Research is a key to progress. There can be no progress without research in almost if not all endeavors.

In government, in education, in trade and commerce, and in all types and kinds of industries, research is vital and essential. Therefore, the methods and techniques must be taught and learned in graduate as well as in undergraduate educational work, This is imperative because the people who have gone through the college and graduate levels of education are the ones who are most expected to undertake research activities.

Due to the reasons above, it is the purpose of this book to make the study of research methods and techniques as well as thesis writing easier, more practical and understandable but comprehensive enough. Definitions of Research There are almost as many definitions of research as there are authors writing about the subject. Fortunately, the different definitions formulated by such authors have common elements. Samples of research definitions follow Good defines research as a careful, critical, disciplined inquiry, varying in technique and method according to the nature and conditions of the problem identified, directed toward the clarification or resolution (or both) of a problem. Good, p.464)

Aquino has more detailed definition of research. He says that research is, 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.(Aquino, p.1) Research has been defined as The process of gathering data or information to solve a particular or specific problem in a scientific manner.(Manuel and Medel, p.5) Parel defines research as systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher.(Cited by Sanchez, p.2)

Treece and Treece commended that research in its broadest sense is an attempt to gain solutions to problems. More precisely, it is the collection of data in a rigorously controlled situation for the purpose of prediction or explanation.Treece and Treece, p.3) Formulated in a more comprehensive form, research may be defined as a purposive, systematic and scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting, and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth, or for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation and improvements of the quality of human life.

The definition of research says that research is purposive. The main or principal purpose and goal of research is the preservation and improvement of the quality of human life. All kinds of research are directed toward this end. The purpose of research is to serve man. and The goal of research is the good life. (Good and Scales, pp.9,14) Due to research, man has attained great accelerating progress and is enjoying the products of research such as the fast and comfortable land, sea, and air means of transportation, the wonders of electricity like the radio, telephone, air conditioning, lights in the homes, movies running machinery for industry, the computer, the potent drugs that promote health and prolong life, and many other countless things. To satisfy mans craving for more understanding, to improve his judgment, to add to his power, to reduce the burden of work, to relieve suffering, and to increase satisfactions in multitudinous ways these are the large and fundamental goals of research. (Good and Scares p. 15) For more specific purposes and goals of research, the following may be mentioned:

1. To discover new facts about known phenomena. (Alcohol is a known phenomenon and research may turn it into a kind of fuel equal in quality to gasoline) 2. 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 continous research, the disease may be eradicated later on) 3. Improve existing techniques and develop new instruments or products. (This goal envisages the invention of new gadgets and machines, food products and others used by man) 4. To discover previously unrecognized substances or elements. (Previously we had only 92 elements but due to research we now have more than 100) 5. Discover pathways of action of known substances and elements. (Due to research we come to know the dangers from the abusive use of unprescribed drugs and some poisonous substances) These are suggested by French (Treece and Treece, Jr., p. 5) and the statements enclosed in parentheses are examples by the author.

6. To order related, valid generalizations into systematized science. Schiolofeldt. (Ibid.) (The result of this purpose of research is the science we are now studying in school) 7. To provide basis for decision-making in business, industry, education, government, and in other undertakings. One approach in decision-making is the research approach. (Gore and Dyson, p. 65). (This is basing important decisions upon the results of research) 8. To satisfy the researchers curiosity. (Sanchez, p. 3) (Edison was curious about how a hen hatches her eggs and make a research on that and invented the incubator) 9. To find answers to queries by means of scientific methods. One important question that may be asked which can be answered only by means of research is: In what setting is life expectancy higher, in the city or in the barrio? 10. To acquire a better and deeper understanding about one phenomenon that can be known and understood better by research is why we generally smaller than men.

11. To expand or verify existing knowledge. This usually happens when researches are replicated. Newly discovered facts may be found to expand knowledge gained from a previous research or verified if the same facts are found.
In relation to Purposes Nos. 2 and 3, the following may be added to the list of purposes: 12. To improve educational practices for raising the quality of school products. Research surveys often result in the revision of curricula and instructional innovations to maximize the medical research. 13. To promote health and prolong life. This purpose is very obviously demonstrated in pharmaceutical, nutritional, and medical research. 14. To provide man with more of his basic needs more and better food, clothing, shelter, etc. The work of the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baos, Laguna is a good example of this purpose. 15. To make work, travel, and communication faster, easier, and more comfortable. Due to research airplanes are made to fly faster, land vehicles to run faster, labor-saving machines have been invented and improved, radio and television bring news immediately to the remote areas, and more wonders of electricity are making life easier and better.

