LESSON 1

THE RESEARCH
Lesson Objectives:
1. Define research;
2. Identify the types of research; and
3. Determine the research classification.

1.1 Meaning of Research

Research may be defined as a scientific investigation of
phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis, and
interpretation of facts that links man’s speculation with reality.
From this definition, it stressed that the ultimate goal of research is to attain or to
establish facts about phenomenon being investigated. The means by which these facts
will be attained are also explicit systematic, objective and comprehensive investigation;
accurate gathering, recording and critical analyses of data and interpretation of facts.
Guesswork, haphazard procedure and subjective disposition have no place in the
research process.
Kerlinger (1986) defined research as “systematic, controlled, empirical and
critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by theory and hypotheses about the
presumed relations among such phenomena.
Best and Khan (1989) viewed research as “systematic and objective analysis,
recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of
generalizations, principles or theories resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate
control of events.”
Additionally, the following definitions of Research has been discussed by
Adanza, et. al in their book on Methods of Research for the Health Professions in 2003.
Research is a process of gathering data or information by a scientific or logical
procedure in order to solve a particular problem. It is not only a search about an
important problem, but also the formation of the proof or a theory or basis of a theory
that is worthwhile to society in general or nay of tis sectors in particular.
The word research is a combination of two words “re” and “search”. It includes
previous works and scientific analyses of a subject matter. Research is conducted to
confirm or deny previous findings; to add or revise such findings; or to add new and
related findings.
Martinez (1988) wrote that “Research is a scientific process of critical selection of
data, investigation, and analysis of such, in order to gain new knowledge or complement
existing one.” Research must give new information for what is already known and which
may no longer be relevant.
To this end, Research is a logical and systematic fact-finding procedure which
involves comprehensive data gathering procedures and method which may result to an
accurate, valid and reliable interpretation and critical analysis of the data gathered.

1.2 Characteristics of Research

There are 6 characteristics of research, namely, (1) empirical, (2) logical, (3),
cyclical, (4) analytical, (5) replicability, and (6) critical.
1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the
researcher. The collection of data relies on practical experience without benefit of
the scientific knowledge or theory.
2. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific
investigation is done in an orderly manner so that the researcher has confidence
on the results. Logical examination of the procedures used in the research
enables the researcher to draw valid conclusions. Thus, the logic of valid
research makes it important for decision making.
3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process. It starts with a problem and ends with a
problem. For instance, a researcher who completes his study states his findings
and draws up his conclusions and recommendations. In his recommendations,
many problems may crop up as other subject for study hence, the cycle is
repeated.
 4. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data,
whether historical, descriptive, experimental or case study. In historical research,
the study focuses on the past; in descriptive research, the study focuses on the
present situation; experimental, future; an incase study, past present, and future.
5. Replicability. The research designs and procedures are replicated to enable the
research to arrive at valid and conclusive results. Similarities and differences of
replicated researches, the more valid and conclusive the results would be.
6. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. A higher level of
confidence must b e established, i.e., at 1.0 percent or 5.0 percent level of
confidence. Based on these levels of confidence, the researcher is confidently
precise in his interpretation on whether the results are significant or insignificant,
or whether to reject or accept the hypothesis.

1.3 Types of Research

There are 3 types of research, namely: (1) pure research, (2) applied research,
and (3) action research.
1. Pure Research. This is also called “basic research” or “fundamental research.” It
aims to discover basic truths or principles. It is intended to add to the body of
scientific knowledge by exploring the unknown to extend the boundaries of
knowledge as well as to discover new facts, and learn more accurately the
characteristics of known without any particular thought as to immediate practical
utility (Shubin, 1971). The examples of pure researchers are as follows:
a. Archimedes’ principle. Although accidental, Aristotle Archimedes
discovered what is known as the Archimedes’ Law of Buoyancy. He
extended his principle further as follows: “An object is a liquid will
experience a buoyant force just equal to the weight of the liquid displaced”
(Manlulu & Garcia, 1985). He extended his principle further as follows: “An
object will float if the buoyant force of the liquid is greater that its weight or
the gravitational pull of the earth for the object.
b. Newtons’ Law. As a result of his experience, Isaac Newton conducted
pure research known as Newton’s Law of Motion which states that “A
 body at rest remains at rest and a body in motion will continue to move
unless acted upon by an external force” (Rebollos, et al., 1986).
c. Hooke’s Law. Pure research conducted by Robert Hooke resulted in
Hooke’s Law which states that “Within the limit of perfect elasticity, strain
is directly proportional to stress” (Manlulu, 1985).
d. Boyle’s Law. Robert Boyle’s law states that “If the temperature remains
constant, the volume of a confined gas is inversely proportional to the
pressure” (Rebollos, 1986)
e. Charles’ Law. Jacques Charles’ Law states that “The volume of a dry gas
is directly proportional to the Kelvin temperature, provided the pressure
remains constant” (William, 1980).
2. Applied Research. This type of research involves seeking new applications of
scientific knowledge to the solution of a problem, such as the development of a
new system or procedure, new device, or new method in order to solve the
problem. In this type of research, the problem is identified and a new system or
method is applied in order to solve the problem. For instance, to solve the
problem of rice shortage, research on using new varieties of rice has been
conducted for the purpose of producing more rice. Another problem, research on
the effectiveness of the different contraceptives for family planning has been
conducted to alleviate the number of children per family.
3. Action Research. This is a decision-oriented research involving the application of
the steps of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to improve
existing practices. This process involves practitioners who study a certain
problem in vivo and from such experience draw their decisions and actions as
well as evaluation. For instance, the culture of seaweed, particularly Eucheuma
using the broadcasting method has existed in the locality and can be improved
by using staking and bamboo rafts methods.

