Methods of

Research
(Introduction)
Engr. Miguel Albert D. Calizar
Definition of Research

• Research in common parlance

refers to a search for knowledge.
One can also define research as a
scientific and systematic search for
pertinent information on a specific
topic, an art of scientific.
Research
According to
the following:
According to Webster’s

• Research is defined by Webster's

New World Dictionary as "the
careful, systematic, patient study
and investigation in some field of
knowledge, undertaken to discover
or establish facts or principles."
According to Sevilla

• Sevillia, et. al. (1992) defines

research as “searching for a
theory, for testing theory, or for
solving a problem.”
According to Aquino

• Aquino (1974) says that research as “ simply,

the systematic search for pertinent
information on a specific topic or problem.
After a careful, systematic search for pertinent
information or data on a specific topic or
problem, and after the research worker has
analyzed and interpreted the data, he
eventually faces another essential task – that
of preparing the research report.”
According to Manuel and Medel

• Manuel and Medel (1976), on their

part, defines research as the “the
process of gathering data or
information to solve a particular or
specific problem in a scientific
manner.”
According to Parel

• Parel (1980), cited by Sanchez

(1980) described that research as
“a systematic study or
investigation of something for the
purpose of answering questions
posed by the researcher.”
According to Isidro and Malolos

• According to Isidro and Malolos

(1979), research is “a process of
scientific thinking that leads to the
discovery or establishment of new
knowledge or truth. It is not a
subjective expression of ideas or
opinion.”
According to Treece & Treece

• Treece and Treece (1977) observed

that “research in its broadest sense is
an attempt to gain solutions to
problems. More precisely, it is the
collection of data in a rigorous
controlled situation for the purpose of
prediction or explanation.”
According to Good and Scates
(1972)
• The large and fundamental aims, objectives and
goals of research is
▪ to satisfy man’s craving for more understanding
▪ to improve his judgment
▪ to add to his power
▪ to reduce the burden of work
▪ to relieve suffering
▪ to increase satisfactions in multitudinous ways
In a more
comprehensive
form…
Research is a . . .

purposive, systematic and scientific

process of gathering, analyzing,
classifying, organizing, presenting,
and interpreting data.
Purposely…
• For the solution of a problem;
• For prediction;
• For invention;
• For the discovery of truth;
• For expansion or verification of existing
knowledge for the PRESERVATION and
IMPROVEMENT of the QUALITY of human life
What it
can do?
• To discover new facts about known phenomenon
✓ Alcohol is a known phenomenon and research may turn it into a kind of
fuel equal in quality to gasoline

• To find answers to problems which are only partially

solved by existing methods and information
✓ Cancer is a serious disease which is only partially cured by present
methods but due to intensive and continuous research the disease
may be eradicated later on
• To satisfy the researcher’s curiosity
✓ Edison was curious about how a hen hatches her eggs and made a
research on that and he invented the incubator

• To provide man with more of his basic needs – more

and better food, clothing, shelter, etc.
✓ The work of the IRRI in Los Baños, Laguna is a good example of this
purpose
Based on the
Aforesaid
Definitions,
Research can be
Characterized as:
• Systematic
✓ It follows an orderly and sequential procedure that leads to the
discovery of truth, solution of a problem, or whatever is aimed to be
discovered.

• Controlled
✓ All variables except those that are tested or being experimented upon
are kept constant so that the changes made on the subjects of the
study can be attributed only to the experimental variable.
• Empirical
✓ All the procedures employed and the data gathered are perceived in the same
manner by all observers.

• Analytical
✓ There is a critical analysis of all the data used so that there is no error in their
interpretation.

• Objective, Unbiased, and Logical

✓ All the findings and conclusions are logically based on empirical data and no
effort is made to alter the results of the research.
• Employs Quantitative or Statistical Methods
✓ Data are transformed into numerical measures and are treated
statistically to determine their significance or usefulness.
• Original Work
✓ Except in historical research, data are gathered from primary sources
or first-hand sources and not from secondary sources.
• Done by an Expert
✓ The researcher uses a valid and carefully designed procedures, valid
data-gathering instruments, and valid data.
• Accurate Investigation, Observation, and Description
✓ In fact, every research activity must be done accurately so that the
findings will lead to the formulation of scientific generalizations. All
conclusions are based on actual evidence.

• Patient and Unhurried Activity

✓ To ensure accuracy, it must NOT be done hurriedly or carelessly. Racing
against time may lead to shaky conclusions and generalizations.
• Requires an effort-making capacity
✓ No research can be conducted without the exertion of much effort. No one
without any effort making capacity can conduct a research because research
involves much work and time.

