METHODS OF

RESEARCH
AN INTRODUCTION

OUTLINE

Meaning of Research
Purposes of Research
Characteristics of Good Research
Kinds and Classifications of Research
The Scientific Method of Research
The Research Problem
Title, Statement of the Problem &
Hypothesis

Brief Activity
Arrange the steps of scientific method of
research :
Research design
Implications & conclusions
Hypothesis
Library research
Collect data
Problem identification
Analyze data
Recommendation

Meanings of Research

Careful, critical, disciplined inquiry,

varying techniques and method

A systematic search for pertinent

information on a specific topic/problem.

Purposes of Research

Good life

Deeper understanding

Improve judgment & decision-making

Satisfy curiosity

Promote health & prolong life

Characteristics of
GOOD RESEARCH

1. Systematic
2. controlled
3. Empirical
4. Analytical
5. Objective, unbiased & logical
6. Original work
7. Done by an expert
8. Accurate investigation, observation & description
9. Patient & unhurried
10. Effort-making capacity
11. Requires courage

Kinds & Classification

A. ACCORDING TO PURPOSE
Predictive

or prognostic

Directive
Illuminative

Kinds & Classification

B. ACCORDING TO GOAL
Basic

or pure research
Applied

Kinds & Classification

C. ACCORDING TO THE
LEVELS OF INVESTIGATION
Exploratory
Descriptive
Experimental

D. ACCORDING TO THE TYPE

OF ANALYSIS
Analytic
Holistic

Kinds & Classification

E. ACCORDING TO SCOPE
Action

research

F. ACCORDING TO CHOICE
OF ANSWERS TO
PROBLEMS
Evaluation
Developmental

Kinds & Classification

G. ACCORDING
TOSTATISTICAL CONTENT
Quantitative
Non-

quantitative

H. ACCORDING
TOTIME ELEMENT
Historical
Descriptive
Experimental

Hindrances to Scientific
Inquiry
Illogical reasoning mystification

Tradition

to err is human

Authority
Inaccurate
observation
Overgeneralization

Selective observation
Made-up information

dogmatism

I. RESEARCH PROBLEM

Elements:

Why conduct the study?

What is to be studied?
Where to be conducted?
When is the study to be carreid out?
Who will participate the study?

I. RESEARCH PROBLEM

GUIDELINES:

Chosen
Interest
Specialization
Competence
Financial Capacity
Researchable& Manageable

I. RESEARCH PROBLEM

GUIDELINES:

Researchable & Manageable

Data access,
criteria-laden,
answers sub-problems,
hypothesis is testable,
valid & reliable tools,
time-bound,
significant/relevant to present situations,
Practicality and implement ability of results
Original, critical and reflective thinking in solving
Has delimitations

I. RESEARCH PROBLEM

GUIDELINES:
Time-bounded
Significant/relevant

to present situations,
Practicality and implement ability of
results
Original, critical and reflective thinking in
solving

I. RESEARCH PROBLEM

GUIDELINES:
Has contributions: national, local, human
knowledge, solutions to problems
Do not advocate the antisocial values (drug
addiction, cruelty, hatred, multiple sex mating,
etc.)
Return of investment: monetary, promotion,
skills in the profession, prestige & reputation

I. RESEARCH PROBLEM

GUIDELINES:
Considers hazards involved, either physical,
social or legal

TITLE DEVELOPMENT

CHARACTERISTICS:

Formulated ahead of the conduct research.

Contain the subject matter , the locale,
population, and period of the study.
Indicates what is expected to be found
inside the thesis report.
Brief & concise.
Written in inverted pyramid, all words are
capitalized

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

GUIDELINES:

Formulated ahead of the conduct research

Interrogative format
Clear & unequivocal
Researchable
Answers are interpreted independently
Each question contributes to the
development of the whole research topic

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

GUIDELINES:

NOTE
Before

writing the specific questions, determine

first the different aspects of research problem
to be studied and for each aspect make one
specific question (sub- questions if necessary).

Start with general statement of the

problem and subquestions afterwards.

HYPOTHESIS
Tentative conclusion to a specific question;
an educated guess for a specific question

2 FORMS

Operational
Null Form

FUNCTIONS

Designing the study

Determine assumptions
Determining the relevance of the study
Bases for explanation of the gathered data
Aid in consolidating findings and formulating conclusions

Activity

1. Academic stress and self-regulation

strategies among senior college students
2. Stress Management and academic
performance of PolSci Students

Group Activity
Develop a concept paper for
a possible research undertaking and
formulate the following:
A. TITLE
B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
a.
b.

General
Specific Questions

C. Hypothesis
a. operational

b. Null form
* Report your agreed concept paper in the class.