Definition :

Research is a process of discovering new

knowledge to enrich the advancement of society.

Research is the systematic investigation into

and study of materials and sources in order to
establish facts and reach new conclusions.
"we are fighting meningitis by raising money for
medical research.

Research is to investigate systematically.

"she has spent the last five years researching her
people's history"
• ‘Research is a systematic process of discovery and
advancement of human knowledge’ (Gratton & Jones,
2009, p.4).

•  According to Theodorson and Theodorson (1969)

research refers to any honest attempt to study a problem
systematically or to add to man’s knowledge of a
problem.
 Characteristics of research

Based on the definitions above, there are several characteristics of

research that researchers should acquaint themselves with as follows:

1.Research is a systematic (stage by stage) process. An

appropriate process must be followed in order to conduct
a study.
2. Research is usually conducted to study a problem.
3. Researchers conduct an in-depth and critical analysis of all data
that they have collected to ensure that there is no error in the
interpretation.
4. Research is based on observation or direct experience by the
researchers.
5. Research is objective, unbiased, and logical.
3 Key Characteristics of Research

1. Data are collected systematically.

2. Data are interpreted systematically.

3. There is a clear purpose: to find things out.

Two Main Types of Research
1. Pure research is carried out to generate new
human knowledge. To uncover new facts or
fundamental principles you need pure research.
The researcher wants to advance in a specific
field, for example, neuroscience, by answering a
specific question, such as “Why do humans
sleep?”
Pure research is based on experimentation and
observation and methodologies exist to preserve
objectivity and ensure the credibility of
conclusions
2. Applied research borrows ideas and techniques
from pure research to serve a specific real-world
goal. Goals are like creating a super soldier or
improving the quality of hospital care or finding new
ways to market any product. By this, I meant
changing the questions you ask while doing a study,
or making the most of an imperfect sample group
because you’re tight on time. Your research is
successful only to the extent that it adds to the stated
goal. As with pure research, sometimes you
accidentally discover something valuable you weren’t
even looking for, and that’s a fantastic bonus.
Difference between the Various Types of
Research
1. Descriptive Research – you do before you know
what you are doing. This research leads to ideas
and helps defining the problem.
2. Analytical Research – never gives you the final
answer to your research questions but it explores
the research topics on different level.
3. Applied Research – works by finding a solution for
an immediate problem. These problems are faced
by the society or industry.
4. Fundamental Research – concerned with the
formulation of a theory. It is an add on to the
already existing scientific knowledge.
5. Qualitative Research – is based on quality.
Something related to quality or kind. For example
when we investigate the human behavior.
6. Quantitative Research – is the measurement of
quantity. It is applicable to the things which can be
measured in terms of quantity.
7. Conceptual Research – is that related to some
abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to develop new concept.
8. Empherical Research – relies on experience or
observation alone. Often without due regard for
system and theory. It is data based research
coming up with conclusions.
STEPS IN MAKING A RESEARCH PAPER

The following steps outline a simple and effective

strategy for writing a research paper. Depending on
your familiarity with the topic and the challenges you
encounter along the way, you may need to rearrange
these steps.

1. Identify and develop your topic.

a. Look for a topic that can be a challenging part

of a research assignment. Since this is the

very first step in writing a paper, it is vital that
it be done correctly.
b. Choose a topic of personal interest to you
and learn more about it. The research
will be more enjoyable if you are writing
about something that you find interesting.

c. Be original. Stand out from your classmates

by selecting an interesting and off-the
- beaten-path topic.
2. Do a preliminary search for information.
Before you begin your research, do a preliminary
search to determine whether there is enough
information out there for your needs and to set the
context of your research. You may find it
necessary to adjust the focus of your topic in light
of the resources available to you.

3. Locate materials.
Once you have cleared your research, you can
begin locating your materials on the topic. There
are number of places you can look for information.
4. Evaluate your sources
Your instructor expects that you will provide
credible, truthful, and reliable information and you
have every right to expect that the sources you
use are providing the same. This step is especially
important when using Internet resources, many of
which are regarded as less than reliable.
What are the 4 important parts of a research
title?

