RESEARCH & ITS MEANING

Research
It is the systematic study of trend or event which involves careful collection, presentation,
analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data or facts that relates man’s
thinking with reality.
Characteristics of research:
1. Empirical – research is based on direct experience or observation by the
researcher.
2. Logical – research is based on valid procedures and principles.
3. Cyclical – research starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical – research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data,
whether historical, descriptive, experimental, and case study.
5. Critical – research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
6. Methodical – research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using
systematic method and procedures.
7. Replicability – research design and procedures are repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

Qualities of a Good Researcher:

Research Oriented
Efficient
Scientific
Effective
Active
Resourceful
Creative
Honest
Economical
Religious

Man’s Major Needs and Problems Demand Research

It includes:
 how to reduce his burden of work;
 how to relieve suffering;
 how to increase satisfaction in fulfilling his needs, cravings, and aspirations.

Values of Research to Man

1. Research Improves quality of life – It has led man to search for ways for improving
processes and means which man love and find interesting.

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 2. Research improves instruction – Modern teacher introduces innovations and
integrates the 3Rs (rational thinking, right conduct, and research) in all subject areas in
his teaching.
3. Research improves students’ achievement – The students’ achievement could be
improve if the modern teacher keeps himself updated on issues and trends about the
modern methods and strategies in teaching.
4. Research satisfies man’s needs – modern facilities that satisfy man’s needs are all
products of research.
5. Research reduces the burden of work
6. Research improves teachers’ competence – research oriented
7. Research has deep-seated psychological aspects – It challenges man to get rid of the
danger of stagnation. It is an open door to a better tomorrow and it guides him in his
efforts to obtain good results which contribute to his satisfaction and self-fulfilment.
8. Research improves the exportation of food products – Some international research
agencies provide financial support for the researches in the Philippines.
9. Research responds to the economic recovery and austerity measures of the
country – Research outputs are converted to income generating projects to train
students to earn while they learn. Research trains graduates to become responsive to
the economic development of the country and compete globally.

TYPES OF RESEARCH

1. Basic Research – It seeks to discover basic truths or principles. It is intended to add to

the body of scientific knowledge by exploring the unknown to extend the boundaries of
knowledge as well as to discover new facts, and learn more accurately the
characteristics of known without any particular thought as to immediate practical utility.
2. Applied Research – involves seeking new applications of scientific knowledge to the
solution of a problem such as the development of new system or procedure, new
device, or new method, in order to solve the problem. Produces knowledge of practical
use to man.
3. Developmental research – this is a decision- oriented research involving the
application of the steps of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to
improve existing practices.
If a researcher continues to find practical applications from theoretical knowledge and use this
existing knowledge to produce useful products.

CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH
1. Library Research – this is done in the library where answers to specific questions or
problems of the study are available.
2. Field research – research is conducted in a natural setting.
3. Laboratory research – this is conducted in artificial or controlled conditions by
isolating the study in a thoroughly specified and equipped area.

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TYPES OF VARIABLES:

1. Independent Variable – this is the stimulus variable which is chosen by the researcher
to determine its relationship to an observed phenomenon. Variables that are
manipulated or changed in an experiment or study to observe their effect on the
dependent variable. In summary it is called the “cause". Are manipulated or changed in
an experiment or study to observe their effect on the dependent variable.

Examples:

In a study of effect of caffeine on reaction time, the independent variable is the amount of
caffeine consumed.

In a study on the effect of exercise on heart beat, the independent variable is the duration or
intensity of the exercise.

In the study of effect of study time on exam scores, the independent variable is the amount of
time spent studying.

In the study of the viability of Bangus in making ice cream, the independent variable is the
amount of ingredients use in ice cream.
2. Dependent Variable – this is the response variable which is observed and measured to
determine the effect of the independent variable. In simple language it is the “result". It
changes when independent variable changes. Dependent variables that are being
measure or tested in a experiment or study. They are the outcome or effect that depends
on the independent variable.

Example:

In a experiment on the viability of bangus in making ice cream the dependent variable
is the sensory characteristics of bangus ice cream.

In a study on the effect of caffeine on reaction time, the dependent variable is the reaction time.

In a study on the effect of exercise on heart beat, the dependent variable is the heart rate.

