RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

AN INTRODUCTION

GROUP 1
Prince Carl S Ajoc

First Reporter
What is Research Methodology?


Research methodology is a systematic way of finding out the result of a given problem. It is
the study of methods by which knowledge is gained, and its aim is to give the work plan of
the research Research methodology involves various steps that are generally adopted by a
researcher in studying their research problem along with the logic behind them.

There are two types of research methods:

quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Quantitative research involves collecting data in the form of numbers, while Qualitative
research involves collecting data in the form of words and images

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What is the meaning of Reserch?


Research is a systematic and scientific process of gathering information and
knowledge about a specific topic. It involves a careful investigation and inquiry
to discover new facts or expand existing knowledge. Research can be seen as a
journey from the known to the unknown, where curiosity and inquiry drive the
search for understanding. There are two main types of research methods:
quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data,
while qualitative research focuses on in-depth information and textual data.
Research methodology provides a structured framework for conducting
research, including the selection of research design, data collection methods,
and data analysis techniques. It is an essential aspect of scientific investigation
and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in various fields

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What is the Purpose of Research?

The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures.
The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet.
Though each research study has its own specific purpose, we mention some general objectives of research
below:

To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this object in view
are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies);


To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies with this
object in view are known as descriptive research studies);


To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something
else (studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies);


To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as hypothesis-
testing research studies).
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Motivation in Research?

Motivation in research refers to the driving force that inspires researchers to conduct studies and gather information. Here are some key
points to understand motivation in research:

Curiosity: One of the most fundamental motivations for research is curiosity. Researchers are often driven by a deep desire to
understand and explore the unknown. They are naturally inquisitive and want to find answers to questions that intrigue them.


Problem Solving: Research can be motivated by a desire to solve practical problems or address real-world issues. Researchers
may seek solutions to problems in fields like medicine, technology, environmental conservation, or social justice.


Advancing Knowledge: Many researchers are motivated by a passion for advancing human knowledge. They want to contribute to
the collective understanding of a particular subject or field and push the boundaries of what is known.


Career Goals: In academia and various professions, conducting research is an essential component of career advancement.
Researchers may be motivated by the prospect of gaining recognition, promotions, or job opportunities through their research
achievements.
Overall, motivation plays a crucial role in research as it drives researchers to conduct studies and gather information. Understanding
the factors that influence motivation can help researchers stay focused and achieve their goals.

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Caren Joy Alceso

Second Reporter
Types of Research

The basic types of research are as follows:

I.Descriptive research
II. Applied research
III. Quantitative research
IV. Conceptual research

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Descriptive Research

Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. The major
purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. In
social science and business research we quite often use the term Ex post facto research for
descriptive research studies. The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher
has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is
happening. Most ex post facto research projects are used for descriptive studies in which the
researcher seeks to measure such items as, for example, frequency of shopping, preferences
of people, or similar data. Ex post facto studies also include attempts by researchers to
discover causes even when they cannot control the variables. The methods of research
utilized in descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative and
correlational methods. In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use
facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the
material.
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Applied Research

Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an
industrial/business organisation, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalisations and with the formulation of a theory. Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is
termed fundamental research. Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure
mathematics are examples of fundamental research. Similarly, research studies, concerning human
behaviour carried on with a view to make generalisations about human behaviour, are also examples
of fundamental research. However, research aimed at certain conclusions facing a concrete social or
business problem is an example of applied research. Research to identify social, economic or political
trends that may affect a particular institution, marketing research, evaluation research are examples of
applied research. Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for some pressing
practical problems, whereas basic research is directed towards finding information that has a broad
base of applications and thus, adds to the already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.

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Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is based on the quantitative measurements of some characterstics. It is applicable

to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantities. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is
concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. For
instance, when we are interested in investigating the reasons for human behaviour (i.e., why people think
or do certain things), we quite often talk of ‘Motivation Research’, an important type of qualitative research.
This type of research aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires, using in depth interviews
for the purpose. Other techniques of such research are word association tests, sentence completion tests,
story completion tests and similar other projective techniques. Attitude or opinion research i.e., research
designed to find out how people feel or what they think about a particular subject or institution is also
qualitative research. Qualitative research is specially important in the behavioural sciences where the aim
is to discover the underlying motives of human behaviour. Through such research we can analyse the
various factors which motivate people to behave in a particular manner or which make people like or
dislike a particular thing. It may be stated, however, that to apply for qualitative research in practice is
relatively a difficult job and therefore, while doing such research, one should seek guidance from
experimental psychologists.
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Conceptual Research

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by philosophers
and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the other hand, empirical research
relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based
research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment. We can
also call it as experimental type of research. In such a research it is necessary to get facts at firsthand, at
their source, and actively to go about doing certain things to stimulate the production of desired
information. In such a research, the researcher must first provide himself with a working hypothesis or guess
as to the probable results. He then works to get enough facts (data) to prove or disprove his hypothesis. He
then sets up experimental designs which he thinks will manipulate the persons or the materials concerned so
as to bring forth the desired information. Such research is thus characterised by the experimenter’s control
over the variables under study and his deliberate manipulation of one of them to study its effects. Empirical
research is appropriate when proof is sought that certain variables affect other variables in some way.
Evidence gathered through experiments or empirical studies are considered to be the most powerful support
possible for testing a given hypothesis.

