PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

I. Fundamentals of Research 5. Data Analysis: Using statistical or

qualitative methods to interpret results.
Definition of Research
6. Conclusion: Evaluating findings to confirm
Research is a systematic and methodical process of
or reject the hypothesis.
collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to
answer a specific question, test a hypothesis, or 7. Reporting Results: Publishing or
solve a problem. It serves as a tool for discovering presenting research findings to share
new information, expanding knowledge, validating knowledge.
or refuting theories, and contributing to scientific,
• Inquiry – The process of exploring,
technological, and societal advancements.
Research is fundamental in various fields, questioning, and investigating a topic to acquire
including science, education, business, medicine, knowledge, deepen understanding, and develop
and social sciences, as it provides credible and critical thinking skills. Inquiry-driven research
reliable evidence to support decision-making, fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and
innovation, and policy development. innovation by encouraging individuals to ask
meaningful questions, seek answers, and
• Research – A careful, rigorous, and evaluate information through systematic
detailed study of a particular subject, issue, investigation.
or problem using standardized scientific
methods to uncover facts, establish Types of Inquiry:
relationships, and reach valid conclusions. ▪ Descriptive Inquiry: Observing and
The primary goal of research is to generate documenting phenomena without
new knowledge, confirm existing theories, manipulating variables (e.g., studying
or provide solutions to identified problems. human migration patterns).
Research may be basic (theoretical) or
applied (practical), depending on its ▪ Comparative Inquiry: Analyzing
purpose and scope. differences and similarities between
subjects (e.g., comparing educational
• Scientific Method – A structured and systems of two countries).
logical approach used in research that
ensures objectivity, consistency, and ▪ Experimental Inquiry: Testing cause-
validity in findings. It involves a series of and-effect relationships through
steps, including identifying a problem, controlled conditions (e.g., examining
formulating a hypothesis, designing an the impact of a new drug on blood
experiment, collecting and analyzing data, pressure).
and drawing conclusions. The scientific Characteristics of Research Inquiry
method allows researchers to make
observations, test predictions, and build Research is a structured and systematic process
knowledge based on empirical evidence. aimed at discovering new knowledge, solving
problems, or validating existing theories.
Key Steps of the Scientific Method:
A. Analytical
1. Observation: Identifying a
phenomenon or problem Research involves breaking down complex
that requires investigation. problems, concepts, or situations into
smaller components to understand
2. Research Question: relationships, causes, and effects. It uses
Formulating a specific statistical, mathematical, and logical
question that guides the techniques to analyze data. For example, in
study. scientific research, statistical tools like
3. Hypothesis Development: regression analysis or hypothesis testing
Creating a testable are applied to identify patterns and trends.
prediction or assumption. B. Critical
4. Experimentation/Data Collection: Critical thinking is essential in research, as
Conducting experiments, surveys, or it requires an objective assessment of facts,
observations to gather information.
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH S.Y. 2024-2025
 PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
sources, and interpretations. Researchers errors and increases the study’s credibility.
must question assumptions, evaluate For instance, in psychological research,
evidence, and draw conclusions based on standardized tests and controlled
logical reasoning. This characteristic experiments ensure valid results.
ensures that findings are reliable and free
from bias. For instance, in legal research, G. Replicable
scholars critically analyze case laws and For research to be credible, it must be
statutes to determine their applicability to replicable, meaning other researchers
contemporary issues. should be able to reproduce the study
C. Cyclical under similar conditions and obtain
comparable results. Replicability
Research follows a cycle, meaning that new strengthens the reliability of research
findings often lead to further questions, findings. For example, a physics
necessitating continuous inquiry. The experiment on gravity must yield the same
research process does not end with a single outcome when conducted by different
study but contributes to a growing body of scientists across different settings.
knowledge. For example, medical research
on a new drug begins with laboratory
testing, followed by clinical trials, and then II. Types and Purpose of Research
further studies to refine its effectiveness
and safety. Basic Types of Research

