Module I

The Introductory Concepts

 Definition of Research
Research may be defined as a scientific investigation of
phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis
and interpretation of facts that links man’s speculation with
reality.
According to Shuttleworth(2008), in the broadest sense of
the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of
data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge.
Another definition of research is given by Creswell who
states that- “ research is a process of steps used to collect and
analyze information to increase our understanding of topic or
issue”. It consist of three steps: pose a question, collect data to
answer the question, and present and answer to the question.
 Forms of Research
1. Scientific Research (Trochim, W.M.K,2006)
-a systematic way of gathering data and harnessing
curiousity.
-This research provides scientific information and
theories for the explanation of the nature and the
properties of the world.
-It makes practical applications possible.
-It is funded by public authorities, charitable
organizations and by private groups, including many
companies.
 -It can be subdivided into different
classifications according to their academic and
application disciplines.
2. Research in the Humanities (Eisner, E.W., 1981)
- involves different methods such as for
example hermeneutics and semiotics, and a
different, more relativist epistemology.
Humanities scholars ussually do not search
for the ultimate answer to a question, but
instead explore the issues and details that
surround it.
Context is always important, and context can
be social, historical, political, cultural or ethnic.
 An example of research in the humanities is
historical research, which is embodied in
historical method. Historians use primary
sources and other evidence to systematically
investigate a topic, and then to write histories in
the form of accounts of the past.
3. Artistic Research (Lesage, Dieter 2009)
Also seen as ‘practice-based research’, can
take form when creative works are considered
both the research and the object of research
itself.
It is the debatable body of thought which
offers an alternative to purely scientific method in
research in its search for knowledge and truth.
 Characteristic of Research
1. Empirical
Research is based on direct experience or
observation by the researcher. The collection of data
relies on practical experience without the considering
scientific knowledge or theory.
2. Logical
Research is based on the valid procedures and
principles. Scientific study is done in orderly manner
so that the investigator has confidence on the results.
3. Cyclical
Research is a cyclical process. It starts with a
problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical
Research utilized proven analytical procedure
in gathering the data, whether historical
descriptive, experimental and case study.
5. Critical
Research Exhibits careful and precise
judgement. A higher level of confidence must
be established.
6. Methodical
Research is conducted in a methodical
manner without bias using systematic method
and procedures.
7. Replicability
The research design and procedure are
replicated or repeated to enable the researcher
to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
 Types of Research
1. Basic Research
This is also called “fundamental research” or
“pure 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 particlar
thought as to immediate practical utility.
2. Applied Research
This type of research involves seeking new
applications of scientific knowledge to the
solution of a problem, such as development of a
new system or procedure, new device, or new
method in order to solve the problem.

3. Developmental Research
This is a decision oriented research involving
the application of the steps of scientific method in
response to an immediate need to improve
existing practices.
 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. No
changes in the environment are made. Field
research is both applicable to descriptive survey
and experimental methods.
3. Laboratory Research
The research is conducted in artificial or
controlled conditions by isolating the study in a
thoroughly specified and equipped area.

The purpose are:

a. To test the hypotheses derived from theory
b. To control variance under research conditions
c. To discover the relations between the
dependent and independent variables.
 Characteristic of a Researcher
1. Intellectual Curiousity
A researcher undertakes reflective thinking
and inquiry of the things situation and problems
around him, he is eager to get information and
these often due to novelty and unusualness. He
raises question to seek answer, continuous to
read related literature, makes use of his
experience and exercise his creativeness and
inventiveness.
2. Prudence
The researcher is prudent if he conducts his
research study at the right time and at the right
place wisely, efficiently and economically. In
other words he does the right thing at the right
time.

3. Healthy Criticism
The investigator is always doubt the
truthfullness of his findings even if the data are
gathered honestly.
4. Intellectual Honesty
An intelligent researcher is honest in collecting
or gathering the data or facts in order to arrive at
honest result.
5. Intellectual Creativity
A productivity and resourceful investigator
always creates new researches. He enjoys inventing
unique, novel and original reseraches and consider
research is also innovative.
 Qualities of a Good Researcher
The 10 qualities of a good researcher has the acronym RESEARCHER.
Research-oriented
Efficient
Scientific
Effective
Active
Resourceful
Creative
Honest
Economical
Religious
 A researcher who possess these qualities is
the kind of investigator the government needs
because he can respond to the socio-economic
development of the country and can compete
globally.
 Values of Researchers to Man
Research is great value to man. Through
research, the quality of man’s life has improved
from conventional to modern, hence, life
becomes not only meaningful but enriching as
well. Research is valuable for:
1. Research improves quality of life.
Research has led man to search for ways to
improve his life. Has led him to focus on
improving process and means, which he must
love and find interesting.
2. Research improves instruction
Research has no beginning and no end. It is a
never-ending task. Educators, policy makers, and
educational researchers continue to conduct
research to improve instruction.
3. Research improves student’s achievement.
The student’s achievement could be improved
through research if the modern teacher studies
and understand the student’s characteristics,
problem, and needs on the basis of which he fits
his method accordingly
4. Research satisfies man’s need
In the 19th century, the needs of man were not as
fully satisfied as they are today. Man suffered from
the conventional ways of living.
5. Research reduces the burden of work

6. Research improves the exportation of food

products

7. Research responds to economic recovery and

austerity measure of the country.
 The Variable
Meaning of Variable
A variable is defined as a quantity susceptible
of fluctuation or change in value or magnitude
under different condition. Numerical values or
categories represent these quantities.
Types of Variable
There are five (5) 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.
2. Dependent Variable
This is the response variable which is
observed and measure to determine the effect of
the independent variable. It changes when the
independent variable varies.
3. Moderator Variable
This is a secondary or special type of
independent variable chosen by the researcher
to a certain if it alters or modifies the
relationships between the independent and
dependent variable.
4. Control Variable
This is a variable controlled by the researcher
in which the effects can be neutralized by
eliminating or removing the variable.
5. Intervening Variable
This is a variable which interferes with the
independent and dependent variable, but its
effects can either strengthen or weaken the
independent and dependent variable.
 Components of the Research Process
The basic components of a research process are:
1. Problem/ Objective
2. Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework
3. Assumptions
4. Hypothesis
5. Review of Related Literature
6. Research Design
7. Data Collection
8. Data Processing and Statistical Treatment
9. Analysis and Interpretation
10.Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
Schematic Diagram of the Research Process