LESSON 1
Definition of Research, Steps/Phases in a Research Process and
Characteristics of a Good Research
Overview
This lesson will help you understand the basic concepts in research such as
definition of research, research as a process and characteristics of a good research.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students can:
a. define research;
b. examine and explain the meaning of research from several authors;
c. explain the steps/phases in a research process; and,
d. distinguish and explain the characteristics of a good research.
Materials
a. Laptop/Gadget
b. Power Point Presentation/ApowerREC
c. Module in ELT205
Duration : 3 hours
Lesson Proper
Research is an endeavor that tries to find answers to something that exists, that
has been existing, or that has not been known with the aim to contribute a new idea to
the already existing knowledge or offer insights about something that has never been
known. There are basic concepts to understand about how research works and there
are guidelines to follow in conducting a research study.
The Definition of Research
The word research is derived from old French word "cerchier which means to
seek or to search. Moreover, it is composed of two syllables: re and search. Re is a
prefix which means again or over again. Search is a verb which means to examine
closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe.
Several authors defined research as follows:
The American Heritage Dictionary (2000) defines research as a scholarly or
scientific investigation or inquiry" or "to study something thoroughly. Thus,
research is said to be a way of finding out answers to questions.
Nicholas Walliman (2011) says that research is "A systematic activity that
involves finding out things you don't know. Hence, in a more academic sense,
research involves finding out about things that no one else knew either. It is
advancing frontiers of knowledge.
Research is a structured enquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology
to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally applicable
(Dawson, C., et al,). This implies that the inquiry consists of a systematic
observation, classification, and interpretation of data. Research therefore is a
careful systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge
undertaken to establish facts or principles.
Ardales (1992) states that research is a systematic, objective and comprehensive
investigation of certain phenomenon which involves accurate gathering,
recording, and critical analysing and interpreting of all facts about the
phenomenon.
It is a formal and intensive process of carrying on a scientific method of analysis.
It is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations
that may lead to the development of principles (Ariola, 2006)
Research is considered a systematic and refined technique of thinking.
employing specialized tools, instruments, and procedures in order to obtain a
more adequate solution to a problem than would be possible. It starts with a
problem; collection of data, analysis of facts, which are critical in reaching
decisions based on actual observations (Zulieta, 2010).
Research is defined as a careful, critical and exhaustive investigation to discover
new facts which will test a hypothesis, revise accepted conclusions or contribute
positive values to society (McAshan).
Keerlinger (1973) defined research as a "systematic, controlled, empirical and
critical investigation of hypothetical proposition about the presumed relations
among natural phenomena".
The Research Process
The research process includes collecting and processing data to arrive at
answers to questions identified in the investigation. Hence, research is linked to
statistics because statistics is a tool of research.
There are several steps to be followed when doing a research. Catherine
Dawson et al., suggested the following steps in research process as follows:
1. Formulating a research problem. This is the first and most crucial step in the
research process. The researcher has to decide what he wants and to find out
about.
2. Extensive literature review.
3. Developing the objectives.
4. Preparing the research design including the sampling design
5. Collecting the needed data/information.
6. Analysing the data/information collected.
7. Interpreting and generalizing
8. Preparing of the report or presentation of results (the complete research paper)
Characteristics of a Good Research
A research is a process of collecting, analysing and interpreting data or
information to answer the question being investigated. To be considered good research,
it is imperative that certain characteristics must be taken into consideration
(Walliman,2001).These characteristics are as follows:
1. It is rigorous.
This implies diligence in ensuring that the procedures being used 1lead to
answers to questions being investigated are relevant, appropriate and justified.
2. It is systematic.
The procedure in carrying out the investigation is orderly and sequential that it
leads to the truth or a solution. This implies that the procedure adopted to make an
investigation follows a certain logical sequence. Various steps cannot be taken
haphazardly. Some steps in the process follow other steps.
3. It is controlled.
In finding cause and effect relationship between the variable (factors), the
researcher has to set up the study in a manner that minimizes the effects of other
factors affecting such relationship. In other words, all variables, except those that are
tested for causality or being experimented upon, must be kept constant.
4. It is empirical
Any conclusions drawn are based on hard evidence gathered from information
collected from experiences or observations. Hence, all procedures used and data
obtained are perceived in the same manner by all observers.
5. It is critical.
The procedures and methods employed is critical to a research inquiry, hence,
these are to be critically scrutinized. The process of the inquiry must be sustained and
free from drawbacks. The process and procedures used must be able to withstand
critical scrutiny from data/information gathered from observations.
6. It is analytical.
The data gathered have to carefully analysed, presented and interpreted.
7. It is objective, unbiased, and logical.
This means that all findings and conclusions are based on empirical data.
8. It is valid and verifiable.
This means that the concepts implied in the conclusion based on findings is
true and correct and that others can verify it.
Other characteristics of a good research are:
1. It employs hypothesis, especially in experimental researches which require
hypothesis that need to be tested and proved.
2. It employs qualitative or quantitative method to determine their significance
and usefulness.
3. It is an original work, except in historical research, wherein the necessary
data/information are obtained from primary sources.
4. It is a patient and unhurried activity avoiding incorrect findings and shaky,
ambiguous conclusions.
