Practical Research 1
Lesson 3 – Characteristics, Processes and Ethics of
Research
Characteristics of Research:
1. Empirical – Research is based on observations and
experimentations of theories. It takes into account
the direct experiences that fuse the researcher’s
speculation with reality. Most researches are based
on real-life situations.
2. Systematic – Research follows orderly and
sequential procedures, based on valid procedures
and principles. Researchers are advised to refer to
the research guidelines provided or prescribed by
the school.
3. Controlled – In research, all variables, except those
that are tested/experimented on, are kept constant.
4. Employs hypothesis – The hypothesis guides the
investigation process. Research refers to a search for
facts, answers to questions and solutions to
problems.
5. Analytical – There is critical analysis of all data used
so that there is no error in the researcher’s
interpretations.
6. Objective – The term also refers to the research as
unbiased and logical. All findings are logically based
in empirical data, which as earlier mentioned, are
based on real life situations.
7. Original Work – Requires effort to get at the
researcher’s own investigation and produce the data
needed to complete the study.
Types of Research:
1. Library Research – done primarily in the library
where answers to specific questions or problems
are available
2. Field Research – done in the natural setting such as
barangay, school or factory
3. Laboratory Research – conducted in an artificial or
controlled conditions by doing the study in a
thoroughly specified and equipped area
Ethics and Research
Ethics
 Refers to the norms for conduct that distinguish
between acceptable and unacceptable behavior
 Direct networks among people because they
recognize some common ethical norms but
interpret, apply and balance them in different
ways in the light of their own values and
experiences. (Resmik, 2015)
 A method, procedure or perspective for
deciding not to act and for analyzing complex
problems and issues.
 Functions of Ethics:
1. Norms promote the aims of research such
as knowledge, truth and evidence of error.
2. Ethical standards promote the values that
are essential to collaborative work such as
trust, accountability, mutual respect and
fairness.
3. Ethical norms ensure that researchers can
be held accountable to the public.
4. Ethical norms in research, is research that
helps build public support quality and
integrity of research.
Some Ethical Principles:
a. Informed Consent – In order to safeguard the
rights of the participants in your study, secure
informed consent. Inform your participants
about the criteria set for choosing them as
informants and the schedule of one-on-one
interview at the convenient time they are
available. Participation to the study will be
completely voluntary.
b. Honesty – Honest report data, results, methods
and procedures and publication status. Do not
fabricate, falsify and misinterpret the data.
c. Objectivity – Strive to avoid bias in
experimental design, data analysis, data
interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions,
grant writing, expert testimony and other
aspects of research.
d. Integrity – Keep your promises and agreements;
act with sincerity; strive for consistency of
thought and action.
e. Carefulness – Avoid careless errors and
negligence; carefully and critically examine your
work and the work of peers. Keep good records
of research activities.
f. Openness – Share data, results, ideas, tools and
resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
g. Respect for Intellectual Property – Honor
patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets
and other forms of intellectual property. Do not
use published or unpublished data, methods or
results without permission. Give credit where
credit is due. Never plagiarize, fabricate and
falsify.
h. Confidentiality - Protect confidential
communications, such as papers or grants
submitted for publication, personnel records,
trade or military secrets and patient records.
i. Responsible Publication – Publish in order to
advance research and scholarship, not to
advance your own career. Avoid wasteful and
duplicative publication.
j. Respect for Colleagues – Respect your
colleagues and treat them fairly. Don’t outsmart
others. Respect their opinions.