1.4 Classification of Research

Research is classified as: (1) library research, (2) field research, and (3)
laboratory research.
1. Library Research. This is done in the library where answers to specific questions
or problems of the study are available. The historical method lends itself to library
research because the study is focused on the past, and much of the primary and
secondary sources are found in the library. Some historical evidence may, of
course, be from archaeological findings.
Field and laboratory researches also make use of the library researches
but the answers to certain problems are not available in the library. The data are
gathered through survey or experimentation.
2. Field Research. Research is conducted in a natural setting. No changes are
made in the environment. Field research is both applicable to descriptive survey
and experimental methods.
An example of field research using the experimental method is “The
Cultivation of Green Mussel Using Bamboo Raft and Staking Methods in
Bulobadyang island, Estancia, Iloilo.” In this study, the green mussel is cultured
in the natural environment. All things are made equal except the methods used in
cultivation.
3. Laboratory Research. The research is conducted in artificial or controlled
conditions by isolating the study in a rigorously specified and operationalized
area. The purposes are (1) to test hypotheses derived from theory, (2) to control
variance under research conditions, and (3) to discover the relations between the
dependent and independent variables.
Laboratory research is applicable to both experimental, descriptive, and
case study methods. An example of laboratory research using the experimental
method is “Cultivation of Milkfish at the Fishpond Using Fish Meal and Bread
Meal as Supplemental Feeds.”
The researcher uses two compartments, namely, the control and an
experimental pond. All things are held constant, except the supplemental feeds
used.
An example of laboratory research using the descriptive method is “The
Effectiveness of Traditional and Modern Methods of Teaching Physics.” The
researcher who should be a Physics teacher should choose his subjects of the
 study (the students) with almost the same mental ability in both traditional and
modern methods. Test is the instrument used to gather data in this study. All
things are made equal except the method used.

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 ACTIVITY 1
Research Methodology
SUMMER 2020

Name: Rhea Jane N. Lampaso

Program: Ma.Ed – Administration and Supervision
Class Schedule: Sunday 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

1. Write the importance of research in your own field?

Answer: Importance of Research in the Field of Education:
1.) Research will help to understand any subject and its principals in much better
and easier way which will encounter new questions and search for answers of
those questions.
2.) Research means trying something out of the box. When it is done such things
it will separate one from other students which will surely attract attention of
the tutors as well which in turn benefit extreme need of help from someone
who is more knowledgeable than the other.
3.) Research is not always a concept that practitioners, managers and policy
makers respect. Too often it is seen as academic activity conducted by others
to the profession, not with the profession.
4.) Research education professionals are always learning, finding out things,
analyzing information, adapting their behavior according to information
received, looking to improve and adapting to modern demands.
5.) Practitioners have to comply with policy. Teachers can adapt it to fit the
individual needs of their own pupils/students.
6.) As teachers are accountable, the public must have faith in the profession and
attitudes to education vary across many social groups so the performance of
teachers can be demonstrated through the publication of research findings.
7.) Teachers project their own personality upon learning experiences. Sometimes
this is intuitive and these decisions can either be successful or fail.
 8.) Research Methodologies give teachers the tools to analyze and make
informed decisions about their practice.
9.) Research helps teachers to share with colleagues.

2. Choose 2 Characteristics of Research and give each an example of a conducted

research. Explain how that research follows such characteristics.
Answer:
Pharmaceutical companies is the best example of Empirical Research because
they have to try out a specific drug on controlled groups or random groups
to study the effect and cause.
Difference in Communication between Man and Women is the best example of
Analytical Research because this research utilizes proven analytical
procedures in gathering the data.
3. Give one example of Library, Laboratory and, Field Research. Explain what
makes it an example of such research?
Answer:
One of the example of Field Research is ” Close friend and group
influence on adolescent cigarette smoking and alcohol use” in this
study The hypothesis being tested was that the social group influence,
especially from one's best friend, would have an impact on the decision to
drink or smoke. What they found was only a modest influence from one's
peer group; most of the pressure came from one's best friend.
Example of Library Research is “Fostering Research and Publication
in Academic Libraries” This study concerns administrative support
provided to encourage the research and publishing activities of academic
librarians working in Association of Research Libraries member libraries.
Deans and directors of these libraries were asked to respond to an online
survey concerning the support measures that their libraries provide, as
well as their thoughts on support measures that academic libraries should
provide. When compared to earlier studies, the survey results indicate that
most support measures have grown over time. Results also suggest
increases in the requirements for publication in academic libraries, as well
as in the number of libraries at which librarians have faculty status.
Example of Laboratory Research “Plasma ion implantation
technology at Hughes Research Laboratories” The plasma ion
implantation (PII) project at Hughes Research Laboratories (HRL) has as
its main objective the evaluation and application of PII technology to
improve the tribological properties of metal and nonmetal materials used
in aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. The HRL PII facility
consists of a 4-ft-diam[times]8-ft-long vacuum chamber capable of
implanting objects weighing up to 7000 lbs, and a high-power (100-kW),
high-voltage (100-kV) pulse modulator to provide voltage pulses for
implantation. Advanced plasma sources have been developed to produce
atomic, as well as molecular, nitrogen and oxygen ions, and PII processes
have been developed to treat metal and nonmetal materials. The HRL PII
facility has been operational since 1989 and has been used for prototype
demonstrations of PII technology to achieve (1) a 2--3[times] improved
wear life of Co/WC drill bits used for printed-wiring-board fabrication, (2)
an 8[times] reduced wear rate for TiN-coated cutting tools, and (3) a
2[times] increased surface hardness for a 7000-lb polymer object, 3 ft by 5
ft by 1 ft.