• Required Courage
✓ Research requires courage because the researcher oftentimes undergo
hazards, discomforts and the like. All ties the researcher encounters public
and social disapproval. Also, disagreements with colleagues may arise.
Kinds/Classifications
• According to Purpose
✓ Predictive or prognostic research has the purpose of determining the
future operation of the variables under investigation with the aim of
controlling or redirecting such for the better. (Weather forecasting)
✓ Directive research determines what should be done based on the
findings. This is to remedy an unsatisfactory condition if there is any.
✓ Illuminative research is concerned with the interaction of the
components of the variable being investigated. (Effect on the practice
of Filipino Engineers by the Globalization: the Law of Reciprocity )
Kinds/Classifications
• According to Goal
✓ Fundamental (Basic or Pure) research is done for the development of theories
or principles. It is conducted for the intellectual of learning.
✓ Applied (Action) research is the application of the results of pure research.
This is testing the efficacy of theories and principles
✓ The subsequent slides present discussions about Fundamental and Applied
research.
Kinds/Classifications
• According to levels of investigation
✓ In exploratory research, the researcher studies the variables pertinent
to a specific situation
✓ In descriptive research, the researcher studies the relationships of the
variables
✓ In experimental research, the experimenter studies the effects of the
variables on each other
Kinds/Classifications
• According to the type of analysis
✓ In the analytical approach, the researcher attempts to identify and
isolate the components of the research situation
✓ The holistic approach begins with the total situation, focusing
attentions on the system first and then on its internal relationships
Kinds/Classifications
• According to scope
✓ Under this category is action research. This type of research is done a
very limited scope to solve a particular problem which is not so big.
Kinds/Classifications
• According to choice of answers to problems
✓ In evaluation research, all possible course of action are specified and
identified and the researcher tries to find the most advantageous
✓ In developmental research, the focus is on finding or developing a
more suitable instrument or process than has been available
Kinds/Classifications
• According to statistical content
✓ Quantitative or statistical research is one in which inferential statistics
are utilized to determine the results of the study. Inferential research
such as correlation, chi-square, analysis of variance, etc. are used to
test the hypothesis. This type of research usually includes comparison
studies, cause-and-effect relationships, etc.
✓ Non-quantitative research is one which the use of quantity or statistics
is practically nil. Descriptive data are gathered rather than quantitative
data.
Kinds/Classifications
• According to time element
✓ A certain researcher classifies research as:
• Historical which describes what was
• Descriptive which describes what is
• Experimental which describes what will be
✓ These are the three major research methods. All others, i.e. kinds,
types, etc, fall under these three major methods.
Kinds/Classifications
• Other types and kinds of research are named
according to the area or field of activity:
✓ Sociological - Chemical
✓ Social - Industrial
✓ Psychological - Economics
✓ Anthropological - Health
✓ Nursing - Curriculum
✓ Physical - Educational, etc
APPLIED VERSUS
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH
Applied/Fundamental Research

• Applied research aims at finding a solution for an

immediate problem facing a society or an
industrial/business organization, whereas,
fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalizations and with the formulation of a theory.
Fundamental Research

• Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is termed

‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research.
• Research concerning some natural phenomenon or
relating to pure mathematics are examples of
fundamental research.
Fundamental Research

• Similarly, studies, concerning human behaviour carried

on with a view to make generalizations about human
behaviour, are also examples of fundamental research.
Applied Research

• Research to identify social, economic or political trends

that may affect a particular institution or the copy
research (research to find out whether certain
communications will be read and understood) or the
marketing research or evaluation research are
examples of applied research
Applied Research

• Research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution)

facing a concrete social or business problem is an
example of applied research.
Applied Research

• Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover

a solution for some pressing practical problem,
whereas basic research is directed towards finding
information that has a broad base of applications and
thus, adds to the already existing organized body of
scientific knowledge.
Applied Research

• Practically, an engineering research is an applied

(action) research.
Quantitative
•Inferential
•Experimental
•Simulation

Qualitative
APPROACHES TO
RESEARCH
• Quantitative approach involves the generation of
data in quantitative form which can be subjected
to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and
rigid fashion. This approach can be further sub-
classified into inferential, experimental and
simulation approaches to research.
Inferential Approach
• The purpose of inferential approach is to form a data
base from which to infer characteristics or
relationships of population. This usually means survey
research where a sample of population is studied
(questioned or observed) to determine its
characteristics, and it is then inferred that the
population has the same characteristics.
Experimental Approach
• Experimental approach is characterized by much
greater control over the research environment and
in this case some variables are manipulated to
observe their effect on other variables.
Simulation Approach
• Simulation approach involves the construction of an
artificial environment within which relevant information
and data can be generated. This permits an
observation of the dynamic behavior of a system (or its
sub-system) under controlled conditions.
Simulation Approach
• Simulation approach can also be useful in building
models for understanding future conditions; in
engineering parlance, it is termed prototyping.
Simulation Approach
• The term ‘simulation’ in the context of business
and social sciences applications refers to “the
operation of a numerical model that represents the
structure of a dynamic process. Given the values of
initial conditions, parameters and exogenous
variables, a simulation is run to represent the
behavior of the process over time.
• Qualitative approach is concerned with subjective
assessment of attitudes, opinions and behavior.
Research in such a situation is a function of
researcher’s insights and impressions.
• Such an approach to research generates results
either in non-quantitative form or in the form which
are not subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis.
• Generally, the techniques of focus group interviews,
projective techniques and depth interviews are
used.
The Research Process
1. Choosing the
Problem and Stating
Hypothesis
• Research is a process
consisting of several 5. Interpreting 2. Formulating
essential phases. Results Research Design

