INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

Definition of Research
 A careful, critical, disciplined inquiry, varying in technique and method according to the nature and conditions of the problem identified, directed toward the clarification or resolution (or both) of a problem.  Systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic or problem.  The process of gathering data or information to solve a particular or specific problem in a scientific manner.

 Systematic study or investigation or something for the purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher.  A purposive, systematic and scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting, and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth, or for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation and improvement of the quality of life.

Purposes of Research
 To discover new facts about known phenomena.  To find answers to problems which are only partially solved by existing methods and information.  Improve existing techniques and develop new instruments or products.  To discover previously unrecognized substances or elements.

 Discover pathways of action of known substances and elements.  To order related, valid generalizations into systematized science.  To provide basis for decision-making in business, industry, education, government, and in other undertakings.  To satisfy the researchers curiousity.  To find answers to queries by means of scientific methods.

 To acquire a better and deeper understanding about one phenomenon.  To expand or verify existing knowledge.  To improve educational practices for raising the quality or school products.  To promote health and prolong life.  To provide man with more of his basic needs.  Tomake work, travel, and communication faster, easier, and more comfortable.

Characteristics of Good Research

RESEARCH:  Is systematic  Is controlled  Is empirical  Is analytical  Is objective, unbiased, and logical  Employs hypothesis

 Employs quantitative or qualitative methods  Is original work  Is done by an expert  Is accurate investigation, observation and description  Is patient and unhurried activity  Requires courage

Scientific Method of Research

 Determining (recognizing) the problem  Forming a hypothesis  Doing the library search  Designing the study  Developing the instruments for collecting data  Analyzing the data  Determining implications and conclusion from the findings  Making recommendations for further research

Definition of a Research Problem

 Any significant, perplexing, and challenging situation, real or artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking.  A perplexing situation after it has been translated into a question or series of questions that help determine the direction of subsequent inquiry.

Elements of a Research Problem

 Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation  The subject matter or topic to be investigated  The place or locale where the research is to be conducted  The period or time of the study during which the data ar to be gathered  Population from whom the data are to be collected

Guidelines in the Selection of a Topic

 It must be chosen by the researcher herself.  It must be within the interest of the researcher.  It must be within the specialization of the researcher.  It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle.  It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance

 It is researchable and manageable

Data are available and accessible Data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity, and verifiability Answers to the specific questions (subproblems) can be found The hypotheses formulated are testable Equipment and instruments for research are available and can give valid and reliable results.

 It can be completed within a reasonable period of time unless it is a longitudinal research.  It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and situation, timely, and of current interest.  The results are practical and implementable.  It requires original, critical, and reflective thinking to solve it.

 It can be delimited to suit the resources of ther esearcher but big or large enough to be able to give significant, valid, and reliable results and generalization.  It must contribute to the fund of human knowledge.  It must show or pave the way for the solution of the problem or problems intended to be solved.  It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people.

 It must not advocate any change in the present order of things by means of violence but by peaceful means.  There must be a return of investment of some kind to the researcher.  There must be a consideration of the hazards involved, either physical, social, or legal.

Sources of Problems
 Experiences  Problems in work environment  Classroom discussions  Technological and scientific advancement  Off-shoots of other researches  Symposia, seminars, lectures

The Title
 It is formulated before the start of the research work. It may be revised and refined later if there is a need.  It must contain the subject matter of the study, the locale of the study, the population involved, and the period when the data will be gathered.  It must be broad enough to include all aspects of the subject matter to be studied

 It must be brief and concise as possible.  Avoid using the terms An Analysis of, A Study of, An Investigation of, and the like.  If the title contains more than one line, it must be written like an inverted pyramid, all words in capital letters.