MODULE WEEK NO.

3
INITAO College
University Jampason, Initao, Misamis Oriental
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College of Hospitality Management

HPC 10A: Research in Hospitality 1
2nd Semester of A.Y. 2024-2025

Introduction

In this module, we will be discussing the characteristics of research. The basic

and applied research is also discussed.

Rationale
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 To qualify as research, the process must have certain characteristics: it must be

controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid, verifiable, empirical and critical.
Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students are expected to:

A. Differentiate the goals and purposes of research.
B. Explain the characteristics of educational research.

Activity

1. Interactive and thorough discussions on the topic.

2. Exercises to enhance the learning of the students.

3. At home Activity that will practice the knowledge that the students acquired
through concept mapping.

Discussion

Characteristics of Research

To qualify as research, the process must have certain characteristics: it must be

controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid, verifiable, empirical and critical.

Research is a process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to

answer questions. But to qualify as research, the process must have certain
characteristics (Kumar, 2009).

What are the characteristics of a good research?

1. Controlled
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There are many factors that affect an outcome. A particular event is seldom the
result of a one-to-one relationship. Some relationships are more complex than others.
In a study of cause and effect relationship, it is important to be able to link the effect(s)
with the cause(s) and vice versa.

Control implies that in exploring causality in relation to two variables, the study
is set up in a way that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the relationship.
This can be achieved in the physical sciences, as most of the research is done in a
laboratory. However, in social sciences it is difficult as research is carried out on
issues relating to human beings living in society where such controls are impossible.

2. Rigorous

This characteristic ensures that procedures followed to find answer to questions

are relevant, appropriate, and justified. The degree of rigor varies between the
physical and social sciences and within the social sciences.
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3. Systematic

The procedures adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logical

sequence. The different steps cannot be taken in a haphazard way.

4. Valid and Verifiable

This implies that whatever one can conclude on the basis of the findings is
correct and can be verified by others, too.

5. Empirical

Any conclusion drawn is based upon hard evidence gathered from information
collected from real life experience or observation.

6. Critical

Critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is important
to a research inquiry. The process of investigation must be free from any drawbacks.
The process and the procedures used must be able to withstand critical scrutiny.

Kerlinger, (1970) and Bridges, (2006) support the following characteristics of a

good research:

1. Critical

Educational research is critical in the sense that it actively seeks to

question

its own claims, assumptions and methods. Where explanations are offered, the
research process seeks to verify them, generating and testing alternatives.

2. Systematic

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Educational research is a deliberate, planned, and intentional activity. It
takes a specific question or questions which provides its focus and direction.

3. Transparent

Educational research is transparent. Its aims, methods, assumptions,

arguments, data and claims are stated explicitly and clearly. Results and their
supporting justifications are disclosed fully, taking care to minimize the danger of his
interpretations, and made widely available.

The Use of Research

Some researchers focus on using research to advance general knowledge,

whereas others use it to solve specific problems.

1. Basic Research

Basic research advances fundamental knowledge about the human world. It

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focuses on refuting or supporting theories that explain how this world operates, what
makes things happen, why social relations are a certain way, and why society change.

2. Applied Research

Applied researchers try to solve problems or help practitioners

accomplish tasks. Applied research is frequently a descriptive research and its main
strength is its immediate practical use.

Basic and Applied Research Compared

The procedures and techniques utilized by basic and applied researchers do

not differ. Both employ scientific method to answer the questions at hand. The
community is the primary consumer of basic research. The consumers of applied
research findings are practitioners such as teachers, caseworkers, or decision makers.

Applied researchers have an obligation to translate findings from

scientific technical language into the language of decision makers or practitioners.

Types of Applied Research

• Action Research

Action research is a disciplined process of inquiry conducted by and for thee

taking the action. The primary reason for engaging in action research is to assist the

"action" in improving and/or refining his or her actions. Practitioners who engage in
action research find it to be an empowering experience. Action research has this
positive effect for many reasons. The most important is that action research is always
relevant to the participants. Relevance is guaranteed because the focus of each
research project is determined by the researchers, who are also the primary
consumers of the findings.

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• Impact Assessment Research

To estimate the consequence of a planned change. Such assessment is used for

planning and making choices among alternative policies to make an impact
assessment. Example: To determine changes in housing if a major/new highway is
built.

• Evaluation Research

The process of establishing value judgement based on evidence about the

achievement of the goals at a proper time. Evaluation research measures the
effectiveness of a program, policy or way of doing something.

Two types of evaluation research as a formative and summative. Formative is

built-in monitoring or continuous feedback on a program used for program
management. Summative evaluation looks at final program outcomes. Both are usually
necessary.
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Time Dimension in Research

Treatment of time is another dimension in research. Some studies give us a

snapshot of a single, fixed time point and allow us to analyze in detail.

The two brand types are:

• Cross-sectional Research

Researchers observe at one point in time. It is usually the

simplest and least costly alternative. Its disadvantage is that it cannot capture the
change process. It can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory, but is most
consistent in the descriptive approach.

• Longitudinal Research

This research captures features of people or other unit at a

more than one time. It is usually more complex and costly than cross-sectional
research but is also more powerful, especially when the researches such as answer to
questions about change. Three types of longitudinal research are time series, panel
and cohort.

Exercise
Apply Your Knowledge (Review/Discussion Questions)

1. Library online work

Look for additional information on the emerging types of research purposes.

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1.

2.

Assessment

A. Briefly describe the nature and characteristics of research.

Reflection
Now that you have completed your module for this week. Write a reflection about what
you have learned. Your reflections should include:
(1) your opinion about the lesson
(2) personal experience
(3) evidence to back up your thoughts and/or opinion (APA citation).
Things you can reflect on include the readings for this week, videos, and the
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discussions. The purpose of this reflection is to ensure you are processing your
thoughts on the course content. This will enhance your learning and knowledge.

Resources and Additional Resources

Guidebook:
• Beuno, Cababaro et al Research Writing for Business and Hospitality
Management
Students 2016

Textbook:
• Almeida, Adelaida et al Research Fundamentals From Concept to Output 2016
Additional Resources:
 Internet sources and studies

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Crafted by: Prof. Loida A. Cabaraban, MM-HRM, ARF, CTP