PA 298 - D: Research Methods in Public Administration

Sunday, September 13, 2020 (11:00am – 2:00pm)

First Semester, SY – 2020-2021
Professor: Dr. Datumanot O. Pendaliday

Lesson 2: RESEARCH PROCESS

In lesson 1, we have discussed the indispensable relationship between

Research and Statistics, that is, Research is incomplete without Statistics. Actually,
what makes Research systematic is because of the four fields of Statistics which cannot
be interchanged or altered and these are as follows: (1) Collection or gathering of data,
(2) Presentation of data, (3) Analysis of data, and (4) Interpretation of data. All the four
aforementioned fields is anchored with the so called data. The data collected are
organized or presented in order to facilitate their analysis and after which the data
analyzed are interpreted.

Another explanation of the indispensable relationship between Research and

Statistics can be observed in the Research Process. Again, when we say process, it
goes into step-by-step procedures in doing things.

In general, there are five (5) steps in the research process:

Step 1: Identification of Problem
Step 2: Formulation of Hypothesis
Step 3: Data Analysis
Step 4: Testing Hypothesis
Step 5: Conclusion

Steps 1 and 2 are parts of Research, and steps 3, 4, and 5 are the
coverage of Statistics. We can now say again that Research is incomplete without
Statistics. Therefore, Research and Statistics are both equally important in dealing with
the data mentioned earlier in our discussion

Now, after knowing and have understood the relationship between Research and
Statistics in terms of the four fields of Statistics and the five steps of the Research
process, we are now ready to discuss in detail the so called Research Process.

A. Identification of Problem.

One of the most difficult phases of research is the choice of a suitable

problem/topic (step 1). Finding a problem is not hard, but identifying one for the
purpose of research is not always easy.

While problems are the initiating force behind research, not all problems
require research. Potential research situation arises when three conditions exist:
(1) There is a perceived discrepancy between what is and what should be, (2)
There is a question about why the discrepancy exists, and (3) There is at least
two possible and plausible answers to the question.
 The last point is important. If there is only one possible and plausible answer
to the question about the discrepancy, then a research situation does not exist.

Note: Below are discussions leading to the formulation of Research Proposal Title or
Thesis Title

How to identify a researchable problem or topic? The following discussions

are the procedures or guide in identifying or choosing a researchable topic:

A1. Find relevant issues or problems affecting the community or office or

school, preferably current issues or problems (usually general or broad
area).

Example of some relevant issues or problems: (General or Broad

Subject Areas)
(a). Population Control,
(b) Pollution Control,
(c) Worsening Traffic Problems,
(d) Drug Abuse,
(e) Organization & Management,
(f) etc.

After choosing or identifying a topic from a general or broad subject area, then
refined or narrowed down the topic in order to become a researchable topic. ( note:
from the above 5 given broad subject areas, we can generate many or unlimited
number of researchable problems)

Example: General or Broad Subject Area: Organization and Management

The following are some of the topics that could be generated from
Organization and Management broad area after narrowing it down to specific topic
such as:
1. Employee’s Job Satisfaction and Job Performance,
2. The Program Implementation in Government or Private Offices or Firms,
3. Administrative Governance,
4. Program Effectiveness,
5. Managerial Factors,
6. etc.

A2. Definition of the Topic (Analyzing further):

As you begin to focus on a specific topic within the general or broad

subject area, you should evaluate the possibilities according to the following
criteria:

1. Importance and Interest

* You do not want to begin working on a topic that will not hold your
interest,
* That is not practical under the circumstances, or
* That cannot be completed within the time allowed for the assignment.
 2. Manageability
Careful definition of the scope of a topic will help you conduct research
successfully.

* A topic that is too broad will not give sufficient direction to research and
probably will necessitate superficial treatment of the subject.

* A topic that is too narrow will yield inadequate materials, that is, limiting
your ability to reach a valid conclusion.

* If the topic is too specialized or technical, it may demand knowledge you

cannot acquire in the time allotted for your project.

3. Availability of Resources

Even if the topic is worthwhile and manageable, it may not

be suitable if the necessary research materials are not available,
that is, the holdings of the library or libraries in which you are
working should influence your choice of topic.