Research Study Notes (EDUC 200) SIEGA, HONEY LEE L.

| MAED-TRL

UNIT INTRODUCTION AND BASIC

1 CONCEPTS
q OF RESEARCH

The Meaning of Research

The definition of research can vary slightly depending on the source, but it generally
revolves around the idea of systematic investigation. Here are a few definitions from notable
authors:

1. Creswell (2017) defines research as a process of systematic inquiry that involves the
collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to answer questions or solve problems. He
emphasizes that research can be conducted using various methods, including
qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches, each suited to different types of
research questions and contexts.

2. According to (Thyer, 2001), "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."

3. According to Cohen, Manion, and Morrison (2018) research is a systematic and

organized process of inquiry that seeks to discover new information, validate existing
knowledge, or explore phenomena. It involves formulating research questions, designing
methodologies, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results.

4. Ransdell and Richard (2010) view research as a structured and deliberate process of
inquiry aimed at uncovering knowledge through evidence collection and analysis. They
highlight the importance of clear methodology in solving problems or answering specific
research questions.

Characteristics of a Research

Research is defined by several key characteristics that help ensure its validity, reliability, and
usefulness. Here’s a summary of these fundamental characteristics:

1. Systematic and Structured: Research follows a systematic and structured approach.

This means it involves a series of organized steps, from identifying a research problem
to collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This systematic approach
helps ensure that the research process is thorough and consistent.
Research Study Notes (EDUC 200) SIEGA, HONEY LEE L. | MAED-TRL

2. Empirical Evidence: Research relies on empirical evidence, which means it is based on

observable and measurable data rather than purely theoretical or speculative ideas. This
involves collecting data through experiments, surveys, observations, or other methods.
3. Objective and Unbiased: Research aims to be objective and unbiased. This means that
the research process should minimize personal biases and subjective influences to
ensure that the findings are based on factual evidence and are credible.
4. Reproducibility and Reliability: Research should be reproducible and reliable,
meaning that other researchers should be able to replicate the study and achieve similar
results. This ensures that the findings are consistent and dependable.
5. Contribution to Knowledge: Research is conducted to contribute to the existing body
of knowledge. It aims to provide new insights, confirm or challenge existing theories, or
offer practical applications that advance understanding in a particular field.
6. Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations are a crucial aspect of research.
Researchers must ensure that their studies respect the rights and well-being of
participants, follow ethical guidelines, and maintain integrity throughout the research
process.

These characteristics collectively define the essence of research and are crucial for conducting
studies that are rigorous, reliable, and ethically sound.

Qualities of a Good Researcher

Notable authors have identified several key qualities that define a good researcher. These
qualities are crucial for conducting effective and credible research. Here’s a summary based on
insights from influential authors in the field:

1. Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: Good researchers have a strong sense of curiosity

and are open-minded. They are eager to explore new ideas, ask questions, and consider
multiple perspectives.
2. Critical Thinking: Effective researchers possess critical thinking skills. They analyze
and evaluate information rigorously, questioning assumptions and assessing the validity
of evidence.
3. Attention to Detail: A good researcher pays close attention to detail. Precision in data
collection, analysis, and reporting is essential to ensure accuracy and reliability.
4. Persistence and Resilience: Research often involves challenges and setbacks.
Successful researchers are persistent and resilient, able to overcome obstacles and
continue their work despite difficulties.
5. Ethical Integrity: Ethical integrity is crucial for good research. Researchers must
conduct their work honestly, ensure the ethical treatment of participants, and report
findings accurately.
6. Effective Communication Skills: Good researchers must be able to communicate their
findings clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally. This includes presenting
research results, writing reports or papers, and engaging with peers and stakeholders.
7. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills are essential for interpreting data, identifying
patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions from research findings.

These qualities collectively define a competent and effective researcher, contributing to the
production of valuable and reliable research outcomes.
Research Study Notes (EDUC 200) SIEGA, HONEY LEE L. | MAED-TRL

Purpose of Research

The purpose of research can vary depending on the field, context, and objectives, but
several notable authors have articulated key purposes that are broadly applicable across
disciplines. Here’s a summary of the primary purposes of research according to various authors:

1. To Generate New Knowledge: Research aims to generate new knowledge by exploring

unanswered questions or investigating unexplored areas. This contributes to the
advancement of understanding within a specific field.
2. To Solve Problems: Research often seeks to address and solve practical problems.
This can involve finding solutions to specific issues or improving processes and
practices in various fields.
3. To Confirm or Challenge Existing Theories: Research can validate or refute existing
theories and models. This involves testing hypotheses and evaluating whether current
theories hold true under new conditions or data.
4. To Inform Policy and Practice: Research provides evidence-based insights that can
inform policy decisions and practical applications. This purpose is especially relevant in
fields such as healthcare, education, and social sciences.
5. To Develop and Test Methods: Research can focus on developing new methods or
improving existing ones. This includes creating and validating new tools, techniques, or
methodologies.
6. To Explore and Understand Phenomena: Research aims to explore and understand
various phenomena, including human behavior, social processes, and natural events.
This purpose involves gaining a deeper insight into the nature of these phenomena.
7. To Contribute to Academic and Professional Fields: Research contributes to the
academic and professional fields by adding to the scholarly discourse, enhancing
professional practices, and supporting academic development.

