Characteristics of Research

Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.

Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles.
Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical,
descriptive, and experimental and case study.
Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and
procedures.
Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher
to arrive at valid and conclusive results

The Seven Steps of the Research Process

Step 1. Define and develop your topic (Research Problem).
Factors to Consider in Selecting a Research Problem
Researcher‘s area of interest
Availability of funds
Investigator‘s ability and training
Step 2. Find background information about your chosen topic (Review of Related Literature).
Step 3. Plan your research design including your sample (Methodology).
Step 4. Gather necessary data using open ended questions (for qualitative research) and closed-ended
questionnaire or paper pencil test questionnaire (for quantitative research) (Data Gathering Activities).
Step 5. Process and analyze data using thematic analysis (for qualitative research) and statistical tools (for
quantitative research).
Step 6. Formulate new insights gained (for qualitative research) conclusions (for quantitative research) and
recommendations.
Step 7. Define new problem.

Ethics in Research
Research ethics are guidelines for the responsible conduct of research which educates and monitors
researchers to ensure high standard. It promotes the aim of research, such as expanding knowledge and
supports the values required for collaborative work, such as mutual respect and fairness.
Ethical considerations in conducting research
1. Objectivity and integrity
2. Respect of the research subjects ‘right to privacy and dignity and protection of subjects from
personal harm
3. Presentation of research findings
4. Misuse of research role
5. Acknowledgement of research collaboration and assistance
6. Distortions of findings by sponsor

Ethical Standards in Research Writing

Research Misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism. It doesn’t include honest error of
differences of opinion. It can erode trust between researchers and funding agencies, which make it more
difficult for colleagues at the same institution to receive grants.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism refers to the act of using another person’s ideas, works, processes, and results without giving due
credit. It should not be tolerated as the unauthorized use of original works, a violation of intellectual property
rights.

Three different acts are considered plagiarism:

1. Failure to cite quotations and borrowed ideas,
2. Failure to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks, and.
3. Failure to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words.
Rights of Research Participants
1. Human Rights. They are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behaviour and
are regularly protected as natural and legal rights. They constitute a set of rights and duties necessary for the
protection of human dignity, inherent to all human beings.
2. Intellectual Property. It protects creations of the mind, which have both a moral and a commercial value.
3. Copyright Infringement. It is the use or production of copyright-protected material without permission of
the copyright holder. Copyright infringement means that the rights accorded to the copyright holder, such as
the exclusive use of a work for a set period of time, are breached by a third party
Examples:
a. Downloading movies and music without proper payment for use.
b. Recording movies in a theatre
c. Using others’ photographs for a blog without permission
d. Copying software code without giving proper credit
e. Creating videos with unlicensed music clips

4. Voluntary Participation. People must not be coerced into participating in research process. Essentially, this
means that prospective research participants must be informed about the procedures and risks involved in
research and must give their consent to participate.
5. Anonymity. It is the protection of people’s identity through not disclosing their name or not exposing their
identity. It is a situation in data gathering activities in which informant’s name is not given nor known.
6. Privacy. It is someone’s right to keep his personal matters and relationships secret. It is the ability of an
individual to seclude him from disturbance of any research activity.

What are these ethics in research?

1. Informed Consent. This is required to secure in order protect the rights of the participants in your study.
Inform your participants about the criteria set for choosing them as informants and the schedule of one-on-
one interview at the convenient time they are available. Participation to the study will be completely
voluntary.
2. Honesty. It report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify
and misrepresent the data.
3. Objectivity. Avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, personnel
decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of research.
4. Integrity. Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought and
action.
5. Carefulness. Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your work and the work
of peers. Keep good records of research activities.
6. Openness. Share data, results, ideas, tools and resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
7. Respect for Intellectual Property. Honour patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other forms of
intellectual property. Do not use published or unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give
credit where credit is due. Never plagiarize, fabricate and falsify.
8. Confidentiality. Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for publication,
personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.
9. Responsible Mentoring. Help to educate, mentor, and advise others. Promote their welfare and allow them
to make their own decisions.
10. Responsible Publication. Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance your own
career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.
11. Respect for Colleagues. Respect your colleagues’ opinion, treat them fairly and do not outsmart others.
12. Social responsibility. Strive to promote social acceptance and prevent or mitigate social harms through
research, public education, and advocacy.
13. Non-discrimination. Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race,
ethnicity, or other factors that are not related to their scientific competence and integrity.
14. Competence. Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong
education and learning; take steps to promote competence in science as a whole.
15. Legality. Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and government policies.
16. Animal Care. Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct
unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.
17. Human Subjects protection. When conducting research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and
maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and anonymity.