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 Independent variable Dependent variable
*personal factor Performance of
Sex college deans in the
Age following areas:
Educational General
background administration
Management Curriculum and
training instructional
Years if service development
Commitment to Student services and
work welfare
*school factors Faculty concern and
School size welfare
School climate Research and
School budget extension
(Possible cause) (Presumed result)

3. Control Variable – a variable controlled by the investigator in which the effects can be
neutralized by eliminating or removing the variable.

4. Intervening Variable – a variable which interferes with the independent and dependent
variables, but its effects can either strengthen or weaken the independent and
dependent variables. Intervening variable are often referred to as mediating variable.
They are important in understanding the relationship between two variables. Example, in
a study of relationship between education (independent variable) and spending
(dependent variable), an intervening variable could be the availability of job opportunities.
Individual with more education may have more opportunities to earn higher salaries,
which in turn affects their spending habits.

5. Moderator Variable – this is a secondary or special type of independent variable chosen

by the researcher to determine if it changes or modifies the relationships between the
independent and dependent variables. It affects the strength or direction of the
relationship between two other variables. It is a variable that changes relationship
between the independent and dependent variable. For example, in a study on the
relationship between exercise and weight loss, age could be a moderator variable that
affects the strength of the relationship between exercise and weight loss, with older
adults experiencing a weaker relationship between exercise and weight loss compared to
younger adults.

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 Showing the difference between mediator and moderator

Components of the Research Process

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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PROCESS
Qualitative research is an umbrella terms that describes many research
methodologies, such as ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, and
interpretive description. It draws on data collection techniques such as interview
and observations to understand a phenomenon within a real-world context.
Qualitative research seeks to understand the complexity and context of a
phenomenon and is more subjective in its results and interpretation than
quantitative research
Quantitative research seeks to understand the casual or correlational
relationship between variables through testing hypotheses. It relies on numerical
or measurable data and produces objective data that can be clearly
communicated through statistics and numbers.
What are the research designs associated with quantitative and qualitative research?
Research designs are the specific procedures involved in the last three steps of the research
process: data collection, data analysis and report writing.
1. Experimental design. An independent variable is manipulated and one or more dependent
variables are controlled to see the effect of the independent variable on the dependent
variable(s).
2. Correlational design. Looking for relationships Looking for relationships between things,
even if we don’t have a theory to explain them between things, even if we don’t have a
theory to explain them.
3. Survey design. This involves administration of an instrument to collect data regarding
characteristics of a group. This involves administration of an instrument to collect data
regarding characteristics of a group.
4. Grounded theory . theory that is developed inductively from a corpus of data. Is case-
oriented; no hypothesis is tested. Interviews & other data collection can be used.
5. Ethnographic design. “The study and systematic recording of human cultures; also : a
descriptive work produced from such research
6. Narrative research design. In form of stories that describe the lives of individuals and
their experiences.
7. Mixed method studies. Some studies use mixed methods to collect and analyze data…
both quantitative and qualitative. For example, a person might do a quantitative survey
and follow it up with qualitative interviews or focus groups. Again, the question dictates
the method.
8. Action design. disciplined inquiry into practices undertaken by those involved in them
done to inform and change the practice studied. To address problems. Often undertaken
as a collaborative activity among colleagues.

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How do you choose which type of research to use?
 Match your approach to your research problem
 Fit the approach to your audience.
 Relate the approach to your experience

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Chapter 1 - Introduction
 Gives a brief description of the topic of the research.
 Discusses the research trends on the topic chosen.
 Explains the gaps in the research done so far regarding the topic.
 Generalizes the problem that arose due to the gap or a lack of understanding of the
phenomena being investigated.
 Provides the justification/ reason for doing the study.
 Enumerates the significance of the study.

Scope and Limitations

Here, the Researcher/s should identify the boundaries or coverage of the study in
terms of the subjects, the study area, the research instrument, the time frame, the
population or universe, and the issues to which the study is focused. (Even not part of
the IMRAD format the scope and limitations of the study can be reflected in the
objective of the study, population and sampling, and some part of data gathering) (Ex.
The study focus on the emotional intelligence of student leaders in higher education
institution in Quezon City)

The Researcher/s should also define the constraints or weakness which are not
within his or her control and hence are not covered by the study.

