Introduction to Research

Sources of Knowledge
Experience personal experiences Authority seek knowledge from someone who had more experience with the problem Deductive Reasoning general to specific through logical argument Example:

All men are mortal. (Major Premise) Maro is a man. (Minor Premise)l Therefore, Maro is mortal. (Conclusion)

Sources of Knowledge
Inductive Reasoning observe nature itself, gather particular facts, and formulate generalization from these findings Scientific Approach uses hypothesis

Types of Research
According to importance:
Basic- it is conducted for the sake of knowing - Natural scientist mostly uses this type of research Ex. Extraction of an anti-cancer protein/enzyme from saliva Applied- it is done to obtain knowledge - It can be further classified as Survey or Market Research Ex. The use of mango peelings as source of bioethanol

Types of Research
According to method:
Qualitative Research- presents data in the forms of words; uses systematic procedures Quantitative Research- makes use of quantitative methods to describe phenomena and their relationships -statistical analysis - Experimental - Non-experimental

Types of Research
According to process:
Pure Research- basic research or fundamental research - Intended to know the unknown and new facts Applied Research- seeks for the development a new system or procedure, new devices or new method to solve a problem Action Research

Types of Research
According to purpose:
Analytical Argumentative Exploratory

Types of Research
According to locale:
Library Research- done in the library Field Research- natural way setting Laboratory Research- operationalized area

Characteristics of Research
Empirical Logical Cyclical Analytical Replicability Critical

Good Characteristics of Researcher

Intellectual Curiosity- critical thinker and must has lot of inquiry about the topic of research Prudence- doing the right things at the right time Healthy Criticism- always doubtful Intellectual Honesty- Honesty is the best policy.

Sources of Topics and Research Problem

Professional Experience Professional Trends- comes from publications and newsletters Public Research- from professional journals Societal Trends- social, political and economic concerns Existing Theory

Criteria for Selection of Research Problem

Novelty and Avoidance of Unnecessary Duplication Original The importance of the study to its Fields Significance of your study Interest, Intellectual Curiosity and Drive A topic that would intense your interest Training and Special Qualification Familiarity with the field

Criteria for Selection of Research Problem

Availability of Data and Choice of Method -accurate and verifiable data Special Equipment and Working Conditions Sponsorship and Administrative Cooperation - an authorize people to guide and check the field of study Costs and Returns Hazards, Penalties and Hardships -make choices with open eyes Time Factor

Research VS. Common Sense