The following parameters can be used to help you

formulate a suitable research paper title:
1. The purpose of the research.
2. The scope of the research.
3. The narrative tone of the paper [typically
defined by the type of the research]
4. The methods used to study the problem.
 Characteristics of a good research title  
1. A good title predicts the content of the research
A good title correctly tells the reader about the
contents of the post. You have to clarify what the
article is about without confusing or creating false
assumptions. Be certain that it does not have
something that your reader would not be able to
find in the paper.

2. A good title should be interesting to the reader

Using words that make a good impact and attract
the reader's imagination to make the title exciting,
attention-grabbing, and easy to read.
3. It reflects the tone of writing
It is important to describe the tone of your study in
the title and maintain it in the article. Avoid using
ornate or conversational language with an informal
or enjoyable title whether it is a serious and
conventional scholarly study.
4. It contains important keywords
Keywords are key words and ideas that appear
often in the research paper. Using them in the title
allows you to immediately present the subject,
problem, or solution.
7 Characteristics of Research
1. Emperical – Research is based on direct
experience or observation by the researcher. The
collection of data relies on practical experience
without giving consideration to scientific
knowledge or theory.
2. Logical – Research is based on valid procedures
and principles. Scientific study is done in an
orderly manner so that the investigator has
confidence on the results.
3. Cyclical – Research is a cyclical process
because it starts with a problem and ends with a
problem.
4. Analytical – Research utilizes proven analytical
procedures in gathering the data whether
histortical, descriptive, experimental and case
study. The historical data gathered focus in the
past. In descriptive data, the study focuses
on the present situation; experimental, future;
and in case study, past, present and future.
5. Critical – This exhibits careful and precise
judgment. A higher level of confidence must be
established.
6. Methodical – It is conducted in a methodical
manner without bias using systematic method
and procedures.

7. Replicability – The research design and

procedures are replicated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive
results. Similarities and differences of replicated
researches can be compared. The more
replications of researches the more valid and
conclusive results would be. Replicability of the
study means using the same instrument, method
and procedure but to different subjects and
venue.
Characteristics of the Researcher
1. Intellectual curiosity – it means he undertakes
deep thinking and inquiry of the things,
problems, and situations around him. He is keen
to get information.
2. Prudence – He is careful to conduct his research
study at the right time and at the right place
wisely, efficiently and economically. In short, he
does the right thing at the right time
3. Healthy criticism – He is always doubtful as to the
truthfulness of the results. He always doubts the
authenticity or validity of his findings even if the
data are gathered honestly.
4. Intellectual honesty. He is honest to collect or
gather data or facts in order to arrive at honest
results. The success or failure of his research lies
on his hand.
5. Intellectual creativity – A productive and
resourceful researcher always creates new
researches. He enjoys inventing unique,novel and
original researches. A creative researcher is also
innovative.
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. This research is both applicable to
descriptive survey and experimental methods.
3. Laboratory research – This is conducted in
artificial or controlled conditions by isolating the
study in a thoroughly specified and equipped
area. This research is applicable to experimental
descriptive and case study methods.
The Variable
A variable is defined as a quantity susceptible of
fluctuation or change in value or magnitude under
different conditions. Numerical values or categories
represent these quantities.
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 measured 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 determine if it changes or
modifies the relationships between the
independent and dependent variables.
4. Control Variable – This is a variable that is
controlled by the researcher in which the effects
can be neutralized by eliminating or removing the
variable.
5. Intervening variable – It interferes with the
dependent and independent, but its effect can
either strengthen or weaken the independent and
dependent variables.
Uses of Research
 
1. Determine/describe an existing situation
(situation analysis),
2. Describe a population (people, objects,
institutions, etc.),
3. Compare two conditions or groups of
populations,
4. Determine existence, degree, or nature of
relationship between two or more factors,
5. Evaluate and/or compare effectiveness of an
intervention, treatment or exposure, and
6. Predict the value of a certain characteristics