Significance of the Study

In this section, the interest of the Researcher/s is to determine the ability of the
proponent to remain intellectually “humble”. A proponent being novice in the field
should exercise caution in asserting the significance of his study. The personality of
the statement must be a combination of charismatic pride and charismatic humility.
Example: “This study can be used to enlighten the perspective of teachers.
This study can possibly be a tool in providing another perspective to
teachers.”

Key words
 Identify 5 key words in your study (this should be construct/variable of the
chosen topic) this should be in:
 Conceptual definition – Definition of a term lifted from dictionaries,
encyclopedias, journals, and other general references.
 Operational definition – Definition of a term based on how it is used in the
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 research paper, thesis, or dissertation.

Chapter 2 - Background of the Study

1. Elaborates the ideas discussed in the introduction.
2. Discusses the historical background of the problem.
3. The information that brought about the problem must be cited with facts, dates, year,
people involved in the problem, legal bases (if any, and other pertinent information).
4. Must explain the researcher’s desire to have a clearer and deeper understanding of
a situation so he will be in a better position to initiate remedial measures or to find a
better way to improve the situation.
5. Studies that can strengthen the reason for the investigation could be included here.

Review of Related Literature

 The literature review is an integral part of the entire
research process and makes a valuable contribution
to almost every operational step.
• It gives basic knowledge required in research, relates
the present research with the previous one, helps
researcher facilitate the process of research and help
avoid unnecessary replication of the previous
research
 composed of discussions of facts and principles to which the present study is related.
 related materials are usually printed and found in books, encyclopedias, professional
journals, magazines, newspapers, and other publications
note: For IMRAD format, foreign and local literature are not separated in the RRL. Variables
used in the study should be included as theme (topic) in your RRL.
Procedure in making Literature Review
Activities in review of literature include locating, reading, and evaluating reports
of research as well as reports of casual observations and opinions related to the
individual’s research project plan.
The activities start from:
• Examine research problem
• Identify keyword and topics
• Locate reference
• Read the source
• Summarize the content
• Synthesize the summaries
• Draw the conclusion

Related Studies
 studies, inquiries, or investigations already conducted to which the present proposed
study is related or has some bearing or similarity.
 usually unpublished materials such as manuscripts, theses, and dissertations.

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Importance, Purposes, and Functions of Related Literature and Studies

Reviewed literature and studies are very important because they serve as the
foundation of the proposed study. They guide the researcher in the following ways:

 Guides researcher in searching for or selecting a better research problem or topic; a

similar problem may be found that is better than the one chosen or proposed
 Helps researcher understand his topic better; clarifies vague points about the
problem
 Ensures that there will be no duplication of other studies (Do not use same population,
setting)
 Helps researcher in locating more sources of related information; bibliography of a
study already conducted indicates references about similar studies
 Guides researcher in making the research design (esp. in formulating questions,
assumptions, hypotheses, conceptual framework as well as in selecting methods of
research, sampling techniques and validation of instrument)
 Helps researcher in making comparison between his findings with the findings of
other researchers on similar studies and thus in formulating generalizations or
principles that contribute to the fund of knowledge

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Theory - The literature search should include primarily the search for a theory that would link
the research topic to an available body of knowledge. This is usually done in quantitative
research or researches involving numerical data.

 A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, definitions or propositions that present a

systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with the
purpose of predicting the phenomena (Kerlinger, 1973)

 Examples of theories as written in a thesis:

o A theory on motivation postulated by Reitz (1981) states that people are capable
of being motivated by a large, complete set of motives or reinforces which deal with
physiological survival, security, affiliation, esteem, self-actualization,
achievement, competence, security, activity, and beauty. The range and variety
of these factors make it imperative to account for individual differences in the
strength of individual responses to a given reward.

o The Law of Effect advocated by Thorndike speaks of the tendency of the organism
to react to a particular way to given situations. It signifies the degree of probability
that a certain response will be made under stimulating conditions (Aquino et al.,
1985).

o Technology Acceptance Model Technology Acceptance Model (TAM; Davis, 1989) has
been one of the most influential models of technology acceptance, with two primary factors
influencing an individual’s intention to use new technology: perceived ease of use and
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 perceived usefulness.

