RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

References:

Dawson, Catherine, 2002, Practical Research Methods, New Delhi, UBS Publishers’Distributors
Kothari, C.R.,1985, Research Methodology- Methods and Techniques, New Delhi, Wiley Eastern Limited.
Kumar, Ranjit, 2005, Research Methodology-A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners,(2nd.ed.),Singapore, Pearson Education.
Calmorin, et. al., 2007, Research Methods and Technical Writing, Second Edition, Philippines, Rex Bookstore, Inc.
Wikipedia, Free online encyclopedia

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH:

Research is a way of examining your practice…Research is undertaken within most professions. More than a set of skills, it is a way of
thinking: examining critically the various aspects of your professional work. It is a habit of questioning what you do, and a systematic
examination of the observed information to find answers with a view to instituting appropriate changes for a more effective professional
service.

One of the problems that you encounter immediately when you decide you wish to conduct “research” or you want to start a “research program” or you discuss
the word “research” is that the term is used in many different ways that will not help you as a Computer Science graduate student.

DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of
facts that links an individual’s speculation with reality. In other words, research is the systematic study of trend or event which involves
careful collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data or facts that relates man’s thinking with reality.

When you say that you are undertaking a research study to find answers to a question, you are implying that the process;

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1. is being undertaken within a framework of a set of philosophies ( approaches);
2. uses procedures, methods and techniques that have been tested for their validity and reliability;
3. is designed to be unbiased and objective .

Philosophies means approaches e.g. qualitative, quantitative and the academic discipline in which you have been trained.
Validity means that correct procedures have been applied to find answers to a question.
Reliability refers to the quality of a measurement procedure that provides repeatability and accuracy.
Unbiased and objective means that you have taken each step in an unbiased manner and drawn each conclusion to the best of your ability
and without introducing your own vested interest.
(Bias is a deliberate attempt to either conceal or highlight something).

Adherence to the three criteria mentioned above enables the process to be called ‘research’.

However, the degree to which these criteria are expected to be fulfilled varies from discipline to discipline and so the meaning of
‘research’ differs from one academic discipline to another.

The difference between research and non-research activity is, in the way we find answers: the process must meet certain requirements
to be called research. We can identify these requirements by examining some definitions of research.

The word research is composed of two syllables, re and search.

• re is a prefix meaning again, anew or over again
• search is a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe.

Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to
establish facts or principles.

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 Research is a structured enquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and create new knowledge that is
generally applicable. Scientific methods consist of systematic observation, classification and interpretation of data. Although we engage in
such process in our daily life, the difference between our casual day- to-day generalisation and the conclusions usually recognized as scientific
method lies in the degree of formality, rigorousness, verifiability and general validity of latter.

In Information Technology:

Research is a human activity based on intellectual investigation and aimed at discovering, interpreting, and revising human knowledge on different aspects of
the world. Research can use the scientific method, but need not do so. The salient features of this definition might be summarized as: Investigate to discover, interpret
or revise

But, investigate what?

What is Computer Science Research?

The general definition of research is a good place to start as it introduces a number of different ideas and can be melded with and into our own
discipline of Computer Science—which has many aspects to be discovered, interpreted or revised.

Perhaps a useful working definition of Computer Science Research might be:

A human activity based on the intellectual investigation of aspects of the world related to the discipline of Computer Science for the purpose of
discovering new knowledge, interpreting existing knowledge or revising erroneous or incomplete knowledge (Wiki).

What is Computer Science?

The concepts of:
Discovering new knowledge
Interpreting Existing Knowledge, and
Revising erroneous or incomplete knowledge.

In National Coordination Office for Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD), it states that:

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 The systematic study of computing systems and computation. The body of knowledge resulting from this discipline contains theories
for understanding
• computing systems and methods;
• design methodology,
• algorithms, and tools;
• methods for the testing of concepts;
• methods of analysis and verification; and
• knowledge representation and implementation.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH:

Research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to answer questions. But to qualify as research, the process
must have certain characteristics: it must, as far as possible, be controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid and verifiable, empirical and critical.

- Controlled- in real life there are many factors that affect an outcome. The concept of control implies that, in exploring causality in relation
to two variables (factors), you set up your study in a way that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the relationship. This can
be achieved to a large extent in the physical sciences (cookery, bakery), as most of the research is done in a laboratory. However, in the
social sciences (Hospitality and Tourism) it is extremely difficult as research is carried out on issues related to human beings living in
society, where such controls are not possible. Therefore in Hospitality and Tourism, as you cannot control external factors, you attempt
to quantify their impact.
-Rigorous-you must be scrupulous in ensuring that the procedures followed to find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified.
Again, the degree of rigor varies markedly between the physical and social sciences and within the social sciences.
-Systematic-this implies that the procedure adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logical sequence. The different steps cannot
be taken in a haphazard way. Some procedures must follow others.
-Valid and verifiable-this concept implies that whatever you conclude on the basis of your findings is correct and can be verified by you and
others.

