MODULE 1.

INTRODUCTION
At the end of this module, the students should be able to: 1. extrapolate knowledge based on empirical observation evidences. 2. Differentiate a theory from facts. 3. Define the roles of science and theory in research. 4. Explain given phenomena using some known theories. 5. Identify researches as to its quantitative/qualitative and pure/applied. classification such as

6. See the different process involved in research in general.

Lesson 1. Meaning of Research

Research is the search for knowledge (Best and Kahn, 1993). It is seeking Knowledge not by hearing something, knowledge not based on rumor, knowledge not based on assumption of something, but knowledge empirically obtained (Rath, 1991: 1). Research is the process of arriving at dependable solution to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data (Srivastava, 1994). Research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable and scientific methodology to solve a problem that creates generally applicable knowledge. In all these given definitions, we can identify key words that are characteristic features of research. a. it is systematic because it undergoes a structured process and carefully designed procedures.

b. It is empirical because it is based upon observable experience or evidence. The method of establishing knowledge is based only on what can be verified by empirical observations. To further understand the meaning of research, let us explore the function of science and theory. In research, science puts emphasis more on method than on content. Conway and Feigert (in Rath, 1991) support this view when they say that science has two major objectives, namely the description of phenomena (i.e. behavior, attitude, happening) and the establishment of general principles by which these phenomena can be explained and predicated. Again, descriptions and explanations are based on empirical or observable evidence. In a research activity, science is seen as static and dynamic. It is static in a way that it systematizes information about the universe. The researcher tries to find out new information or discover new facts to explain the phenomena that have already existed in the universe. As a dynamic activity, it leads to the observation of new facts not for the sake of obtaining a new explanation but for the development of theories and formation of new concepts. According to Kerlinger (1986), the basic aim of science is theory. He meant that science aims to explain natural phenomena. Such explanations are called theories. For examples, what theory explains a child who learns so fast in solving mathematics problems? failure? Science theory has got specific roles in any research activity. In any scientific study, concepts are defined and classified and science uses facts which are arranged in a system with a particular structure. When knowledge is organized, there must be some system imposed upon the facts which are observable. Theory provides the basis for such scientific inquiry as it conceptualizes, defines and classified the study. For example, if we study the role perception of corporate managers, we may refer to the role theory, decision-making theory, or game theory. The knowledge of these theories will give us a 2 a businessman who thinks that political instability can lead to business

clear concept of the subject under study thus classified facts accordingly. Thus, theory defines the boundary of the study. This may lead to the fragmentation of research. For example, if we want to study labor problems in the Philippines, we do not look to all the problems, but select some smaller problems such as wage policy, recruitment policy, employer-employee relations, or crisis management. In the end, putting all these pieces together is made using the integrative approach to analysis.

Activity 1
A. Discuss examples of knowledge based on empirical observations or evidences: B. Explain the following: 1. Research is systematic. 2. Research is a scientific inquiry. 3. Research as a static activity. 4. Research as a dynamic activity. C. Read differences between theory and facts. D. What theory or theories can explain the following phenomena? 1. oil prices may rise and fall anytime of the year 2. joining the APEC community wil improve our economy 3. young leaders make a dynamic industry

Lesson 2. Nature and Classification of Research

In all field of knowledge the natural, behavioral, and social sciences, research becomes a must to know not only for personal aggrandizement but for societys gain. Nowadays, man is continuously searching to improve and develop new knowledge, new technologies, new techniques, new processes and concepts/theories, and new developments as indicators of progress. The concern of research is to understand, 3

explain and to some degrees predict and control behavior and conditions that are both beneficial and harmful to mankind. He does this in three ways: discover, verify, and test. Man discovers new knowledge and theories, verifies and tests applicability of these theories.

Why Should You Have to Know About Research?

Whoever you are educators, mangers, business entrepreneurs, public administrators or community leaders, you always think of improving quality of educators, quality of products; developing new products, new management style; more effective decision-making and public administration style. The evaluation of educational, business and public administration practices affecting our people have greatly become problematic and competitive. A call for quality and excellence is very timely. Thus, knowledge of the research processes will help you venture on research activities to solve these problems; to understand better and evaluate more critically published research articles and professional journalsaside form the fact that your decision-making abilities will be much improved since gathered information on which to base decision are carried out through research.

