Lesson 2: Nature of Inquiry and Research

• Inquiry-based learning focuses on the process of discovery.
• Research is a process that focuses on the establishment of facts and making conclusions based on a systematic study.
• Inquiry is more broad and unstructured.
• Research is more formulaic and narrow in scope, with the intent of finding specific answers.
• Research values the expeditious discovery of facts and information.
• Inquiry is a broad process that may involve different paths or procedures.
• Research  is a more formal process with the goal of establishing facts.
• Empirical - is based on observations and experiments of theories.
• Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedures, based on valid procedures and principles.
• Controlled - In research, all variables, except that are tested/ experimented on, are kept constant.
• Employs Hypothesis - refers to a search for facts, answers to questions and solutions to problems.
• Analytical - shows analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical, descriptive, and or case study.
• Objective - it is unbiased and logical. All findings are logically based on real-life situations.
• Original Work - it requires its own examination and produces the data needed to complete the study.
• Honesty - Maintain all communication. Data should not be faked.
• Objectivity - Avoid biases in experimental designs, data analysis, interpretation, expert testimony, and other aspects of research.
• Integrity - Keep your promises and agreements.
• Carefulness - Avoid careless errors and negligence.
• Openness - Share data, results, ideas and tools. Be open to criticism and new idea.
• Confidentiality - Protect confidential communication.
• Responsible Publication - Avoid duplicating publication.
• Responsible Mentoring - Help to educate, mentor, and advise others.
• Respect colleagues - Treat all peers fairly.
• Social Responsibility - Strive to promote social good. Avoid social harm.
• Non-discrimination - Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, races, ethnicity, and or others.
• Legality - Be informed and obey relevant laws and institutional governmental policies.
• Respect of Intellectual Property - Give proper acknowledgement or credits to all researchers.
• Human Subject - Minimize risks that involve human lives, dignity, and privacy.
• Quantitative Research -  is a positivist scientific method which refers to a general set of orderly discipline procedures to acquire information. Mostly, it is concerned with numbers and measurement.
• Qualitative Research - is defined as the “naturalistic method of research which deals with the concern of human difficulty by discovering it straightly. It is concerned with the experiences, understanding and words of individual.
• Gender Sensitive Research - it is research that takes into account gender as a significant variable in environmental and development studies.