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Empirical - this means that any conclusion drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real life experiences
or observations.
Critical – Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. A higher level of confidence must be established.Critical scrutiny of the procedures
used and the methods employed is crucial to a research enquiry. The process of investigation must be foolproof and free from drawbacks.
The process adopted and the procedures used must be able to withstand critical scrutiny.
Logical – research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific study is done in an orderly manner so that the investigator has
confidence on the results. Systematic examination of the procedures used in the research enables the investigator to draw valid
conclusions which is important for decision making.
Cyclical – research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem. In his recommendations, several studies
may be conducted, hence, research is cyclical.
Analytical - Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental, and case
study.

Four research designs

Historical research - the data gathered focus in the past; It is least conducted by researchers.
Descriptive research – the study focuses on the present situation; most common among the four research designs conducted.
Experimental research – future. Seldome applied due to time consuming. But this design is encouraged to be conducted by experts in
research. INVEST-HARVEST principle is applied in order to have return of investment (ROI). Commercialization of
research output must be done by the researcher.

Case study – past, present, and future. Commonly conducted by guidance counselors.

Note: For a process to be called research, it is imperative that it has the above characteristics.

Methodical – Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures.
Statistical Designs:
Two-group design – for 2 variables or experimental groups.
(t-test for bivariate experimental design)

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 parallel-group design (f-test) – if three or more variables
(F-test or Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) – for multivariate experimental design.

Replicability – means using the same instrument, method, and procedure but to different subjects and venue. Research design and procedures
are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results. Similarities and differences of replicated
researches can be compared. The more replications of researches, the more valid and conclusive results would be.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCHER

10 Qualities with an acronym RESEARCHER
1. Research-oriented
2. Efficient
3. Scientific
4. Effective
5. Active
6. Resourceful
7. Creative
8. Honest
9. Economical
10. Religious

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCHER (5 Characteristics)

1. Intellectual Curiosity

A researcher undertakes deep thinking and inquiry of the things, problems, and situations around him. He is keen to get information
on these problems and situation often due to unusualness and newness. He raises questions to answer, continues to read the related literature
and studies, makes use of his experiences, and exercises his creativeness and inventiveness.
e.g. Hypothesis – “There is no significant difference…”
if there is significant difference – the hypothesis is rejected
if no significant difference – the hypothesis is accepted

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 2. Prudence
The researcher is careful to conduct his research study at the right time and at the right place wisely, efficiently, and economically.
Likewise he uses the 7 Ms in conducting research efficiently and economically.
Manpower
Money
Materials
Method
Machinery
Moment of Time
Marketing

3. Healthy criticism
The researcher is always doubtful as to the veracity or truthfulness of the results. Normally, the investigator always doubts the
authenticity or validity of his findings even if the data are gathered honestly. Because there are subjects who do not read the items anymore
especially if the researcher is in hurry to retrieve the questionnaires.

4. Intellectual honesty
Intelligent researcher is honest to collect or gather data or facts in order to arrive at honest results. The success or failure of his
research lies on his hand.

5. Intellectual creativity
A productive and resourceful investigator always creates new researches. He enjoys inventing unique, novel and original researches,
and considers research as his hobby. Creative researcher is also innovative. Waste are utilized into value added products.

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MAN’S MAJOR NEEDS AND PROBLEMS DEMAND RESEARCH

Examples where products of research are born:

It includes:
➢ How to reduce his burden of work,
➢ How to relieve suffering, and
➢ How to increase satisfaction in fulfilling his needs, cravings, and aspirations.
For instance:
- Man suffers in communicating with his friends and relatives here and abroad.

To solve this need and problem, an investigator conducts research on modern communication such as cellular phones, internet,
fax machines, telephones, and many other for easy communication and even make instant communication over long distance.
Other examples:
- Before, only typewriters and mimeographing machines were used as duplicating facilities, but how new improved duplicating
facilities are invented like copier machines, printers, scanners, and many others.
- Many decades ago, businessmen, engineers, accountants, and many others found difficulty in computing so cellular phones,
computers, calculators, adding machines and many others were invented to solve this need and problem.
- Many decades ago, people found difficulty in hand washing their clothes, thus, washing machines was born to solve this need and
problem.
- Few decades ago, people found difficulty in cooking rice and heating the left-over. Hence, rice cooker and microwaves oven were
invented to provide for this need and problem.
- Elevators and escalators are products of research due to man’s difficulty in going to different floors of the building.
- During leisure time, man finds difficulty in singing because he cannot memorize the lyrics, and now video, karaoke and many others
are invented to provide for this need.
- Airplanes, ships, buses, jeepneys, automobiles, vans and many others are products of research for easy transportation.
- Refrigerators and freezers are products of research to keep food for longer period of time and minimize effort in going to the
supermarket every day.

