Q3_Lesson 1 - Introduction to Scientific Research

Scientific Research 

Objective, logical, and repeatable attempt to understand the principle forces operating the natural universe

Objective

one answer only

Repeatable

trial and error process 

Scientific Research 

Adds to efficiency, if not fully solve a problem 

Capstone Research Project 

Designed for Senior High School Students to conduct experiments that will draw their experiences together to answer a research question or problem

• Specific 

• Measurable 

• Achievable 

• Relevant 

• Time-bound 

SMART 

Discovery-Based Investigation

Also called as a non-inquiry investigation

non-inquiry investigation

other term for Discovery-Based Investigation

Discovery-Based Investigation

Relies on verifiable observations and measurements  

Discovery-Based Investigation

Involves methods to observe a structure or a phenomenon 

Discovery-Based Investigation

To record, analyze, and interpret the data obtained 

Discovery-Based Investigation

To generate detailed descriptions  

Discovery-Based Investigation

Implication of basic knowledge you have known  

Discovery-Based Investigation

Get the data from a specific event 

Discovery-Based Investigation  

- Description of Human DNA  
- Composition of a Plant Extract 
- Correlation of Typhoon Intensities and Amount of Rainfall 
- Measurement and Comparison of Ultraviolet Rays throughout the Months  

Project – Research – Materials – Procedure – Conclusion 

Procedures

Demonstration 

Explains a scientific principle of why or how something works through models, illustrations, or visual animations 

Demonstration 

Does not require hypothesis testing  

Demonstration 

However, you must carry out testing or trials to demonstrate that a given specific principle actually works

Demonstration 

Ends when we already have the knowledge 

Demonstration 

- Solar energy as an alternative source of energy for watering plants

Collection 

Group of naturally occurring specimens or samples, gathered to show their scientific hierarchy or relationship  

Collection

Must demonstrate a newly discovered information that would contribute to an existing scientific knowledge 

Collection

Researchers can have data through collecting sample or specimens 

Collection

- Collection and identification of tadpoles in Dasmarinas, Cavite

Project

(what to attain, goal) 

Research 

(difference to past studies) 

Procedure 

(step-by-step, organize and collect data, categorize what you collect)

Conclusion 

(solve a problem, teach future generations to solve problems, communicate results to others, scientific-driven)  

Project - Demonstration

What scientific question are you trying to demonstrate?

Project - Collection

What scientific question will your collection illustrate? 

Research - Demonstration

Learn about what has been done in the past. State how your work will be different.  

Research - Collection

Learn about an existing collection in the past that may relate to your research. 

Materials - Demonstration

What materials will you need to demonstrate the principle? 

Materials - Collection

What materials do you need to obtain the specimens for your collection? 

Procedure - Demonstration

Write a step-by-step procedure of what you plan to do and why it is important. 

Procedure - Collection

How will you collect, organize, and label your specimens? 

Conclusion - Demonstration

What do you hope to teach others with your demonstration or model? 

Conclusion - Collection

What do you hope to learn and teach others with your collection? 

Hypothesis-Based Investigation 

When you conduct an experiment, you start to perform an inquiry-based investigation 

Hypothesis-Based Investigation 

Requires one to propose and test a hypothesis 

Hypothesis-Based Investigation 

Involves the use of the scientific method anchored on a well-defined procedure designed to answer a researchable question 

Hypothesis-Based Investigation 

Includes variables you need to test  

1. Problem 

2. Hypothesis 

3. Procedure 

4. Results 

5. Conclusion 

Steps 

Science Investigatory Projects  

In an inquiry-based investigation, students conduct this  

Science Investigatory Projects  

Aims to establish specific detailed information or characteristics about a given group 

Science Investigatory Projects  

May also aim to apply a treatment on a test subject in a controlled way and to collect data in response to the experimental conditions

Variables 

Certain characteristics are determined, defined, and compared to another population by making observations or measurements on this  

Variables

Test subject’s characteristic that can change (or is allowed to change)  

Variables

Changes 

Variables

Help us to know if there is a significant difference or a change 

Variables

For comparison 

Variables

To have a valid conclusion, it is important to make comparisons among the test subjects, which have either received a treatment but in different degrees / levels or did not receive the treatment at all

Experimental, Control

Two Types of Variables

experimental group

received a treatment but in different degrees / levels

control group

did not receive the treatment at all

control group

do not manipulate

Experimental Group

manipulated

Experimental Group

compared to control group

Experimental Group

has an effect

1. Accept 

2. Reject 

3. Failed to reject:

THREE OUTCOMES OF HYPOTHESIS

Failed to reject

in-between

Failed to reject

no data to fully reject 

1. Null

2. Alternative

TWO TYPES  OF HYPOTHESIS 

Null

zero-relation

Null

no significant difference 

Alternative

there is a significant difference 

• Annova 

• T-test 

• Positive or Negative Correlation: Pearson, regression  

Examples of Research Instruments 

Basic Research

- Genetic diversity 
- Ecological patterns 
- Biodiversity studies 
- Host-parasite interactions 
- Characterization of organisms

Basic Research

Theoretical

Theoretical

for the expansion of knowledge 

Applied Research  

Practical

Practical

for the betterment of life’s quality 

Applied Research  

- Alternative energy sources 
- Low-cost instrumentation 
- Development of diagnostic kits 
- Identification of antibacterials 
- Biomaterials characterization

1. It should contribute to an existing knowledge in science. 

2. It has to exhibit originality.  

3. It should follow the process of a research. 

4. It must look into available scientific sources of information.  

5. Its design must be logical and rational. 

6. Its results and conclusions must be verifiable and repeated by others.  

7. It should address a real-world problem or issue.   
   

QUALITIES OF AN EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PROJECT 

1. Discovery-Based Investigation  

2. Hypothesis-Based Investigation 

Two Types of Research

Basic Research

• Add to the existing 

• Other components to what is discovered 

• To know, to add, and to expand  

Applied Research

Counterpart of Basic Research