Republic of the Philippines

CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY

Osmea Boulevard, Cebu City, Cebu

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

1. What is research?

Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Once can also define research as
a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an
art of scientific investigation. It is a a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in
any branch of knowledge. Some people consider research as a movement, a movement from the known to the
unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery.
Research is an academic activity and as such the term should be used in a technical sense.According to
Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested
solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data; making deductions andreaching conclusions; and at last
carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.
Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement.
It is the persuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment. In short, the search for
knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is research. The systematic
approach concerning generalisation and the formulation of a theory is also research.

2. What are the characteristics of research? Describe each.

A research has the following characteristics:

a. Empirical
Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
b. Logical
Research is based on valid procedures and principles.
c. Cyclical.
Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
d. Analytical.
Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical,
descriptive, experimental and case study.
e. Critical
Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
f. Methodical
Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method
and procedures.
g. Replicability
The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

2. What are the qualities of a good researcher. Give concrete example.

1. A good researcher manifests thirst for new information.

A good researcher shows an open mind about things. He does not just take things by themselves but
explores new grounds. He adopts the philosophy of thinking beyond the box, leaving out the conventional for
something innovative. A good researcher treads the unknown frontier.

Found.Ed. 4003. The Research Process by Diana Rose B. Zamoras, MAEDSPEDHI

 Pieces of evidence of this thirst for new information manifest in people who do not stop learning. Those
persons who maintain an open mind for new possibilities to happen, even when everything appears to have been
discovered or studied, or options exhausted.

2. A good researcher has a keen sense of things around him.

Keenness is a quality developed through an observant attitude. A good researcher sees something more
out of a common occurrence around him. And he sees this quickly.

He can see a wiggling worm inside a flower, or the beautiful color combinations of a wild plant, or simply,
notices the small fly in the burger.

3. A good researcher likes to reflect or think about the things he encounters.

Researchers who pause and reflect on the knowledge that they gained, either formally in school or through
their experience, gain insights. Insights are creative thoughts that make one nod his head and say, Aha, this is
something I have been looking for! An original idea was born.

4. A good researcher must be intelligent enough to express his ideas.

How can you express your thoughts if you cannot write? The point here is that a good researcher must be
adept in the written language.

How can people understand your point when you are the only one who can understand what you have
written?

Intelligence to express ideas is a quality that appears to reside in gifted individuals. But if you recognize
your weakness in this realm, why not seek someone who can? After all, ideas are more important; but of course,
better if you present them in such in a way that others understand well what you want to say.

5. A good researcher applies a systematic approach in assessing situations.

Research requires systematic and objective thinking to arrive at something. Logical reasoning, therefore,
is applied by a good researcher.

He can analyze things, meaning, he can break down a complex situation into manageable bits that he can
focus his attention into.

Found.Ed. 4003. The Research Process by Diana Rose B. Zamoras, MAEDSPEDHI