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 - In the cities, people find difficulty in commuting everyday due to heavy traffic, hence, fly over and trains (LRT and MRT) were
constructed to easy the problem.

Before research can be conducted, it must be understood. But before one can understand, one must learn, must love to work with
enthusiasm. If man understands, learns, loves the work with interest and does research, progress becomes possible because research is a
contributing factor of progress. It moves such progress towards goals. Sometimes crises occur in conducting research, and one may have to
sacrifice and face the difficulties because success in research is sweet if spiced with sacrifice.

VALUES OF RESEARCH TO MAN

1. Research improves quality of Life

2. Research improves instruction
3. Research improves students’ achievement
4. Research improves teacher’s competence.
5. Research satisfies man’s needs
6. Research reduces the burden of work
7. Research has deep-seated psychological aspects.
It stimulates and ennobles the human spirit.
It challenges man to get rid of the danger of stagnation.
It is an open to a better tomorrow and it guides him in his efforts to obtain good results which contributes to his satisfaction and
self-fulfillment
8. Research improves the exportation of food products.
Some international research agencies that help support for researches in the Philippines
• JICA – Japan International Cooperation Agency
• KOICA – Korea International Cooperation Agency
• IFS – International Foundation for Science

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 • ACIAR – Austrialian Center for International Agricultural Research
• IRRI – International Rice Research Institute
9. Research responds to the economic recovery and austerity measure of the country.
• Research should have ROI
10. Research trains graduates to become responsive to the economic development of the country and compete globally.

TYPES OF RESEARCH
1. Basic research
2. Applied research
3. Developmental research

Research can be classified from three perspectives:

1. application of research study
2. objectives in undertaking the research
3. inquiry mode employed

Application:
From the point of view of application, there are two broad categories of research:
- pure research and
- applied research.

Pure research involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually challenging to the researcher but may or may not
have practical application at the present time or in the future. The knowledge produced through
pure research is sought in order to add to the existing body of research methods.

Applied research is done to solve specific, practical questions; for policy formulation, administration and understanding of a phenomenon. It
can be exploratory, but is usually descriptive. It is almost always done on the basis of basic research. Applied research can be carried out by

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academic or industrial institutions. Often, an academic institution such as a university will have a specific applied research program funded by
an industrial partner interested in that program.

Objectives:
From the viewpoint of objectives, a research can be classified as
-descriptive
-correlational
-explanatory
-exploratory

Descriptive research attempts to describe systematically a situation, problem, phenomenon, service or programme, or provides information
about , say, living condition of a community, or describes attitudes towards an issue.

Correlational research attempts to discover or establish the existence of a relationship/ interdependence between two or more aspects of a
situation.

Explanatory research attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon.

Exploratory research is undertaken to explore an area where little is known or to

investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study (feasibility study/ pilot study).

In practice most studies are a combination of the first three categories.

Inquiry Mode:
From the process adopted to find answer to research questions – the two approaches are:
- Structured approach
- Unstructured approach

Structured approach:

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 The structured approach to inquiry is usually classified as quantitative research. Here everything that forms the research process-
objectives, design, sample, and the questions that you plan to ask of respondents- is predetermined. It is more appropriate to determine the
extent of a problem, issue or phenomenon by quantifying the variation. e.g. how many people have a particular problem? How many people
hold a particular attitude?

Unstructured approach:
The unstructured approach to inquiry is usually classified as qualitative research. This approach allows flexibility in all aspects of the
research process. It is more appropriate to explore the nature of a problem, issue or phenomenon without quantifying it. Main objective is to
describe the variation in a phenomenon, situation or attitude. e,g, description of an observed situation, the historical enumeration of events, an
account of different opinions different people have about an issue, description of working condition in a particular industry.

Both approaches have their place in research. Both have their strengths and
weaknesses. In many studies you have to combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches. For example, suppose you have to find the
types of cuisine / accommodation available in a city and the extent of their popularity.
Types of cuisine is the qualitative aspect of the study as finding out about them entails description of the culture and cuisine. The extent
of their popularity is the quantitative aspect as it involves estimating the number of people who visit restaurant serving such cuisine and
calculating the other indicators that reflect the extent of popularity.

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