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Conceptual Research

The research process is a systematic and scientific approach to conducting research. It involves a
series of steps that researchers follow to identify a research problem, conduct a literature review, set
research questions and objectives, choose a study design, collect data, analyze the data, and
present the research findings. Here are some of the common steps involved in the research process:


Identifying the Research Problem

Reviewing the Literature

Setting Research Questions, Objectives, and Hypotheses

Choosing the Study Design

Deciding on the Sample Design

Collecting Data from the Research Sample

Processing and Analyzing the Collected Research Data

Writing the Research Report
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Vince Arguillas

Third Reporter
 Identify research problem and non-research problem

Research Problem:

A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to
be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice that
points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation

Non-Research Problem:

A non-researchable problem is one for which data cannot be collected for analysis, either qualitatively
or quantitatively


Non-researchable problems include explanations of how to do something, vague propositions, and
value-based concerns

Overall, a research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that researchers aim to address
in their research. Non-researchable problems are those that cannot be studied using research methods.

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Engineering Research: Definition and Examples

Engineering research is a systematic process focused on learning about and building new product design
technologies. It seeks improvements in theory and practice in various fields, such as high-speed
computation, bioengineering, earthquake prediction, power systems, nanotechnology, and construction.
The results of engineering research can emerge in journal articles, at academic conferences, and in the form
of new products on the market. Major contributors to engineering research around the world include
governments, private business, and academia. Military-related research into science and technology has led
to "dual-use" applications, with the adaptation of weaponry, communications, and other defense systems
for the military and other applications for civilian use

Basic research in engineering is concerned with the discovery and systematic conceptual structuring of
knowledge. Engineers develop, design, produce or construct, and operate devices, structures, machines, and
systems of economic and social value. In many ways, the methods of academic engineering research and the
resulting insights into the nature of the physical world are indistinguishable from those of basic scientific
research. However, there are crucial differences between the two endeavors. Basic scientific research is
concerned with the discovery of new phenomena and their integration into coherent
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Examples of engineering research topics include:


Developing new materials for use in construction, transportation, and other industries.

Designing and testing new medical devices and treatments.

Developing new energy sources and improving existing ones.

Improving the efficiency and safety of transportation systems.

Developing new technologies for space exploration and other scientific endeavors.

Engineering research is a crucial component of technological advancement and has led to many
of the innovations that have shaped modern society. It involves a systematic approach to
problem-solving and requires a deep understanding of scientific principles and practical
applications.

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The Academic honesty and academic dishonesty

Academic honesty refers to the practice of upholding integrity and honesty in all academic work. It involves doing one's own work, avoiding
cheating, and not presenting the work of others as one's own. Academic dishonesty, on the other hand, refers to actions that undermine
academic integrity and involve deceitful or misleading behavior in an academic setting

Examples of academic dishonesty include:


Cheating: Engaging in activities such as copying answers during exams, using unauthorized materials, or communicating with others to gain
an unfair advantage

Plagiarism: Presenting someone else's work, ideas, or words as one's own without proper attribution

Fabrication: Creating or falsifying data, sources, or information to support academic work

Deception: Providing false information or dishonest excuses to instructors or academic institutions

Unauthorized collaboration: Working together on assignments or exams when it is not allowed or not giving proper credit to collaborators

Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else or submitting work on behalf of someone else

Sabotaging: Intentionally damaging or interfering with the academic work of others

Academic honesty is crucial for maintaining the integrity of educational institutions and ensuring fair evaluation of students' knowledge and
skills. It promotes a culture of trust, intellectual growth, and ethical conduct within the academic community
Upholding academic honesty is not only a responsibility of students but also of instructional employees and the entire university community
It is important for students to familiarize themselves with their institution's academic honesty policies and guidelines to understand what is
expected of them and to avoid unintentional violations. Academic dishonesty can have serious consequences, including academic penalties,
damage to one's reputation, and even expulsion from educational institutions.

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The fundamental values of academic Integrity

The fundamental values of academic integrity are a set of core principles that guide ethical behavior in academic settings. These
values are upheld by educational institutions and academic communities to promote honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility, and
courage.

Here is a breakdown of each of these values:


Honesty: Being truthful and transparent in all academic work, including acknowledging sources and presenting one's own ideas and
work.

Trust: Building trust with others by upholding academic standards and being accountable for one's actions.

Respect: Treating others with respect and valuing diverse perspectives and ideas.

Fairness: Ensuring that academic work is evaluated fairly and without bias, and that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

Responsibility: Taking responsibility for one's own academic work and actions, and contributing to the academic community in a positive
way.

Courage: Having the courage to stand up for academic integrity and to address wrongdoing when it occurs.

These values are essential for maintaining the integrity of educational institutions and promoting a culture of trust and ethical conduct
within academic communities. Upholding academic integrity is not only a responsibility of students but also of instructional employees
and the entire university community. By embracing these values, academic communities can translate ideals into action and promote a
culture of academic excellence and integrity.

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