research findings. **2. Survey method** -The survey method obtains data to determine specific characteristics of a group. -The purpose of a survey is to get a general picture of the characteristics of a study population at a particular time. -The use of the survey approach is appropriate for most descriptive and correlation studies. **3. Historical Method** -The historical approach is used to determine the growth and development of a group , organization or institution. -The description is based on information about some past aspects of the group organization or institution. -Most of the data used in this method are collected from secondary sources, such as records , documents, written materials, accounts, etc. -For instance, in a study of the history and development of cooperatives in the Philippines the historical method would be the most appropriate. **Research as a Scientific Method** Identification of the Problem Formulation of Hypothesis Data Collection Data Analysis Making Conclusions