Research Methodology

Research Methodology

  • Presented by: MR. JIE R. LIM

  • Course: Practical Research I

  • Institution: ST. PETER'S COLLEGE OF ORMOC, INC.

What is Research?

  • Definition: Research is the systematic investigation aimed at establishing facts and acquiring knowledge.

Characteristics of Research

  • Systematic: Organized methods of inquiry.

  • Logical: Uses logical reasoning to analyze findings.

  • Empirical: Based on observation or experience rather than theory alone.

  • Reductive: Breaks down complex phenomena to simpler components.

  • Replicable: Other researchers can repeat the study for validation.

Types of Research

  • Pure and Applied Research

    • Pure Research: Search for knowledge without immediate practical application.

    • Applied Research: Seeks solutions for practical problems.

  • Exploratory or Formulative Research: Preliminary studies to familiarize with an unfamiliar problem.

  • Descriptive Research: Fact-finding investigations that gather information systematically.

  • Diagnostic Study: Aims to discover causes of issues and potential solutions.

  • Evaluation Studies: Assess the effectiveness and impact of programs or projects.

  • Action Research: Reflective process aimed at solving specific problems in practice.

  • Experimental Research: Investigates cause-effect relationships by manipulating variables.

  • Analytical Study: Examines quantitative data to interpret relationships.

  • Historical Research: Analyzes past events to understand current phenomena.

  • Surveys: Gather responses from participants to assess trends or patterns.

  • Case Study: In-depth exploration of a singular instance or subject to derive wider principles.

Purpose of Research Types

  • Pure Research:

    • Contributes new facts.

    • Validates theoretical frameworks.

    • Clarifies concepts and integrates existing theories.

  • Applied Research:

    • Delivers solutions to practical issues.

    • Identifies critical factors affecting practical problems.

Exploratory or Formulative Research

  • Purpose:

    • Generates new ideas and increases understanding of the problem.

    • Clarifies concepts and assesses feasibility of further study.

Descriptive Research

  • Purpose:

    • Gathers factual information and interprets it adequately.

    • Useful for planning social action programs.

Diagnostic Study

  • Purpose:

    • Identifies causes and potential solutions.

    • Investigates associations between variables.

Evaluation Studies

  • Purpose:

    • Assesses quality and effectiveness of activities and programs.

Action Research

  • Purpose:

    • Develops baseline surveys and evaluates proposed actions for ongoing improvements.

Experimental Research

  • Purpose:

    • Facilitates prediction of phenomena through controlled variable manipulation.

Analytical Study

  • Purpose:

    • Tests hypotheses and examines relationships among numerous variables.

Historical Research

  • Purpose:

    • Derives insights from past events to inform current understanding and future expectations.

Survey Research

  • Purpose:

    • Conducts measurement procedures through direct responses from individuals.

    • Can encompass a wide population and varying methods.

Case Study

  • Purpose:

    • Provides a thorough examination of a few variables for detailed insights.

Field Research

  • Distinction: Conducted in natural settings, yielding information that reflects real-world conditions.

Research Design

  • Definition:

    • Systematic planning of research, including methods for data collection and analysis.

  • Need:

    • Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the research process.

Characteristics of Good Research Design

  • Flexibility, Economy, and Unbiased methods.

  • Should fulfill research objectives and facilitate accurate results.

Functions of Research Design

  • Provides a structured blueprint of the research.

  • Defines parameters and anticipates potential problems.

Components of Research Design

  • Includes title, purpose, literature review, problem statement, objectives, variables, and data collection methods.

Types of Research Design

  • Experimental Designs: Quasi-experimental, true experimental.

  • Non-Experimental Designs: Case study, content analysis, ethnography.

Hypotheses

  • Definition: A preliminary proposition based on theory that specifies expected outcomes.

  • Differentiation from a problem: A hypothesis is a testable statement, while a problem is a question.

Formulation of Hypothesis

  • Created post-literature review and problem statement.

Purpose and Function of a Hypothesis

  • Clarifies relationships between variables and guides research direction.

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

  • Should be clear, specific, testable, relevant, and objective.

Sources of Hypotheses

  • Derived from theory, observation, analogy, and personal experience.

Sampling

  • Process of selecting a small representative group from a larger population for study.

Sampling Error

  • Bias arising from incorrect sampling processes or sample size determination.

Sampling Methods

  • Two Categories:

    • Probability Sampling: Simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster sampling.

    • Non-Probability Sampling: Convenience, judgment, quota, snowball sampling.

Data Collection

  • Methods are diverse; each has advantages and disadvantages.

Data Collection Process

  • Requires thorough planning, effective implementation, and appropriate analysis.

Surveys

  • Involves gathering information via questionnaires; can efficiently collect data from numerous respondents.

Types of Surveys

  • Can be descriptive or explanatory, covering populations extensively or in detail.

Survey Construction

  • Involves crafting questions, organizing content, and determining layout.

Interviewing

  • Open-ended questioning generates qualitative data but can lead to miscommunication.

Types of Interviews

  • Vary from formal to informal, structured to unstructured.

Conducting Interviews

  • Requires effective questioning and active listening.

Observation

  • Involves data collection through senses, capturing actual behavior but subject to biases.

Types of Observation

  • Ranges from participant to non-participant, structured to unstructured.

The Observation Process

  • Necessitates careful planning and reflection after observations.

Experimentation

  • Studies cause-effect relationships by manipulating variables.

Real-World Experiments

  • Conducted in uncontrolled settings, balancing real-world relevance and experimental controls.