D. Empirical A. Case Study

Empirical research relies on direct A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single

observation, experiments, or data entity, such as an individual, organization, event,
collection rather than mere theories or or phenomenon, over a specific period. This type of
opinions. It involves measurable and research provides detailed insights into real-life
verifiable evidence gathered situations and allows researchers to explore
systematically. In scientific disciplines, complex issues comprehensively.
empirical research often includes • Example: A case study on a successful tech
fieldwork, laboratory experiments, or startup can analyze the factors that
surveys. For example, a sociologist contributed to its growth and challenges. In
studying poverty rates will collect real- law, case studies are used to examine
world data through interviews or national landmark court rulings and their
statistics. implications.
E. Logical B. Content/ Discourse Analysis
Research must follow logical principles and Content analysis is a systematic method of
reasoning to ensure its validity and analyzing texts, media, speeches, or other forms of
reliability. Every step, from forming a communication to identify patterns, themes, and
hypothesis to interpreting results, should meanings. Discourse analysis extends this by
be based on rational thinking. Logical examining how language is used in different
reasoning helps in making sound contexts to shape ideas and power structures.
conclusions, such as in engineering
research, where theoretical calculations • Example: Researchers analyzing social
must align with practical applications. media posts to study public sentiment on
climate change or evaluating political
F. Methodical speeches to understand persuasive
A research study must follow a systematic techniques.
procedure or method, whether qualitative, C. Ethnography
quantitative, or mixed. This ensures
consistency and accuracy in data collection, Ethnography is a qualitative research method that
analysis, and interpretation. A well- involves immersive observation and interaction
designed research methodology prevents with a specific cultural or social group to

CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH S.Y. 2024-2025

 PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
understand their behaviors, beliefs, and customs. Data Interviews, Surveys,
Researchers often spend extended periods in the Collection observations, experiments,
community they are studying. case studies statistical data
• Example: An anthropologist living in an Data Type Text, images, Numerical
indigenous community to document their audio data
traditions, or a sociologist studying
workplace culture in a multinational Analysis Thematic, Statistical
company. narrative analysis
analysis
D. Historical Case
Historical research examines past events, trends,
and developments to understand their causes, III. Ethical Considerations in Research
effects, and significance. It relies on primary Ethical research upholds the rights, dignity, and
sources (e.g., documents, photographs, eyewitness well-being of participants while ensuring integrity
accounts) and secondary sources (e.g., books, and credibility in the research process.
journals) to reconstruct historical narratives. Researchers must adhere to ethical principles to
• Example: A study on the impact of World prevent harm, promote fairness, and maintain
War II on economic policies or an analysis trust within the academic and scientific
of historical legal decisions that shaped community.
modern constitutional law. 1. Informed Consent – Participants must
E. Phenomenology be fully informed about the research before
agreeing to take part. This includes a clear
Phenomenological research focuses on studying explanation of:
human experiences and perceptions from the
perspective of individuals who have lived through o The study’s purpose and objectives.
them. It seeks to understand how people make o The procedures involved.
sense of their experiences. o Potential risks and benefits.
o The voluntary nature of
• Example: Research on how patients cope participation and the right to
with terminal illness or how students withdraw at any time without
experience online learning during a consequences.
pandemic. o How their data will be used and
protected.
F. Pure Research
Obtaining informed consent
Pure research, also known as fundamental or basic ensures that participation is based
research, is conducted to expand knowledge on free will and understanding
without immediate practical applications. It aims rather than coercion or deception.
to develop theories, principles, and laws that 2. Beneficence (Do No Harm) –
contribute to a field of study. Researchers must prioritize the well-being
of participants by minimizing risks and
• Example: A physicist studying the maximizing potential benefits. Ethical
properties of dark matter, or a research should:
mathematician working on abstract
theories that may later be applied in oAvoid physical, psychological, or
engineering. emotional harm.
o Ensure that any risks are justified
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research and mitigated.
Feature Qualitative Quantitative o Provide necessary support or
Research Research interventions if harm occurs.
o Consider the long-term effects of
Nature Subjective, Objective, the study on participants and
exploratory conclusive society.
3. Confidentiality and Data Protection
– Participants’ privacy must be
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH S.Y. 2024-2025
 PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
safeguarded to prevent unauthorized populations without proper safeguards or
access, misuse, or disclosure of personal using participants for personal gain.
information. This involves:
IV. Research Methods and Design
o Keeping participants' identities
anonymous when possible. Researchers employ various methods to
o Storing data securely and limiting investigate phenomena, analyze patterns, and
access to authorized personnel draw meaningful conclusions. The choice of
only. research method depends on the study's
o Using coded identifiers instead of objectives, nature, and the type of data required.
personal names in published
findings. • Case Study – A detailed and in-depth
o Obtaining consent before sharing analysis of an individual, group,
organization, or event. This method
or publishing sensitive information.
provides rich insights but may not always
4. Plagiarism and Academic Integrity –
be generalizable.
Ethical research requires proper • Ethnography – A qualitative method
acknowledgment of sources and involving the observation and study of
intellectual contributions. Plagiarism, or cultural or social groups in their natural
presenting another person’s work, ideas, or environment. Researchers immerse
findings as one’s own without citation, is themselves in the group to gain deep
considered academic dishonesty and is insights into behaviors, traditions, and
subject to serious consequences, such as: social dynamics.
• Phenomenology – Focuses on
o Loss of credibility and reputational understanding individuals' lived
damage. experiences and personal perceptions of a
o Legal repercussions in cases of phenomenon. This method is often used in
copyright infringement. psychology, philosophy, and social
o Disqualification from academic sciences.
programs or research positions. • Historical Research – Analyzes past
Examples of Unethical Research Practices events, documents, and records to
understand historical contexts, interpret
Unethical conduct in research compromises its trends, and predict future developments. It
validity and credibility. Some common unethical relies on primary and secondary sources,
practices include: such as letters, newspapers, and
government archives.
• Fabrication of Data – Intentionally • Experimental Research – A method
making up or altering data to achieve used to determine cause-and-effect
desired results, leading to misleading or relationships by manipulating independent
false conclusions. variables in a controlled environment while
measuring their effects on dependent
• Falsification of Research Findings – variables.
Manipulating or omitting data to • Correlational Research – Examines the
misrepresent research outcomes. relationship between two or more variables
without manipulating them. This method
• Plagiarism – Copying another identifies patterns and associations but
researcher’s work, ideas, or findings does not establish causation.
without proper acknowledgment.
V. Research Process
• Breach of Confidentiality – Disclosing
private or sensitive participant information Conducting research follows a systematic process
without their consent. to ensure accuracy, reliability, and meaningful
contributions to knowledge.
• Deceptive Practices – Misleading
participants about the study’s true nature 1. Defining the Problem – The first step in
or purpose without valid justification. research is identifying a gap in knowledge,
an issue, or an area that needs further
• Exploitation of Participants –
investigation. Researchers must:
Conducting research on vulnerable
o Clearly articulate the research problem.
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH S.Y. 2024-2025
 PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
o Formulate specific research questions or o Presentations at conferences, seminars, or
objectives. academic discussions.
o Determine the study’s significance and o Recommendations for policy changes or
scope. further studies.
o Ensure the problem is researchable
within available time and resources. SMART Criteria for Research Titles
2. Reviewing Related Literature –
• Specific – The title should clearly convey
Researchers examine existing studies,
theories, and scholarly works to the main focus of the study without being
understand prior findings and establish a vague or overly broad. It should highlight
the key variables, population, or subject
theoretical framework. This step helps to:
matter.
o Avoid duplication of research.
• Measurable – The research should
o Identify key concepts, models, and gaps in
knowledge. involve quantifiable or observable
o Provide a foundation for the research
elements that can be assessed through data
collection and analysis.
hypothesis.
3. Designing Research – This involves • Attainable – The research should be
choosing the appropriate research design, feasible, considering available resources,
methodology, and tools. Researchers must: time, and expertise. The title should reflect
o Select between qualitative, quantitative,
a study that can be realistically completed
or mixed-method approaches. within the given constraints.
o Determine sampling methods and data • Realistic – The study should address a
collection techniques (e.g., surveys, relevant issue that can be explored within
interviews, experiments). the researcher’s field and contribute
o Establish ethical considerations and valuable knowledge.
obtain necessary approvals.
4. Formulating a Hypothesis (If • Time-bound – The research title should
Applicable) – In studies that test indicate a timeframe to set clear study
relationships or causal effects, researchers limitations and ensure timely completion.
propose a testable hypothesis.
o The hypothesis should be clear,
specific, and based on existing knowledge.
o It can be a null hypothesis (stating no effect
or relationship) or an alternative
hypothesis (suggesting a predicted effect).
5. Collecting and Analyzing Data – Data
is gathered systematically using
appropriate research instruments and then
analyzed to extract meaningful insights.
o Data Collection Methods: Surveys,
interviews, experiments, document
analysis, or observations.
o Data Analysis Techniques: Statistical
methods (e.g., regression analysis,
correlation) for quantitative research or
thematic coding for qualitative studies.
6. Reporting Results and Drawing
Conclusions – The final step involves
interpreting findings, drawing conclusions,
and communicating results through
various formats such as:
o Research papers, dissertations, or journal
articles.
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH S.Y. 2024-2025