Module 1: The Nature and Importance of Research

Research means searching for knowledge. Authors of research textbooks, distinguish

research from other ways of knowing or understanding the world as a “systematic inquiry that
is designed to collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand, describe, or predict
phenomenon (Mertens, 2015). Some authors emphasize that research is “the formal and
disciplined application of scientific inquiry to the study of problems” (Navarro and Santos,
2011).

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Importance of Research
1. Gather Relevant Information
The results of research(es) are used as a springboard in conducting more researches or
in planning new projects. For example, a research on the basic needs of the target customers
can help companies develop and market a new line of products.
2. Improve Quality of Life
Research undertakings are basically geared toward improving the quality of life. The
major breakthroughs in the field of communication, transportation, medicine, entertainment,
and food and nutrition are all possible because of researches conducted. Through continuous
research, these breakthroughs are further improved to make people’s lives convenient and
comfortable.
3. Understand History
Understanding our history can help us better understand our current society and the
behavior of the people. Research plays an important role not only in helping us trace our
history, but also in understanding and providing possible solutions to the pervading problems of
our current society.
4. Personal and Professional Development
Research challenges us to become better individuals through the new ideas,
perspectives, and skills that we can get when doing research. Personally, you will gain more
knowledge and thus widen your perspective about life in general. Professionally, you will not
only meet your academic or school requirement but you will also advance to a more
challenging and exciting world of learning.

Research helps you become a good decision maker. When you engage in a research
activity, you are challenged to make objective decisions based solely on the facts and
information you have gathered. You will soon face many challenges ahead of you. But because
you were immersed in any research activity, you can easily weigh these challenges and pose
possible solutions and remedies to any circumstances. This will make you a good critical and
creative thinker. The outcome of your research contributes additional information to the
existing body of knowledge this makes you a good contributor of knowledge.

Characteristics of Good Research

1. Research is empirical. It uses facts and data that are obtained through a thorough
investigation.
2. Research is analytical. The researcher carefully analyzes and interprets the gathered data
before arriving at a conclusion.
3. Research is systematic. It follows a certain method or procedure in order to obtain objective
results.
4. Research is cyclical. It begins with a problem and ends with the resolution or tentative
answers to the problem to complete the cycle. This only means that every step in the research
process is vital to the success of the research.
5. Research is original. It is expected that any research output is a product of novel ideas and
shows originality.

Research Process
1. Define you topic
The very first step in conducting a research is choosing and defining your topic.
Remember that your chosen topic will directly affect the research process, so if you want to
lessen your time in gathering information, you have to choose you topic wisely.
2. Write your problem statement
Your problem statement is the statement that describes what is to be tested during the
entire research process or the general problem or question that the research aims to answer.
3. Make an outline
The outline serves as the first draft of your paper. Start by writing down all the relevant
information you have gathered in line with your research topic. Then logically organize your
outline.
4. Develop a research strategy
Developing a strategy in conducting your research minimizes the time and effort you will
be putting on your paper. This will serve as your guide in setting out your objectives and
priorities.
5. Evaluate your sources
You must check the quality and credibility of the sources you will use in the study. You
may do this by considering the authority (author and publisher), currency (date of publication),
and purpose (intention of the author) of the material.
6. Write and revise your paper
Check the contents of your paper. Make sure that the contents are in line with your
chosen topic and problem statement.
7. Document you sources
Documentation of sources is important in any research for it shows the credibility of the
writer. This shows whether the ideas or information are taken from another source or from the
author himself or herself.
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Ethics in Research
Ethics are norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable
behavior. Ethics in research helps establish the moral integrity of the researcher.
1. Honesty. Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honestly report data, results,
methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.
2. Objectivity. Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation,
peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of
research where objectivity is expected or required. Avoid or minimize bias or self-deception.
3. Integrity. Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of
thought and action.
4. Carefulness. Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own
work. Keep good records or research activities such as data collection, research design, and
correspondence with agencies.
5. Openness. Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property. Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual
property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give credit
where credit is due. Give proper acknowledgment or credit for all contributions to research.
Never plagiarize.
7. Confidentiality. Protect confidential communications and personal information of your
respondents, if any.
8. Social responsibility. Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms
through research, public education, and advocacy.
9. Competence. Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise
through lifelong education and learning.
10. Legality. Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.
11. Animal Care. Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do
not conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.
12. Human Subjects Protection. When conducting research on human subject, minimize harms
and risks and maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy; take special
precautions with vulnerable populations; and strive to distribute the benefits and burden of
research fairly.
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ACTIVITY 1
1. Why is there a need to conduct research?
2. What practical benefits can you get from research?
3. If you are an athlete or an artist, do you still need to conduct research? Why or why not?
4. What makes a good research?
5. What is the research process?
6. What are the steps in the process?

APPLICATION 1
A group of young researchers wanted to determine the possible effects of phthalates on the
metabolic rate and behavior of mice. An experimental procedure was conducted to carry out the
problem. The researchers used old plastic materials form plastic bottles as the sources of phthalates.
They cut the plastic material into smaller pieces and blended. They injected the phthalate samples orally
into the mice. After the treatment, the metabolic rate and behavior of the mice were observed.

1. What ethical issues should be observed in the research?

2. Do you think the researchers committed any violations in the conduct of research? Why or why not?
3. If you were part of the research team, what should you do to correct these violations?