RSH 632

Methods of
Research
Module 1a
Purpose of Research

Dr. Joseph Berlin P. Juanzon

Subject Specialist
What is research?

- Is simply a systematic quest for

undiscovered truth. Leedy (1974:9)
- It is search for an answer to an
unanswered question. Tuckman(1972:2)
- To search again, to take another, more
careful look, to find out more. Selltiz, et.al.
(1976:2)
- A systematic, controlled, empirical,
and critical investigation of hypothetical
propositions about the presumed relations
among natural phenomena. Kerlinger (1972:11)
Elements and Criteria of a Scientific Research
What is Science?
- knowledge gained by systematic study.
Webster (1994:1219)
- an approach to the gathering of
knowledge rather than as a field or subject
matter. Best and Kahn (1998:6)
- an activity of discovering important
variables in nature, of relating those variables,
and of explaining those relationship.
McGuigan (1997:1)
- is a systematic process for generating
knowledge about the world. Whitley Jr.
(1996:2)
What is common sense?

- Is a perception-screening
device, so is research. Selltiz, et. al.
(1976:3)
The differences between common sense and
scientific knowledge according to Selltiz, et.al.
(1976:5)

1. Common sense limits people to the familiar,

beyond cultural bounds
2. Common sense beliefs are not subjected to
established principles, to a systematic inquiry,
whereas scientists are professional
troublemakers – they challenge old beliefs,
create new ones and challenge these new
ones.
3. Though common sense and science
are perception-screening devices, yet,
science makes explicit and challenging
its bases for screenings. It challenges
these screenings as a matter of course.
Science does not only correct
perception but it expands it as well.
Common sense, on the other hand,
cannot readily deal with new problems.
According to Guy, et.al. (1987:13-14)
science is characterized by the following:
1. It is empirical – which means that it
rests on sense data;
2. It is logical – it believes that there is
an ultimate link between logical thinking
and empirical facts;
3. It is generalizing – it has no inherent
interest in individual cases as it seeks
general principles;
4. It is abstract – it is not interested in
concrete things but it is increasingly
concerned with what is called “ladder
of abstraction” which means that the
scientist can always look for ways of
combining characteristics of data to
seek the most general understanding of
a phenomenon that it can;
5. It is public, not private – it is
concerned with things that can be
publicly observed and tested.
Nature or Characteristics of Research

1. Systematic. Problem solving is

accomplished through the identification
and labeling of variables and is followed
by the design of research that tests the
relationships among these variables. Data
are then collected that, when related to
variables, allow for the evaluation of the
problem and hypotheses.
2. Logical. Examination of the
procedures used in the research process
allows researchers to evaluate the
conclusions that are drawn.
3. Empirical. The researcher collects
data on which to base decisions.
4. Reductive. Research takes many
individual events (data) and uses them
to establish more general relationships.
5. Replicable. The research process is
recorded, enabling others to test the
findings by repeating the research or to
build future research on previous results.
Goals of Research

1. To obtain new information.

2. To measure certain specific
characteristics of certain population.
3. To observe some phenomena (and
causes of these phenomena) in the
environment.
4. To assess the outcomes of some
programs or activities being undertaken.
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THANK YOU