Classification of Research A. Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Research in the field can be classified according to variable measurements and methodology used such as qualitative and quantitative. As shown in Figure 1, qualitative research is characterized by findings that can be expressed and described verbally-all kinds of studies relying on observations made by the researcher. Quatitative research is characterized by findings that are expressed in numerical formsdata analyzed by various statistical techniques.

EXPERIMENTAL MAXIMUM CONTROL LABORATORY-TYPE ENVIRONMENT

Fully Defined Question/Hypothesis Manipulated Variables Numerical Verbal

Veriable Unrestricted Questions and Hypothesis Emerge During Observations

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT NONEEXPERIMENTAL Figure 1. Dimensions of District between Experimental-Quantative and Nonexperimental-Qualitative (taken from Drew & Hart, 1996)

B. Pure and Appied Research

Generally, research is classified as basic or fundamental and applied research based on the objectives the researcher intends to accomplish. Basic research is concerned with the formulation of a theory; is aimed to obtain and use empirical data to formulate, expand or evaluate a theory; has a wider applicability of results thus, employs careful sampling procedures in order to extend the findings beyond the group or situation; is aimed to discover knowledge for the sake of knowledge; has little concern for the application of the finding or social usefulness of the findings (Koul, 1995:20). Applied research is concerned with improving a product or process; is aimed towards the solution of immediate, specific and practical problems; has a narrower applicability of results; employs scientific method of inquiry but not as rigorous as that of basic research where findings are evaluated in terms of local applicability, not in terms of universal validity. Operations research in industry and action research in education are outgrowth of this need to use empirical solution to problems of immediate concern.

Activity 2
A. Go to the library and list down these titles and classify them as a. qualitative and qualitative, and b. pure and applied research B. In your own offices, write down some problems which you think need immediate solution calling for empirical research.

Lesson 3. The Research Process

It is obvious from our early discussions that because there are different kinds of researches depending on the discipline of the researcher, there are also different processes he has to undergo. Yet, generally, research activities, problems and methodology will have only a very slight difference. This will be shown in the next module when we take up in details the different research methodologies. Here, we will show you the generally acceptable research process common to all kinds of researches. Drew and Hart (1996) conceptualized the research process as shown in Figure 2, in closed loop or circular fashion. The investigation begins with an idea that becomes the research question (?). The research question may then lead to some hypotheses which in turn lead to the design or plan for investigation. Data are then collected and analyzed to asnwer the question. This outcome close the loop. Along the way, there might emerge additional questions for future research.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTIVE STATEMENT HYPOTHESIS

RESEARCH

DESIGNE D

NEW INFERENCE QUESTIONS EMERGE FROM RESULTS

DATA ANALYZE D

DATA COLLECTE D

Figure 2. Close-Loop Conceptualization of the RESEARCH PROCESS

There

are two elements that characterize the research process. One is

circularity. As shown in Figure 2, the research process consist of five important states: 1). The research problem and statement of hypothesis, 2) formulating the research design, 3) gathering the data, 4) analyzing the data, and 5) interpreting the results so as to test the hypothesis. As the researcher goes from one stages to another, he may find difficulty or might have gathered inadequate data because of inappropriate instrument. For example, if the researcher did a faulty or untestable hypothesis or inadequate sample, he cannot perform the next stages because of inadequacy of the early steps. So, he has to go back to the earlier stage to the correct. Research, then, is a system whose processes are interdependent and related to reach other, Secondly, there is the element of replicability, Oftentimes, the research is successful and findings comfirm the hypothesis stated in the study. It is advisable that the study is repeated so as to demonstrate that the findings are not accident or more coincidence. If the study is reapeted exactly with a different sample, a second confirmation of the findings will lend further support to generalizability of the study, therefore, it is important that the researcher so design the study that it can be replicated by himself or someone else. Otherwise the finding will not be so convincing as they would be. For example, if the research hypothesized that a certain kind of drug does not have side effects when taken by selected ten women, perhaps, we would feel better if this study is replicated many times giving the same drug to a large samples over a longer time and conclude that the drug has no side effects.

Activity 2
A. Discuss the following 1. Advantages and disadvantages of replicating a study