MED 02 – EDUCATIONAL RESERCH DESIGN, METHODS AND PUBLICATION (METHODS

OF RESEARCH)

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1. Discuss comprehensive the meaning of research, its characteristics and functions

- MEANING OF RESEARCH -

Research simply means a search for facts. It is the act of discovering more of what you
want to know. It is systematic, controlled and critical investigation of trend or event. The term
systematic implies that the research is following definite steps or stages that begin with the
identification of the problem, relating of this problem with existing theories, collection of data,
analysis and interpretation of those data, drawing conclusions and integration of these
conclusions into the stream of knowledge. Research is controlled unlike ordinary problems
which may be solved cursorily. It is planned every step of the way that baseless guessing is not
being used. The problem is defined thoroughly, variables identified and selected critically,
instruments are selected or constructed carefully, and the conclusions are drawn only form the
data yielded.

- CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH -

Research is searching and researching solution/s for the problem in a systematic,

organized and comprehensive way. Therefore, the research must have the following
characteristics:

1. The research must be empirical. It must be based on direct experience or

observation by the researcher.
2. The research must be logical. It must be based on valid procedures and principles.
3. The research must be cyclical and methodical. It must follow specific steps or
stages. It must starts with a problem and ends with a problem for further studies. It
must be conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method
and procedures.
4. The research must be analytical. It must utilize proven analytical procedures in
gathering data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental, and case study.
5. The research must be critical. It must exhibit careful and precise judgment.
6. The research must be controlled. All variables except those that are tested or
experimented upon are kept constant.

In addition, the research must be an orderly investigation of well-defined problem. The

adequate and appropriate representative evidence be gathered, and given exact and correct
statistical treatment and measurement. The logical reasoning must be used in placing meaning
on the evidence and then drawing conclusions relevant to the problem. The research must also
be able to demonstrate or prove the validity of the findings through repeated or replicated
investigation. Most importantly, in order to be scientifically significant, the cumulative results of
the research in a given area must be yield general principle that can be applied with confidence
in the future, under similar conditions.

- FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH –

Research can be defined in many ways and in different perspective. However we can
agree that the functions of research are universal and accepted by many authors and
researchers. I synthesized the functions of research into three (3): (1) Research is to seek more
explanations; (2) for verify the truth, and (3) to make discoveries. The goal of researching is to
become certain of the occurrence or existence of a certain phenomenon. The laws and theories
were all products of continues research. Specifically, research improves the quality of life. It
improves instruction; teacher’s competence then eventually will improve students’ achievement.
Research satisfies man’s needs. Research reduces the burden of work. It has deep-seated
psychological aspects. Research improves the exportation of food products. Research responds
to the economic recovery and austerity measure of the country. Research trains graduates to
become responsive to the economic development of the country and to compete globally.

2. What are the steps in research Process? Discuss briefly and comprehensively.

The research process involves identifying, locating, assessing, and analyzing the information
you need to support your research question, and then developing and expressing your ideas. The
problem is defined thoroughly, variables identified and selected critically, instruments are
selected or constructed carefully, and the conclusions are drawn only form the data yielded. As
the data have been collected, evidences are now on hand to confirm or refute the hypothesis
formulated at the start of the investigation. These empirical data will form the bases for the
conclusions. Everything is controlled that any observer of the investigation will develop full
confidence in the result. Due to the control employed in the research, exact and precise
outcomes are expected. Consequently, recommendations are based on the findings and
conclusions. In line with this, research process can be outlined by: General formation of the
problem; Review of the formal knowledge about the problem; Preliminary observation of the
problem area; Development or selection of the systematic ideas (theory) for use in the problem
analysis and the development of proposed answers (hypotheses) to the questions posed by the
problem; Effort to verify the hypotheses empirically; and the Formulation of conclusions.
3. How to formulate hypothesis?

As soon as you have found a suitable topic for a problem, you should start building up
your predictions of the outcome of the study. These predictions may just be based on your
observations or your firm belief about the topic but these are all pending. The real hypothesis
will be formulated after a thorough review of the literature. In line with this hypothesis can be
defined as the tentative explanation for certain behaviors, phenomena, or events which have
occurred or will occur. It states that the researcher’s expectations concerning the relationship
between the variables in the problem. Hypothesis then is the most specific statement of a
problem.

Within social science, a hypothesis can take two forms. It can predict that there is no
relationship between two variables, in which case it is a null hypothesis. Or, it can predict the
existence of a relationship between variables, which is known as an alternative hypothesis.

In either case, the variable that is thought to either affect or not affect the outcome is
known as the independent variable, and the variable that is thought to either be affected or not
is the dependent variable.

Researchers seek to determine whether or not their hypothesis, or hypotheses if they

have more than one, will prove true. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they do not. Either
way, the research is considered successful if one can conclude whether or not a hypothesis is
true.

Formulating a hypothesis can take place at the very beginning of a research project.
Sometimes a researcher knows right from the start which variables she is interested in studying,
and she may already have a hunch about their relationships. Other times, a researcher may
have an interest in a particular topic, trend, or phenomenon, but he may not know enough about
it to identify variables or formulate a hypothesis.

Whenever a hypothesis is formulated, the most important thing is to be precise about

what one's variables are, what the nature of the relationship between them might be, and how
one can go about conducting a study of them.