DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
On the other hand,
Over the years, many experts have given their own definitions of the word
"research." Different perspectives on the subject have been adopted that resulted
in the following definitions:
1. Research follows a step-by-step process of investigation that uses a
standardized approach in answering questions or solving problems (Polit
& Heck, 2004).
2. Research plays an important role in tertiary education. Though there are
many problems confronted by higher education, developments are
realized through research. After all, its main purpose is to answer a
question or to solve an issue (Palispis, 2004).
3. Research is a continuous undertaking of making known the unknown
(Sanchez, 2002), It entails an investigation of new facts leading to the
discovery of new ideas, methods, or improvement., It is an attempt to
widen one's outlook in life. It always proceeds from the known to the
unknown. Thus, the end of research is to arrive at a new truth.
4. Research is an investigation following ordered steps leading to a discovery
of new information or concepts (Sanchez, 1999).
5. Research is a very careful investigation of something that purports the
contribution of additional or new knowledge and wisdom (Hassey, as cited
by Coleman w Briggs, 2002).
6. Research is a tested approach of thinking and employing validated
instruments and steps in order to obtain a more adequate solution to a
problem that is otherwise impossible to address under ordinary means
(Crawford, as cited by Alcantara & Espina, 1995).
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
The abovementioned definitions of research lead to the following common
characteristics of research:
1. The research should be systematic. There is a system to follow in
conducting research as there is a system for formulating each of its parts.
There is a big system (macro) and under it are small systems (micro). In
research writing, what is referred to as the "system" is composed of the
chapters and their elements. The macrosystem is composed of chapters
that are organized in a logical and scientific manner.
the microsystem consists of the detailed contents of each chapter. The
contents are further divided into elements that are organized following a
systematic procedure.
2. The research should be objective. Research involves the objective process
of analyzing phenomena of importance to any profession or to different
fields or disciplines (Nieswiadomy, 2005). A researcher should objectively
look at the basis on which the work is founded. He or she must never
produce results out of nowhere; the results of the research should be
validated. These results must never be based from biases. It is very
important for the researcher to clarify indicators and boundaries within
which the research is confined because these factors could affect
objectivity.
3. The research should be feasible. Any problem of extraordinary nature that
directly or indirectly affects any profession is a feasible problem to study.
In settings like in the community, school, or workplace, unusual
phenomena may happen and can turn into potential problems.
4. The research should be empirical. There should be supporting pieces of
evidence and accompanying details for every variable used in the study.
References and citations of facts and information that the researcher has
gathered in his or her paper must be included. Plagiarism constitutes
claiming another person’s idea or intellectual property as one’s ow.
Through proper attribution, the researcher states that the knowledge
being shared through the study was taken from the study of other
experts.
5. The research should be clear. The choice of variables used in the study
should be explained by the researcher. This can be done by enriching the
review of literature or by discussing the different theories on which the
selection of the variables is based. Therefore, there must be sufficient
indicators for each variable. These variables can be gathered from
different published and unpublished materials.