According another
researcher, the research
process is best 4. Coding and
Analyzing Data
3. Data
Collection

conceived as a circle. Stages in the Research Process

SIGNIFICANCE OF
RESEARCH
• Research inculcates scientific and inductive
thinking and it promotes the development of
logical habits of thinking and organization. The
role of research in several fields of applied
economics, whether related to business or to the
economy as a whole, has greatly increased in
modern times.
• Research provides the basis for nearly all
government policies in its economic system.
• Research has its special significance in solving
various operational and planning problems of
business and industry.
• Research is equally important for social scientists
in studying social relationships and in seeking
answers to various social problems.
• In addition to what has been stated above, the
significance of research can also be understood
keeping in view the following points:
✓(a) To those students who are to write a
master’s or Ph.D. thesis, research may mean a
careerism or a way to attain a high position in
the social structure;
✓(b) To professionals in research methodology,
research may mean a source of livelihood;
✓(c) To philosophers and thinkers, research may
mean the outlet for new ideas and insights;
✓(d) To literary men and women, research may
mean the development of new styles and creative
work;
✓(e) To analysts and intellectuals, research may
mean the generalizations of new theories.
What is a Thesis?
• The following Research Book Authors, namely,
Good, Scates and Best, pointed out that reporting
of research is an important step in the research
processes and it has to be carefully recorded and
reported; research process would be incomplete
without the research report. This leads us to a
consideration of the meaning of a thesis.
What is a Thesis?
• We may now define Thesis as the report of a completed
research. It is the culmination of a devious process
extending from the initial insight into the opportunity for
investigation to the insertion of the final footnote, or
references, or bibliography.. Many elements are involved,
and each offers the possibility of raising or lowering the
quality of the product. Most important of all are the
fundamental aims of the writer which should be an
undeviating search for truth, and original in substance
Thesis VS Dissertation
• Thesis is a formal and lengthy research paper,
especially one written in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for a master’s degree
• A dissertation is a more sophisticated research
paper written in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for a doctorate degree
Thesis Proposal
• This is the 1st phase of your thesis writing.
• What are required?
✓A title – it must be a good one. It must be able to convey the contents of
your research paper. It must be interesting to the reader.
✓The first 2 Chapters of your research paper.
✓You will present your proposal to the Thesis Committee for evaluation.
✓There are forms that you will need to accomplish before your proposal
will be accepted. These forms are available at the CoET Dean’s Office.
METHODS VS METHODOLOGY
It seems appropriate at this juncture to explain the
difference between research methods and research
methodology.
• Research methods may be understood as all those
methods/techniques that are used for conduction of
research.
• Research methods or techniques, thus, refer to the
methods the researchers use in performing research
operations.
• Research methods can be put into the following
three groups:
1. In the first group we include those methods
which are concerned with the collection of data.
These methods will be used where the data
already available are not sufficient to arrive at the
required solution;
2. The second group consists of those statistical
techniques which are used for establishing
relationships between the data and the
unknowns;
3. The third group consists of those methods which
are used to evaluate the accuracy of the results
obtained.
• Research methodology is a way to systematically
solve the research problem.
• Thus, when we talk of research methodology we
do not only talk of the research methods but also
consider the logic behind the methods we use in
the context of our research study;
• We explain why we are using a particular method
or technique and why we are not using others so
that research results are capable of being
evaluated either by the researcher himself or by
others.
Research and
Scientific Method
• Research and scientific method, are closely
related.
• Research, as we have already stated, can be
termed as “an inquiry into the nature of, the
reasons for, and the consequences of any
particular set of circumstances, whether these
circumstances are experimentally controlled or
recorded just as they occur.
• Further, research implies the researcher is
interested in more than particular results; he is
interested in the repeatability of the results and
in their extension to more complicated and
general situations
• On the other hand, the philosophy common to all
research methods and techniques, although they
may vary considerably from one science to
another, is usually given the name of scientific
method
• Scientific method is the pursuit of truth as
determined by logical considerations. The ideal of
science is to achieve a systematic interrelation of
facts.
• Scientific method attempts to achieve “this ideal
by experimentation, observation, logical
arguments from accepted postulates and a
combination of these three in varying
proportions.”
• In scientific method, logic aids in formulating
propositions explicitly and accurately so that their
possible alternatives become clear.
• Further, logic develops the consequences of such
alternatives, and when these are compared with
observable phenomena, it becomes possible for
the researcher or the scientist to state which
alternative is most in harmony with the observed
facts.
• All this is done through experimentation and
survey investigations which constitute the integral
parts of scientific method.
Assignment: Activity 1
Activity Title: Three (3) Topic:
Research Topic Title Research Questions:
• Finalize your research topic 1.
and formulate at least three
(3) research questions, 2.
along with research design 3.
and methodological
framework. Research Design:
Methodological Framework
Thank you