Theoretical Framework - The framework cites and explains the theory (ies) on which the
study is premised (supposed to be based) in order to establish the relationship among the
variables in the study.
The “Theoretical Framework” justifies the rationale behind the investigation. It is the
foundation of the Conceptual Framework. Thus, the framed “Concept” must be based upon a
theory.

Conceptual Framework - The “Conceptual Framework” explains how the theory (ies) is or are
going to be operationalized in the study. The framework may be an adaptation of a model
used in a previous study but with some modifications in order to fit into the framework of the
present study.

Research Paradigm

The research paradigm is a diagram that illustrates the variables and how they interact
/influence each other and/or other related variables.

Today, researchers are doing away with the traditional Input-Process-Output format and are
more inclined to using a Simulacrum format that connects the variables of the study.

In experimental research, the commonly used paradigm is the independent-dependent

variable format.

Statement of the Problem

1. Must only be one.
2. Must be clearly, adequately, and precisely stated.
3. The main problem is the central focus or the “life-blood” of the study.
a. One way of analyzing the problem is to state a
i. major problem and (“This study aimed to …”)
ii. its sub-problems. (“Specifically, the study attempted to answer
the following questions: . . .”)

Example:
Title: Satisfaction of Customers Towards Self-Ordering Kiosks in a Quick Service Restaurant in
Belfast Avenue, Quezon City

Research question 1: What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1 Age,
1.2 Gender;
1.3 Civil Status
1.4 Educational Attainment, and
1.5 Frequency of visits
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Research Question 2: What is the level of satisfaction of customers towards self-ordering kiosks in a
quick service restaurant in terms of:
2.1 Ordering Speed;
2.2 Convenience;
2.3 Menu Design;
2.4 Order Accuracy
Research Question 3: Is there a significant difference in the level of satisfaction of customers when they
are grouped according to demographic profile?

H0 (-): There is no significant difference in the level of satisfaction of customers when they are grouped
according to age and frequency of visits.

Assumptions – are statements taken for granted as

simple truth. Ex. All respondents use condiments in
their food. Assumptions is for Qualitative study.
All respondents at Cabalen restaurant are residents of Bulacan.

Hypothesis – is a tentative solution to a particular problem which may be accepted or

rejected, depending on the facts. Used when the study is using quantitative approach.

Two types of Hypothesis

1. Null hypothesis (Ho) ( is the state of affairs that is accepted as true in the absence of
any other information. Lack of a relationship as a starting point is a hallmark until a
systematic difference has been established, researcher has to assume that any
difference observed is due to chance. (note: as practice by our institution we use Ho)
 Example: There is no significant relationship/difference between
A and B.
 There is no significant difference on the emotional intelligence of
student leaders when group according to their sex.
2. Alternative hypothesis (Ha) – is a prediction of some sort regarding the possible
outcomes of a study.
 Example: There is a significant relationship/difference between A
and B.

APA FORMAT AND CITATION

Why cite your sources

⚫ To avoid honor code violations (student issue)

⚫ To avoid plagiarism (scholarly community issue)

⚫ To avoid copyright violations/legal action (public issue)

⚫ To give credit to others for their hard work
⚫ To direct reader to more information about your topic
⚫ Any time you use information in a paper that you got elsewhere, you should cite your
source
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 ⚫ When paraphrasing, summarizing, giving conclusions from a study, etc.
⚫ When directly quoting from a source

What is APA?

⚫ Standard style used by scholars and students in the social sciences to cite sources
⚫ Developed by the American Psychological Association
⚫ Gives guidelines for formatting research papers and citing sources

IN-TEXT CITATION
Three ways to cite in-text:

As in previous examples, add the parenthetical citation to the end of the material paraphrased.

 The study concluded that people like pie (Jones, 1998).

Write the author’s name into the text and put the year in parentheses after.

 Jones (1998) concluded that people like pie.

Write as much of the citation as possible into the text (but don’t forget parenthetical page
numbers if you quote directly.)

 In 1998, Jones concluded that “people, on average, like pie” (p. 50).

