Research Writing

Nature of Research
A century ago, we tapped our messages in Morse Code and send them along copper wires. At the end of the century, we cranked the telephone on the wall to talk to the neighbor over a strand of wire that served the communication needs of multiple subscribers. Now, on a fiber glass thinner than a human hair, words are carried across the continent or beneath the sea. Today, we fax messages and transmit them at the speed of light. Far above them all, the adequate presence of computers, internets, and other information technology had revolutionized our way of life.

Nature of Research
Research has made all these new discoveries and inventions as a key to progress. There can be no progress without research. In government, education, in trade and industry, engineering, in medical field and in all subjects discipline research is vital and essential. Since the primary goal of research is to enable man to have a better life, man therefore is continuously in search for ways by which he could make his life fuller and richer. Problem exists everywhere-and unless man conduct researches, he will never cope with the demands of realities of the modern era.

Definition of Research
Research starts with a problem. The researcher must feel a need, then he collects data of facts, analyzes these data critically, finally reaches a decision based on actual evidence. It involves original work, instead of hearsay or mere exercise of personal opinion and involves a general desire to satisfy a need. The word research is derived from the old French word cerchier meaning to seek or search. One seeks exhaustively for three reasons: (1) for more explanations (2) for verifiable truth, and (3) to make discoveries. The goal of searching is to become certain of the occurrence or existence of a certain phenomenon.

Definition of Research
Websters Third New International Dictionary

defines research as newly discovered facts or the practical application of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws.

According to Thomas and Nelson (1996), research is

a careful and systematic means of solving problems.

According to Wiersma (1995), research is a process,

an activity in the search of knowledge through recognized methods of data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Definition of Research
Parel

defines research as a systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher.

Hillway defined research as a way mankind perfected it

very slowly over a period of centuries and at present it is considered as the most reliable means of advancing knowledge.

J. Soriano looks on research as a work of love- love for

achievement and discovery, love for creativity, love for innovation or originality, love for ones chosen field of specialization, and above all love for humanity.

VALUES OF RESEARCH
GENERAL PURPOSES: The principal purpose of research is the preservation and improvement of the quality of human life. All types of research are directed to this end- to serve man and make his life better. Other large and basic values of research are: it reduces mans burden of work, improves judgment, increases satisfaction in multitudinous ways, adds to his power, among others.

VALUES OF RESEARCH
SPECIFIC PURPOSES:
1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

To discover new facts or new truths about known phenomenon for primal existence. To improve existing methods and techniques. To discover the dangers of abusive use of unprescribed drugs and some poisonous substances. To provide basis for correct action and decision-making in education, business, industry, nursing, medical field, engineering and architecture among others. To improve educational practices, business practices, engineering and medical practices, to raise the quality of mankind. Mankind found through experience that sufficient studies on practices do pay off in the hard, practical, concrete sense to more than compensate for the cost of undertaking.

ESSENTIAL FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE RESEARCH

There are three (3) basic factors for a research to be effective. These are (1) men, (2) money, and (3) materials. The relationship to each other can be represented diagrammatically as shown below:

Money

Research Men

Materials

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH

The characteristics of a good research may be summarized as follows: 1. Research is systematic. 2. Research is empirical. 3. Research is analytical. 4. Research is objective, unbiased and logical. 5. Research is original work. 6. Research is don by an expert. 7. Research is a patient and unhurried activity. 8. Research requires an effort-making capacity. 9. Research requires courage.

ACTIVITIES OF THE RESEARCH PAPER

The activities involve in research writing are briefly discussed below:

1. Identification of the Research Problem

2. Date Collection
3. Analysis 4. Summarizing Results and Drawing

Conclusions

Where are Research Problems Found

At the very heart of every research project is the problem. The problem is the heart of the research project. The situation is quite simple: no problem, no research. One of the problems that confront a student is that if he has no problem, that is his problem. Problems for research are everywhere. Whatever arouses your interest, it awakes your curiosity, and raises questions for which as yet there are no answers or where answers exist but where dispute arises as to their validity- there is fertile ground for the discovery of a researchable problem.

Where are Research Problems Found

What are the most likely sources to which one may go for a suitable research problem, or from which one may develop a sense of problem awareness? 1. Many of the problems confronted in the classroom, in the office, in the agency, in the community, everywhere lend themselves to investigation. 2. Technological changes and curricular developments are constantly bringing forth new problems and new opportunities for research.

Where are Research Problems Found

3. Classroom lectures, class discussions, seminar workshops, forums, final reports, out-of class exchanges of ideas will suggest many stimulating problems to be solved.

4. Reading assignments in textbooks, special assignments, research reports, and term papers will suggest additional areas of needed research.

Where are Research Problems Found

5. Reading from professional magazines like Educators Quarterly, Time Magazine, Asiaweek, Philippine Journal of Education, Modern Teacher, and other periodicals are good sources of research topics.

6. Consultation with the course instructor, research adviser, Dean Director of Research, Vice- President for Academic Affairs, faculty members, co-students, are helpful. The choice of one suitable problem take into consideration the availability of the materials, your interests and the time to finish or complete the problem, the financial capacity to undertake the project, and the competency to undertake such topic. All or some of these factors should be considered in looking for suitable prolem.

Certain Factors in the Selection of a Research Problem

There are two factors or criteria in the selection of a problem. These are external factors or external criteria and personal factors or personal criteria. External Factors have to do with such matters as novelty, importance in the field, availability of date and method, and institutional or administrative cooperation.

Personal factors involve such considerations as interest, training , cost, time and others.

Guidelines in the selection of a research problem

Calderon and Gonzales (1993) enumerates eighteen (18) guidelines in the selection of a research paper or topic. These are: The research problem must be chosen by the researcher himself to avoid blaming others or offering excuses for any obstacles encountered later. 2. The research problem must be within the researcher specialization of the researcher.
1.

Guidelines in the selection of a research problem

3. The research problem must be within the interest of the researcher. 4. The research problem must be within the researchers competence to tackle.

5. The research problem must be within the ability of the researcher to finance. There must be a budget which the researcher must be able to shoulder.
6. The research problem must be searchable and manageable. 7. The research problem can be completed within a reasonable period of time.

Guidelines in the selection of a research problem

8. The research problem must be significant and relevant to the present time and situation and of current interest. 9. The results of the study are practical and implementable. 10. The research problem must be original or novel and requires reflective thinking to solve it.

11. The research problem can be delineate to suit the resources of the researcher.

Guidelines in the selection of a research problem

12. The research study must contribute to the regional and national development goals for the improvement of the quality of human life. 13. The research problem must contribute to the fund of human knowledge or add a new bit of knowledge to what is already existing. 14. The research study must pave way for the solution of the problems to be solved.

Guidelines in the selection of a research problem

15. It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people. 16. It must not advocate violence change but by peaceful means. 17. There must be a return (benefits) of some kind to the researcher.

18. There must be consideration of the hazards involved, either physical, social, or legal consideration.

What are Not Research Problems

1. Do not use a problem in research as method of achieving self-enlightenment or solving personal problems. 2. Problems whose sole purpose is merely to compare two sets of data are not suitable research problems. Ex. A. What are the directions of the Philippines Economy during the Ramos Administration and Arroyo Administration? B. What are the social reform agenda of the Philippine Presidents?

What are Not Research Problems

3. Problems that result in a YES or NO answer are not problems for research. Ex. Is homework beneficial to children? Is fumigation hazardous to children?

4. Those deal with ethical (or moral) questions. Examples: A. Is there a relationship between parental support and class achievements? B. Do parents marital relationship affect students class achievement?