Methods of Research: Objectives
Methods of Research: Objectives
METHODS OF RESEARCH
Objectives:
Related literature review is one of the components of the research process. An investigator
needs to review write-ups, readings and studies related to the present study to determine the
similarities and differences of the findings between the past and present studies. This also gives
insights into the aspects of the problem that are critical and controversial. Likewise, related
legal bases review, literature and studies provide the researcher a background about the
aspects, which have been investigated and those which have not yet been investigated. It also
guides him on what to do about the components of the research process. This assists him in his
study until its completion.
The researcher should have the ability to compare between what he should read and include in
his study, and what he should not read and does not need to include in his study. Essentially, it is
a must that the researcher read all literature and studies that are partially and closely related to
his study.
1. It helps or guides the researcher in searching for or selecting a better research problem or
topic
2. It helps the investigator understand his topic or research better
3. It ensures that there will be no duplication of other studies
4. It provides the conceptual or theoretical framework of the planned research
5. It gives the researcher a feeling of confidence
6. It provides information about the research methods used
7. It provides findings and conclusions of past investigations
How to Conduct the Review of Related Literature
1. Do the accumulated literature indicate gaps and inconsistencies which you hope to fill?
2. Are the variables adequately described?
3. What data gathering instruments have been used? Are they reliable and valid tools?
4. Are the target and sampling populations presented?
5. Were the hypotheses tested and correctly interpreted?
6. Are the results logical?
7. Are the conclusions and recommendations data-based?
Related legal bases as a section of a research paper, thesis and dissertation determines the
relevance of the study to the government’s thrusts. The major sources of related legal bases are
laws and department directives such as circulars, orders, memoranda, etc. They all serve as
legal bases for the paradigm of the study.
In presenting the related legal bases, the researcher has to arrange them chronologically from
the most recent to the oldest. The relevance of each legal basis should be explained thoroughly.
The lack of explanation of the legal basis would make the study unscientific.
If a study has related legal bases, it shows that the investigation is important to respond to the
government’s thrusts.
Related Literature
The related literature in a research paper, thesis, dissertation and research project cites the
sources as published books, magazines and articles. The presentation may vary such as (1)
topical arrangement, (2) chronological arrangement, (3) alphabetic order, however that the
relevance of each literature to the present study is explained. It is unscientific if a related
literature is presented without any explanation as to its relevance to the present study.
Related Studies
Published and unpublished related studies are sources of materials that are included in this
section. The research studies, which have direct bearing on the present study, are segregated
into foreign and local studies.
Foreign studies are researches conducted and completed outside the Philippines; even if the
researcher is a Filipino it is still considered as a foreign study. In case of foreigners who study in
the Philippines but conducted their study in their countries using foreigners as subjects, their
research falls under foreign studies. In case of Filipino researchers who conducts a study using
Filipinos abroad, it is still considered as foreign study.
Local studies are researches conducted and completed in the Philippines wherein the subjects
of the study are Filipinos residing in the Philippines even if the researchers are foreigners fall on
local studies. In other words, researches conducted in the Philippines are considered as local
studies.
Individual Activity
Think of a topic you wish to conduct a research on which is related to your respective
course/specialization. Write a working title of the topic you have in mind.
Then, prepare a possible outline of literature which you need to review or find which would
more likely help validate and substantiate the topic you have in mind.
A. Legal Bases
1. Biodiesel Act of 2006
2. PEZA Law (RA 7196)
3. Omnibus Investment Code (EO 226)
B. Topical Literature Review
1. Regional Development Goals
2. Biodiesel Power Plants in the Philippines
3. The need for alternative energy source
4. Pros and cons of biodiesel