•What if…
1. There are two or three authors?
•(Smith & Jones, 1998)
•Smith, Jones, and Leery (1998) conclude that…
•“I like pie” (Smith, Jones, & Leery, 1998, p. 50).
2. There are more than three authors? Use et al., which just means “and others”
•Jones et al. (1998) concluded that people like pie.
•People like pie (Jones et al., 1998).
3. There is no personal author? Use a corporate author. If there is no corporate
author, use the first few words of the title in the reference list

1. Pie is unhealthy (USDA, 2010).

2. Pie is really good for you (“Why Pie is Wonderful,” 2010).

4. There is no date? Use n.d., which just stands for “no date”

 (Smith & Jones, n.d.)

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REFERENCE LIST FORMAT:

BOOK

JOURNAL ARTICLES:
*doi (digital object identifier)

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14
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PROCESS

Qualitative research is an umbrella terms that describes many research
methodologies, such as ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology,
and interpretive description. It draws on data collection techniques such as
interview and observations to understand a phenomenon within a real-
world context. Qualitative research seeks to understand the complexity
and context of a phenomenon and is more subjective in its results and
interpretation than quantitative research
Quantitative research seeks to understand the casual or correlational
relationship between variables through testing hypotheses. It relies on
numerical or measurable data and produces objective data that can be
clearly communicated through statistics and numbers.
What are the research designs associated with quantitative and qualitative research?
Research designs are the specific procedures involved in the last three steps of the research
process: data collection, data analysis and report writing.
1. Experimental design An independent variable is manipulated and one or more dependent
variables are controlled to see the effect of the independent variable on the dependent
variable(s).
2. Correlational design Looking for relationships Looking for relationships between things,
even if we don’t have a theory to explain them between things, even if we don’t have a
theory to explain them.
3. Survey design. This involves administration of an instrument to collect data regarding
characteristics of a group. This involves administration of an instrument to collect data
regarding characteristics of a group.
4. Grounded theory . theory that is developed inductively from a corpus of data. Is case-
oriented; no hypothesis is tested. Interviews & other data collection can be used.
5. Ethnographic design. “The study and systematic recording of human cultures; also : a
descriptive work produced from such research
6. Narrative research design. In form of stories that describe the lives of individuals and
their experiences.
7. Mixed method studies. Some studies use mixed methods to collect and analyze data…
both quantitative and qualitative. For example, a person might do a quantitative survey
and follow it up with qualitative interviews or focus groups. Again, the question dictates
the method.
15
 8. Action design. disciplined inquiry into practices undertaken by those involved in them
done to inform and change the practice studied. To address problems. Often undertaken
as a collaborative activity among colleagues

How do you choose which type of research to use?

 Match your approach to your research problem
 Fit the approach to your audience.
 Relate the approach to your experience

DATA COLLECTION

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION
DATA ANALYSIS
RESULT, DISCUSSION, AND CONCLUSION

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17
Conceptual Framework - The “Conceptual Framework” explains how the theory (ies) is or
are going to be operationalized in the study. The framework may be an adaptation of a
model used in a previous study but with some modifications in order to fit into the
framework of the present study.

Research Paradigm

The research paradigm is a diagram that illustrates the variables and how they interact
/influence each other and/or other related variables.

Today, researchers are doing away with the traditional Input-Process-Output format and
are more inclined to using a Simulacrum format that connects the variables of the study.

In experimental research, the commonly used paradigm is the independent-dependent

variable format.

Statement of the Problem

4. Must only be one.
5. Must be clearly, adequately, and precisely stated.
6. The main problem is the central focus or the “life-blood” of the study.
a. One way of analyzing the problem is to state a
i. major problem and (“This study aimed to …”)
ii. its sub-problems. (“Specifically, the study attempted to
answer the following questions: . . .”)

Assumptions – are statements taken for granted

as simple truth. Ex. All respondents use
condiments in their food.
All respondents at Cabalen restaurant are residents of Bulacan.

Hypothesis – is a tentative solution to a particular problem which may be accepted or

rejected, depending on the facts.

Two types of Hypothesis

3. Null hypothesis (Ho) ( is the state of affairs that is accepted as true in the absence
of any
other information. Lack of a relationship as a starting point
is a hallmark until a systematic difference has been
established, researcher has to assume that any difference
observed is due to chance.
 Example: There is no significant relationship/difference
between A and B.
4. Alternative hypothesis (Ha) – is a prediction of some sort regarding the possible
outcomes of a study.

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  Example: There is a significant relationship/difference
between A and B.

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