The Characteristics,

Processes, and Ethics of

Research
Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation
by the researcher. Most researches are based on real-life situation.
Characteristics of Research
2. Systematic.
Research follows
orderly and
sequential
procedures, based
on valid procedures
and principles.
Characteristics of Research

3. Controlled. In research, all variables,

except those that are tested/experimented
on, are kept constant.
Characteristics of Research
4. Employs Hypothesis. The hypothesis guides the
investigation process. Research refers to a search of facts,
answers to questions and solutions to problems.
Characteristics of Research
5. Analytical. This is a critical analysis of all data used so
that there is no error in the researcher’s interpretations.
Characteristics of Research

6. Objective.
The term also refers to
research as unbiased
and logical. All findings
are logically based on
empirical data, which
as earlier mentioned,
are based on real life
situations.
Characteristics of Research
7.Original work.
Requires effort to get
at the researcher’s own
investigation and produce
the data needed to
complete the study.
 Accuracy

Objectiveness

Timeliness
Characteristics of
Relevance
Research

Clarity

Systematic
 Accuracy-It must give correct or accurate data, which the footnotes,
notes, and bibliographical entries should honestly and appropriately
documented or acknowledged.
 Objectiveness-It must deal with facts, not with mere opinions arising
from assumptions, generalizations, predictions, or conclusions.
 Timeliness- It must work on a topic that is fresh, new, and interesting to
the present society.
 Relevance - Its topic must be instrumental in improving society or in
solving problems affecting the lives of people in a community.
 Clarity- It must succeed in expressing its central point or discoveries by
using simple, direct, concise and correct language.
 Systematic - It must take place in an organized or orderly manner.
Components of the Research
Process
DEFINE RESEARCH PROBLEM

REVIEW THE LITERATURE

FORMULATE HYPOTHESIS

DESIGN RESEARCH

COLLECT DATA

ANALYZE DATA

INTERPRET AND
REPORT
Ethics of Research
Ethics in Research

Ethics generally is considered to deal

with beliefs about what is right or
wrong, proper or improper, good or
bad. According to a dictionary
definition (Webster‘s 1968), to be
ethical is to conform to accepted
professional practice.
Ethical considerations in conducting research
 Honesty
Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honestly
report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication
status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data. Do not
deceive colleagues, research sponsors, or the public.
 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 where
objectivity is expected or required. Avoid or minimize bias or
self-deception. Disclose personal or financial interests that may
affect research.
Ethical considerations in conducting research
 Integrity
Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for
consistency of thought and action.
 Carefulness
Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically
examine your own work and the work of your peers. Keep good
records of research activities, such as data collection, research
design, and correspondence with agencies or journals.
Ethical considerations in conducting research
 Openness
Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism
and new ideas.
 Respect for Intellectual Property
Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual
property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results
without permission. Give proper acknowledgement or credit for
all contributions to research. Never plagiarize.
 Confidentiality
Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants
submitted for publication, personnel records, trade or military
secrets, and patient records.
Ethical considerations in conducting research
 Responsible Publication
Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance
just your own career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.
 Responsible Mentoring
Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their welfare
and allow them to make their own decisions.
 Respect for colleagues
Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.
Ethical considerations in conducting research
 Social Responsibility
Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social
harms through research, public education, and advocacy.
 Non-Discrimination
Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the
basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors not related to
scientific competence and integrity.
Ethical considerations in conducting research
 Competence
Maintain and improve your own professional competence
and expertise through lifelong education and learning; take
steps to promote competence in science as a whole.
 Legality
Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and
governmental policies.
Unethical practices in conducting research
1. Deceiving a respondent about the true purpose of a study
2. Asking a respondent questions that cause him or her
extreme embarrassment; guilt emotional turmoil by
remaining him or her of an unpleasant experience
3. Invading the privacy of a respondent
4. Studying the respondents or research subjects without
their knowledge
5. When analyzing the data—revealing only part of the
facts, presenting facts out of context, falsifying findings or
offering misleading presentation such as lying with statistics