These purposes illustrate the multifaceted role of research in advancing knowledge, solving
problems, informing practice, and contributing to various fields of study.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Sources of Research Problems

1. Literature Review: Reviewing existing research literature helps identify gaps, contradictions,
or areas that need further exploration. It provides a comprehensive understanding of what has
already been studied and where new research could contribute.

2. Practical Problems: Explanation: Real-world issues and practical challenges in various

settings can be a rich source of research problems. These problems often arise from everyday
experiences, organizational needs, or societal issues that require investigation.
Research Study Notes (EDUC 200) SIEGA, HONEY LEE L. | MAED-TRL

3. Theoretical Gaps: Existing theories can suggest research problems by revealing areas
where theories are incomplete, outdated, or require further validation. This involves exploring
theoretical frameworks to identify and address gaps.

4. Policy and Social Issues: Explanation: Changes in policy, societal trends, or social issues
can highlight new research problems. Research in this area often aims to evaluate the impacts
of policy changes or address pressing social concerns.

5. Technological Advancements: Advances in technology can create new research problems

by introducing new tools, methods, or phenomena that require exploration and understanding.
This can include studying the impact of new technologies or developing innovative applications.

6. Personal Experience and Observation: Researchers’ own experiences and observations

can provide insights into real-world issues and generate relevant research questions. Personal
experiences often highlight problems that may not be immediately apparent in the literature.

7. Collaboration and Networking: Engaging with peers, experts, and stakeholders through
collaboration and professional networks can help identify new research problems. Discussions
and joint projects often reveal gaps and emerging issues.

8. Data and Analytics: Analyzing large datasets or conducting preliminary data analysis can
uncover patterns, trends, or anomalies that suggest new research questions. This approach
often leverages existing data to identify areas for further study.

Characteristics of a Good Research Questions

 Clear and focused. In other words, the question should clearly state what the writer
needs to do.
 Not too broad and not too narrow. The question should have an appropriate scope. If
the question is too broad it will not be possible to answer it thoroughly within the word
limit. If it is too narrow you will not have enough to write about and you will struggle to
develop a strong argument (see the activity below for examples).
 Not too easy to answer. For example, the question should require more than a simple
yes or no answer.
 Not too difficult to answer. You must be able to answer the question thoroughly within
the given timeframe and word limit.
 Researchable. You must have access to a suitable amount of quality research
materials, such as academic books and refereed journal articles.
 Analytical rather than descriptive. In other words, your research question should allow
you to produce an analysis of an issue or problem rather than a simple description of it.
Research Study Notes (EDUC 200) SIEGA, HONEY LEE L. | MAED-TRL

Selecting a Research Problem

According to Monash University Library, key considerations in selecting a research problem

include:

1. Interest and Expertise: Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and skills.
2. Literature Review: Identify gaps or unresolved issues in existing research.
3. Feasibility: Ensure you have the necessary resources, data, and time.
4. Significance: Select a problem with practical relevance and potential impact.
5. Ethical Considerations: Adhere to ethical guidelines in your research approach.
6. Theoretical Framework: Ground the problem in relevant theories and concepts.
7. Specificity and Focus: Define the problem clearly and ensure it is manageable.
8. Challenges and Limitations: Anticipate and plan for potential obstacles.

Evaluating a Research Problem

Once you find your potential research problem, you will need to evaluate the problem
and ensure that it is appropriate for research. A research problem is deemed appropriate when it
is supported by the literature and considered significant, timely, novel, specific, and
researchable. Stronger research problems are more likely to succeed in publication,
presentation, and application.

Supported by the Literature

Your research problem should be relevant to the field and supported by a number of
recent peer-reviewed studies in the field. Even if you identify the problem based on the
recommendation of one journal article or dissertation, you will still need to conduct a literature
search and ensure that other researchers support the problem and the need for conducting
research to further address the problem.

Significant
Your research problem should have a positive impact on the field. The impact can be
practical, in the form of direct application of the results in the field, or conceptual, where the
work advances the field by filling a knowledge gap.

Timely
Your research problem should be related to the current needs in the field and well-suited
for the present status of the issues in your field. Explore what topics are being covered in
current journals in the field. Look at calls from relevant disciplinary organizations. Review your
research center agenda and focused topics. For example, the topics of the Research Labs at
the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research including critical thinking,
social media and cultural competency, diversity, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) in higher education are representative of the current timely topics in the
field of education. Identifying a current question in the field and supporting the problem with
recent literature can justify the problem's timeliness.
Research Study Notes (EDUC 200) SIEGA, HONEY LEE L. | MAED-TRL

Original
Your research problem should be original and unique. It should seek to address a gap in
our knowledge or application. An exhaustive review of the literature can help you identify
whether the problem has already been addressed with your particular sample and/or context.
Talking to experts in the research area can illuminate a problem. Replication of an existing
study warrants a discussion of value elsewhere, but the novelty can be found in determining if
an already-resolved problem holds in a new sample and/or context.

Specific and Clear

Your research problem should be specific enough to set the direction of the study, raise
research question(s), and determine an appropriate research method and design. Vague
research problems may not be useful to specify the direction of the study or develop research
questions.

Researchable
Research problems are solved through the scientific method. This means researchability,
or feasibility of the problem, is more important than all of the above characteristics. You as the
researcher should be able to solve the problem with your abilities and available research
methods, designs, research sites, resources, and timeframe. If a research problem retains all of
the aforementioned characteristics but it is not researchable, it may not be an appropriate
research problem.

References and More Information

Bryman, Alan. “The Research Question in Social Research: What is its Role?” International
Journal of Social Research Methodology 10 (2007): 5-20.