Lesson 1: Introduction to Research

• Research - According to Polit and Beck (2004), it follows a step-by-step process of investigation that uses a standardized approach
• Research - According to Palispis (2004), it plays an important role in tertiary education
• Research - According to Sanchez (1999), it is an investigation following ordered steps leading to a discovery of new information or concepts
• Research - According to Bassey as cited by Coleman and Briggs (2002), it is a very careful investigation of something that purports the contributions of additional or new knowledge
• Research - According to Crawford as cited by Alcantara and Espina (1995), it tests approach of thinking and employing validated instruments and steps
• Characteristics of a Research

  • it should be systematic
  • it should be objective
  • it should be feasible
  • it should be empirical
  • it should be clear
• General Forms of Research:

  • Scientific - naturally occurring phenomena are examined. it is a systematic process that involves formulating hypotheses, testing predictions using relevant data
  • Research in the Humanities - seeks to define the purpose of human existence
  • Artistic - provides alternative approaches to establish concepts by conducting practical methods as substitutes for fundamental and theoretical ones
• Qualitative - defined as the naturalistic method of inquiry of research which deals with the issue of human complexity by exploring it directly (Polit and Beck, 2008)
• Qualitative Research Designs:

  • Phenomenological Study - lived experiences
  • Ethnographic Study - cultural groups or minorities
  • Case Study - in-depth examination of an individual, groups of people, or an institution
  • Grounded Theory - comparing collected units of data against one another
  • Basic Interpretative Qualitative Study - how individuals give meaning (perception-based)
• Quantitative - a systematic investigation of observable phenomena where the researcher gathers quantitative or numerical data and subjects them to statistical methods
• Quantitative Research Designs:

  • Descriptive Research - report and observe certain phenomenon
  • Correlational Research - it shows the relationship of the variables
  • Ex Post Facto - it shows causes to effect
  • Quasi Experimental - cause and effect that go with intact groups
  • Experimental - cause and effect that proceed to extensive variable manipulation
• Importance of Research:

  • builds credibility
  • enables efficient learning
  • enhances knowledge
  • introduces new ideas
  • provides latest informations
  • provides truthful evidence
  • expands your knowledge base
  • helps you reach people
  • developing new technologies
  • discover and seize opportunities and encourage curiosity
  • exercises your mind
  • finding solutions to problems
  • focuses your scope
  • helps in business success
  • helps in understanding teaches discernment