RESEARCH 2

Meaning of Research
Research ​is the systematic study of trend or event which involves careful collection,
organization, presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data or facts that relates
man’s thinking with reality.

Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical​. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
The collection of data relies on practical experience without giving consideration to
scientific knowledge or theory.

2. Logical​. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific study is done
in an orderly manner so that the investigator has confidence on the results. Systematic
examination of the procedures used in the research enables the investigator to draw
valid conclusions. Thus, the logic of valid research makes it important for decision
making.

3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process. Because it starts with a problem and ends with
a problem. For instance, an investigator who completes his study states his findings and
draws up his conclusions and recommendations. In his recommendations, several
studies may be conducted, hence research is cyclical.

4. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data,

whether ​historical, descriptive, experimental ​and case study. ​In historical research, the
data gathered focus in the past; in descriptive research, the study focuses on the
present situation; experimental, future; and case study, past, present and future.

5. Critical. Research exhibits careful precise judgment. A higher level of confidence must
be established. For instance, 1.0 percent or 5.0 percent level of confidence may be
scientifically utilized to test the research hypothesis. Based on these levels of
confidence, the investigator is confidently precise in his interpretations on whether the
results are significant or insignificant, or whether to reject or accept the null hypothesis.

6. Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using

systematic method and procedures.

7. Replicability. ​The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable
the research to arrive at valid and conclusive results. Similarities and differences of
replicated researches can be compared. The more replications of researches, the more
valid and conclusive results would be. Replicability of the study means using the same
instrument, method and procedure but no different subjects and venue.

Qualities of a Good Researcher

There are 10 qualities of a good researcher. These qualities are (1) Research-Oriented,
(2) Efficient, (3) Scientific, (4) Effective, (5) Active, (6) Resourceful, (7) Creative, (8) Honest, (9)
Economical and (10) Religious.

Values of Research to Man

1. Research improves quality of life. ​Research has led man to search for ways to
improve his life. It has led him to focus on improving processes and means, which he
must love and find interesting.
2. Research improves instruction. Research has no beginning and no end. It is a
never-ending task. Educators, policy makers, and educational researchers continue to
conduct research to improve instruction.
3. Research improves students’ achievement. The students achievement could be
improved if the Modern Teacher keeps himself updated on issues and trends about the
modern methods and strategies in teaching by reading related researches or conducting
 his own research. By so doing, students’ achievements in licensure board examination is
high.
4. Research improves teacher’s competence. There’s a saying, “Many are called but
only few are chosen.” In other words, many are called as teachers, but only few are
chosen as competent teachers. They are qualified as teachers because they are
licensed as “professional teacher,” but not competent due to lack improvement in his
teaching at all. He reports to classes for compliance, but his ten years of experience in
teaching is equivalent to one year only, yet repeated fr nine years.
5. Research satisfies man’s needs. In the 19​th century, the needs of man were not fully
satisfied as they are today. Man suffered from the conventional ways of living. For
instance, there were no airplanes, no vehicle facilities, no electrification, no
communication facilities, no kitchen facilities, no movie houses and many others. Due to
the advancement in science and technology, man’s conventional ways have changed
from traditional to modern ways.

Kinds of Research According to Data

1. ​Quantitative research
It ​involves collecting and converting data into numerical form so that statistical calculations can
be made and conclusions drawn.
 
Researchers will have one or more ​hypotheses. These are the questions that they want to
address which include predictions about possible relationships between the things they want to
investigate ​(variables)​. In order to find answers to these questions, the researchers will also
have various instruments and materials (e.g. paper or computer tests, observation check lists
etc.) and a clearly defined plan of action.

2. Qualitative research
It is about recording, analysing and attempting to uncover the deeper meaning and significance
of human behaviour and experience, including contradictory beliefs, behaviours and emotions.
Researchers are interested in gaining a rich and complex understanding of people’s experience
and not in obtaining information which can be generalized to other larger groups.
 
The approach tends to be inductive which means that they develop a theory or look for a pattern
of meaning on the basis of the data that they have collected. The approach to data collection
and analysis is methodical but allows for greater flexibility than in quantitative research. Data is
collected in textual form on the basis of observation and interaction with the participants e.g.
through participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus groups. It is not converted into
numerical form and is not statistically analysed.

3. Mixed Method
Qualitative and quantitative methods are used simultaneously. In others, first one approach is
used and then the next, with the second part of the study perhaps expanding on the results of
the first. For example, a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews or focus group
discussions might serve to obtain information which will then be used to contribute towards the
development of an experimental measure or attitude scale, the results of which will be analysed
statistically.

Kinds of Research According to Time

1. Descriptive research – It answers the question what is (present). It is the most

common among four research designs conducted by graduate students.
2. ​Experimental Research – ​it answers the question what will be (future). ​Doing research
on what will happen after the experimentation. This design is encouraged to be
conducted by experts in research.
3. Historical research – ​it answers the question what was (past). I​ t is least conducted by
researchers due to time consuming.
4. Case Study – it answers the question what is, what was, and what will be (past,
present, future). ​It​ ​is commonly conducted by guidance counselors.