Nature-of-Inquiry-and-Research

Nature of Research STEM

  • Presented by: Kristina Paula P. Dizon, RN, LPT, MAEd.

Inquiry and Research

  • Inquiry:

    • Defined by Baraceros (2016) as seeking information by asking questions related to one's curiosity.

  • Research:

    • Described by Aguinaldo (2002) as a careful, critical, and disciplined inquiry that varies in techniques based on the nature and conditions of the problem.

Characteristics of Research

Systematic

  • Research consists of interrelated steps or procedures to solve a problem.

Objective

  • Based on factual information gathered from observations rather than guesses. (Garcia & Reganit, 2010)

Valid

  • Conclusions must be based on actual findings.

Verifiable

  • Research must be reproducible; other researchers should be able to check the correctness of results through replication. (Garcia & Reganit, 2010)

Comprehensive

  • Involves a thorough understanding of a phenomenon, analyzing all angles before concluding.

Empirical

  • Information collected is rooted in hard evidence from real-life experiences or observations. (Garcia & Reganit, 2010)

Critical

  • Research must withstand scrutiny from other researchers. (Garcia & Reganit, 2010)

Accurate

  • Data must be correct, with proper documentation and acknowledgment in notes and bibliographies. (Baraceros, 2010)

Timely

  • Topics should be fresh, new, and relevant to current societal interests.

Relevant

  • Research should be instrumental in improving society or solving community problems. (Baraceros, 2010)

Clear

  • Success in expressing discoveries using concise, simple, and correct language. (Baraceros, 2010)

Phases of the Research Process according to STEM (Garcia and Reganit, 2010)

1. Idea-generating Phase

  • Based on the researcher’s interests.

  • Justifies the need for conducting a study related to the topic.

  • Engages in literature review and discussions with knowledgeable individuals.

2. Problem-definition Phase

  • Refining the initial idea and identifying the variables involved.

  • Includes developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks and formulating research questions and hypotheses.

3. Procedures-design Phase

  • Determines methodologies and procedures for data collection and analysis.

  • Involves selecting research participants, developing tools for data gathering, and planning analysis methods.

4. Data-collection Phase

  • The actual collection of data from study subjects, implementing previously planned methodologies.

5. Data-Analysis Phase

  • Involves analyzing collected data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques.

6. Interpretation Phase

  • Researcher interprets data concerning the initial question, comparing results with theoretical predictions.

7. Communication Phase

  • Preparation for written or oral presentation of the study for publication or reporting.

Ethical Principles Applied in Research STEM

Definition of Ethics

  • Standards of morally right or wrong behavior.

Intellectual Approaches to Ethical Problems

  • Deontological Theory: Focus on moral obligations to others.

  • Consequentialist Theory: Aims to minimize suffering and maximize well-being. (Melegrito & Mendoza, 2016)

Basic Ethical Principles in Research

  1. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

    • To do good and avoid harm.

  2. Veracity

    • Researchers must tell the truth and keep promises.

  3. Autonomy

    • Respect participants' rights to self-determination and full disclosure.

  4. Confidentiality

    • Safeguard information provided by participants.

  5. Informed Consent

    • Participants must receive relevant research information to make an informed decision. (Tan, 2006; Melegrito, 2016)

Ethics in Reference Use

  • Avoid plagiarism:

    • Quote accurately and acknowledge sources carefully.

Types of Research STEM

Based on Who Conducts the Research

  • Academic Research: Required for an academic degree.

  • Research Project: Conducted by individuals as part of professional work. (Garcia & Reganit, 2010)

Based on the Application of Research Method

  • Pure Research: Aims to increase knowledge about concepts and principles.

  • Applied Research: Focuses on formulating solutions to problems. (Baraceros, 2016)

Based on Purpose of Research

  • Descriptive Research: Systematically describes situations accurately.

    • Examples: Assessing work values; Identifying leadership styles.

  • Correlational/Associational Research: Investigates relationships between variables.

    • Examples: Job performance vs. commitment; Study habits vs. academic performance.

  • Exploratory Research: Evaluates feasibility or possibility of researching a topic.

    • Examples: Feasibility Studies, Pilot Studies.

  • Explanatory Research: Clarifies why relationships exist between aspects.

    • Examples: Job stress and burnout; Low morale and productivity.

  • Historical Research: Reconstructs or explains past events.

    • Examples: Filipino elite during American collaboration; Recovery from disasters.

  • Action Research: Studies practices for improvement.

    • Example: Creating tutorial groups.

Based on Type of Data Needed

  • Quantitative Research: Focuses on measurement and numerical data representations.

    • Example: Measurement of specific variables.

  • Qualitative Research: Involves narrative data expressing thoughts, beliefs, and experiences.

Types of Data in Research

  • Primary Data: Obtained through direct observation and interaction.

  • Secondary Data: Previously documented information. (Baraceros, 2010)

Comparison Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research STEM

Areas of Differences

  • Role of the Researcher

    • Quantitative: Objective and separate from data; Qualitative: Integral part of data.

  • Focus of Research

    • Quantitative: Quantity; Qualitative: Quality.

  • Goal of Research

    • Quantitative: Prediction and control; Qualitative: Understanding and discovery.

  • Design

    • Quantitative: Predetermined and structured; Qualitative: Evolves during the research.

  • Setting

    • Quantitative: Unfamiliar, artificial; Qualitative: Natural, familiar.

  • Sample

    • Quantitative: Large, random; Qualitative: Small, non-random.

  • Data Collection

    • Quantitative: Inanimate instruments; Qualitative: Researcher as instrument.

  • Mode of Analysis

    • Quantitative: Deductive via statistics; Qualitative: Inductive via researcher.

  • Findings

    • Quantitative: Precise and narrow; Qualitative: Comprehensive and holistic. (Garcia & Reganit, 2010)