UNIT I

INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCHB ESSENTIALS

MODULE 1. THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

RESEARCH- means searching for knowledge.

-is the systematic application of the scientific inquiry in order to find solutions to problems and
contribute to knowledge.

SOME 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
nutrition are all possible because of researches conducted.
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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH

1. Research is Empirical. It uses facts and data that are obtained through a thorough investigation.
2. Research in 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 your topic.

2. Write your problem statement
3. Make an outline
 4. Develop a research stategy
5. Evaluate your sorces
6. Write and revise your paper
7. Document your sources

EHICS IN RESEARCH
1. Honesty. Strive honesty for all scientific communications. Honestly report data , results,
methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify or represent 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 of 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 properties. Honor parents, copyrights, and other, forms of intellectual
property. Do not used unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give credit
where credit is due. Give proper acknowledgement 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 and 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 subject protection. When conducting research on human subjects, 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 burdens of
research fairly.

MODULE 2. QUALITATIVE VERSUS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH