Research came from “re” and “search”.

"Re" is a
prefix that means again and search is a word which
means to look for. Therefore, research is to look for
something (Chapman 1979)
• research is not only about the discovery of
something unknown, it is coming up with a new
explanation of something that is known.
• research is a process. It is a process of searching
for something to solve an existing problem or
difficulty to solve.
• Research is a systematic investigation or inquiry
entailing collection of data, documentation of
critical information, analysis, interpretation of
information (Williams 2007).
• It is systematic - entails the structure or method
• Research can be also viewed as the formation of
new knowledge and the employment of previous
or existing knowledge into a new and creative
way (O’Donnell 2012).
 Research is very significant on our lives, it has
gradually changed human life through history. Here are
the five (5) importance of research to our daily lives.
1. Research aims for truth (Rolfe 2002).
2. Research improves quality of human life (Bornmann
2013).
3. Research saves life(Cancer Research UK 2019).
4. Research gathers necessary information (Igwenagu
2016).
5. Research explores humanity (Lee, Tran, and Lee
2007).
• The research aims for truth. We crave truth for no one has the
desire to live in lies (Rasmussen 2013). Research is about
establishing truth based on evidence or data. We conduct a study
to seek for truth.
• Research improves the quality of human life. All of the
technological advancements are brought by different researches
(Gupta 2018).
• Research saves a life. Through the course of human history,
research has proven its worth and roles in our lives. In the past,
when penicillin was not yet discovered, people just die without
proper medication. It was by the research of Fleming that the first
generation of antibiotics were discovered (Pandey et al. 2014).
• Research gathers the necessary information. Conducting
research implies gathering necessary data to explain your
problem and to answer your particular questions.

• Research explores humanity. Research likewise deals

with the investigation of culture to understand and to
appreciate others' practices, and beliefs (Zion and Kozleski
2005). The way we understand others is the result of a
long study of different individuals to provide us
explanations about group or individual culture. Because of
this, we can now relate, understand, and respect others.
Characteristics of Research

Characteristics of Research (Cristobal & Cristobal, 2017)

1. Research should be systematic.

- The researcher needs to carry out a series of interrelated
steps in conducting the study.
- The research paper is divided into
macrosystem - different chapters labeled with main
headings
microsystem - consists of various elements detailing the
contents of each part.
2. Research should be objective.
The researcher needs to present information that
are purely based on truths.

3. Research should be feasible.

The researcher needs to consider the possibility and
practicality of conducting the proposed study. All
significant factors like time, budget and access to
resources must be analyzed to determine if the research
can actually be done.
4. Research should be empirical.
The researcher needs to employ appropriate methods,
either quantitatively or qualitatively, to produce evidence-based
information. They can be drawn from concrete experimentation,
direct or indirect observation, and verifiable experience.
5. Research should be clear.
The researcher needs to use comprehensible language to present
information and convey explanation throughout the research process.
The factors to be manipulated, measured or described in the study, also
known as variables, must be clarified using literature from published
and unpublished materials. They should be explained well from the
introductory part of the research paper to ensure a deeper
understanding of the study to be conducted.
The Research Process

Research process is a systematic manner in

which the researcher approaches his/her area
of study to produce knowledge that the
community will consider to be worthwhile
within the field (Rao, 2017).
Now, here’s the simplified flow of the significant steps you need
to take in conducting a study as presented by Rao (2017):

1. Define the research problem. To begin your research, you

must look at a significant real-life problem. Factors like area
of interest, availability of fund, socio-economic significance
of the study, and the safety measures to be undertaken
should be considered in finding and defining the research
problem.
The researcher identifies English language proficiency
as a problem of aspiring maritime students in qualifying for
admission to prestigious maritime institutions.
2. Review the literature. Read various publications
or surf the internet to become aware of the
previous works already done about the chosen
topic. You may utilize different resources like science
books, magazines, journals, newspapers, or even in
the internet.
The researcher reviews previous studies
conducted about English language proficiency and
the experienced difficulties of aspiring maritime
students.
3. Formulate hypothesis. A hypothesis is a
theoretical statement in solving a logical
relationship between variables. It should be
based on the problem being solved.
The researcher hypothesizes that the
implementation of English-Only Policy (EOP) in
the classroom can improve the English
language proficiency of Pre-Baccalaureate
Maritime students.
4. Prepare the research design. Identify what is the best
means to collect and analyze data in the study to clarify
and improve the research problem, purpose, and
questions.
The researcher uses an experimental design on
exploring the experiences of the students in implementing
EOP.
5. Collect data. Use an appropriate data collection
method to elicit the needed information.
The researcher collects data through interview and
focus group discussion.
6. Analyze data. Utilize strategies and methods that make
sense of the data to answer the research problem.
The researcher analyzes the data by drawing
patterns and themes from the generated data.
7. Interpret and report the findings. Put the information
in perspective and present the solution to the proposed
problem based on the findings of the investigation.
The researcher interprets and reports the findings
based on the collected and analyzed data to solve the
research problem .
Ethics in Research

Ethics is a branch of knowledge

that deals with moral principles on
governing a person’s behavior in the
conduct of any activity
Importance of Ethics in Research
Resnik (2015), in his article, “What is Ethics in Research & Why is it
important?”, as cited by Cristobal & Cristobal (2017), enumerates the
following reasons why it is important to follow ethical principles in
writing and conducting a research:
1. It promotes the aims of research. Ethics guides the researchers in
obtaining knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error by prohibiting
fabrication, falsification and misrepresentation of research data
2. It upholds values that are essential to collaborative work. Many
researchers who are working in different disciplines and institutions
cooperate and coordinate to accomplish a particular research. With
ethics in mind, they also maintain trust, accountability, mutual
respect, and fairness.
3. It ensures that researchers can be held accountable to the public.
Ethical norms guarantee the public that researchers are
deemed responsible for committing any form of research
misconduct.
4. It builds public support for research.
People express and lend their support by all means if they can
trust the quality and integrity of research.
5. It promotes a variety of moral and social values.
Ethical principles help the researcher avoid practices that can
adversely harm the research subjects and the community. Thus, it
encourages social responsibility, human rights, animal welfare,
compliance with the law, and public health and safety.
Ethical Codes and Policies for Research
Cristobal & Cristobal (2017), in their book, “Practical Research 1 for
Senior High School”, lists the following ethical codes and policies that
the researcher needs to consider in conducting a study:
• Honesty Confidentiality
• Objectivity Responsible publication
• Integrity Responsible mentoring
• Care Respect for colleagues
• Openness Social responsibility
• Respect for intellectual property Non-discrimination
• Competence Legality
• Human Subject Protection
Rights of Research Participants

According to Trochim (2006), Smith (2003) and Polit

(2006), the following are some of the rights of research
participants, as cited by Cristobal & Cristobal (2017):
• Voluntary participation
• Informed consent
• Risk of harm
• Confidentiality
• Anonymity