Crawford, from his definition, has given some characteristics of research as follow: (Quoted by Aquino, p. 1) Research is simply a systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing specialized tools, instruments and procedures in order to obtain a more adequate solution of a problem than would be possible under ordinary means. It starts with a problem, collects data or facts, analyze these critically, and reaches decisions based on actual evidence. It evolves from a genuine desire to know rather than a desire to prove something, seeking to know not only what but how much, and measurement is therefore a central feature of it. Another author, Best, gives a summary of the more important characteristics of a good research as follows: (Cited by Aquino, p. )

1. Research gathers new knowledge or data from primary of first-hand sources. It is not research when one merely restates or merely reorganizes what is already known or what had been written. Research places emphasis upon the discovery of general principles. It goes beyond the specific groups and situations investigated, and, by careful sampling procedures, infers qualities of the entire population from those observed in the smaller group.

2. Research is expert, systematic and accurate investigation. The researcher known what is already known about his problem. He proceeds from this point, carefully planning his procedures. Data are gathered, recorded, and analyzed with as much accuracy as possible. He uses such valid datagathering instruments as he can find or devise, and employs mechanical means to improve on the accuracy of human observation, recording, and computation of data.

3. Research is logical and objective, applying every possible test to verify the data collected and the procedures employed. The researcher constantly strives to eliminate personal feeling and preference. He resists the temptation to seek only the data that support his hypothesis. The researcher elevates clear thinking and logic. He suppresses feeling and emotion in his analysis. 4. Research endeavors to organize data in quantitative terms, if possible, and express them as numerical measures. Research is patient and unhurried. The researcher is willing to exert painstaking effort, suspending judgment to permit the data and logic to lead to a sound conclusion. He realizes that significant findings do not come as a result of hurried and careless procedures. Research requires courage. The researcher is willing to follow his procedures to conclusions that may be unpopular and bring social disapproval. 5. Research is carefully recorded and reported. Every term is carefully defined, all procedures are described in detail, all limiting factors are recognized, all references are carefully documented, and all results are objectively recorded. All conclusions are generalizations are cautiously arrived at, with due consideration for all of the limitations of methodology, data collected, and errors of human interpretation.

1. Research is 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. 2. Research is controlled. All variables except those that are tested or being experimented upon are kept constants (not allowed to change or vary) so that the changes made on the subjects of the study can be attributed only to the experimental variable. This is especially true in an experimental research.

3.

Research is empirical. All the procedures employed and the data gathered are perceived in the same manner by all observers. For instance, one says that there are five persons in the room, all agree to the existence of the five persons. However, if one says that there are five ghosts in the room, one or none at all may believe it because not all people believe in ghosts. Ghosts are examples of data are not empirical. 4. Research is analytical. There is a critical analysis of all the data used so that there is no error in their interpretation. 5. Research is objective, unbiased and logical. All the findings are conclusions re logically based on empirical data and no effort is made to alter the results of the research.

6. Research employs hypothesis. This is to guide the investigation process. In experimental studies, hypotheses are expressly stated but in descriptive studies, the specific sub-problems or specific questions serve as the hypotheses and the hypotheses are tested and not proved. 7. Research employs quantitative or statistical methods. Data are transformed into numerical measures and are treated statistically to determine their significance or usefulness. 8. Research is original work. Except in historical research, data are gathered from primary sources or first-hand sources and not from secondary sources (usually printed materials such as books, or theses, etc.) 9. Research is done by an expert. The researcher users valid and carefully designed procedures, valid datagathering instruments, and valid data. He subjects his data to expert scrutiny.

10. Research is 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. 11. Research is patient and unhurried activity. This is to ensure accuracy. Research that is hurriedly done or conducted carelessly due to racing against time may lead to shaky conclusions and generalizations. 12. Research 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. 13. Research requires courage. Research requires courage because the researcher oftentimes undergo hazards, discomforts and the like. At times the researcher encounters public and social disapproval. Also, disagreements with colleagues may arise.

There are many kinds of research which are classified according to their distinctive features. Some of the classifications are as follows: 1. According to purpose. Trow identifies three broadly different kinds of research, namely, predictive, directive, and illuminative. (Treece and Treece, Jr., p.5)

a. 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. Predictive research proposes to give the result from one specific educational practice or pattern and seeks to establish a close statistical connection between characteristics of students and a prediction of educational outcome. b. Directive research determines what should be done based on the findings. This is to remedy an unsatisfactory condition if there is any. c. Illuminative research is concerned with the interaction of the components of the variable being investigated, as for example, interaction of the components of educational systems and aims to show the connection among, for example, student characteristics organizational patterns and policies, and educational consequence.

2. According to goal. According to goal, research may be classified as basic or pure research and applied research. a. Basic of pure research is done for the development of theories or principles. It is conducted for the intellectual pleasure of learning. Much of this kind of research has been done in psychology and sociology. (Manuel and Medel, p. 18) b. Applied research is the application of the results of pure research. This is testing the efficacy of theories and principles. For instance, a principle says that praise reinforces learning. To determine if this is true, one conducts an experiment in which there are two classes. In one class, he uses praise but the other class there is no praise at all. All other things are kept equal. At the end of the experimental period, he gives the same test to the two classes. If the scores of the pupils in the class with praise are significantly higher than those in the class without praise, then the principle is true.