Introduction to Research

Understanding the Basics of Research

 Definition of Research

Research is a systematic and organized process of

investigating a specific topic or question to discover
new information, validate existing knowledge, or
solve problems. It involves critical inquiry,
observation, experimentation, and analysis to
establish facts or principles.
 Purpose of Research
Expand Knowledge: To understand phenomena,
concepts, or theories and contribute to the
existing body of knowledge.

Solve Problems: To address specific issues and

provide practical solutions through evidence-
based findings.
 Purpose of Research
Inform Decision-Making: To guide policies,
strategies, and practices in various fields like
science, business, and education.

Innovate: To develop new technologies,

methods, or processes that enhance growth and
efficiency.
 Purpose of Research

Validate Information: To confirm or refute prior

findings and ensure accuracy and reliability in
knowledge.
 Types of Research (Overview)
• 1. Basic Research
• 2. Applied Research
• 3. Quantitative Research
• 4. Qualitative Research
• 5. Mixed Methods Research
 Basic vs. Applied Research
• **Basic Research**
• - Focus: Expanding fundamental knowledge.
• - Example: Studying the basics of bitcoin.

• **Applied Research**
• - Focus: Solving real-world problems.
• - Example: Developing a vaccine for a disease.
 Quantitative Research
• **Definition:**
• - Research involving numerical data to measure variables
and test hypotheses.

• **Key Features:**
• - Objective and measurable.
• - Uses statistical analysis.

• **Examples:**
• - Surveys, experiments, and clinical trials.
 Qualitative Research
• **Definition:**
• - Research focusing on understanding human
experiences, behaviors, and social
phenomena.

• **Key Features:**
• - Subjective and descriptive.
• - Uses interviews, focus groups, and
observations.
 Mixed Methods Research
• **Definition:**
• - Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide
a comprehensive understanding.

• **Key Features:**
• - Integrates both data types.
• - Validates findings through triangulation.

• **Examples:**
• - Studying customer satisfaction using surveys and interviews.
 Identifying Research Problems

Identifying a research problem is the first and

most crucial step in the research process. A well-
defined research problem serves as the
foundation for designing and conducting a study.
It highlights the gap in knowledge, a challenge, or
an opportunity that the research seeks to address.
 Identifying Research Problems

Identifying a research problem is the first and

most crucial step in the research process. A well-
defined research problem serves as the
foundation for designing and conducting a study.
It highlights the gap in knowledge, a challenge, or
an opportunity that the research seeks to address.
 Steps in Identifying a Research Problem

1. Select a Broad Area of Interest

Start by focusing on a field or topic you are

passionate about. Examples include technology,
healthcare, education, or social sciences.
 Steps in Identifying a Research Problem

2. Review Existing Literature

Analyze previous studies, reports, and academic
papers to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or
unexplored areas. Questions to consider:
a. What has been studied?
b. What are the limitations of previous research?
c. Are there conflicting findings?
 Steps in Identifying a Research Problem

3. Identify Practical Issues or Gaps

Consider real-world challenges or unresolved

questions in your field. Look for:
Emerging trends or technologies.
Unmet needs or inefficiencies.
Underrepresented populations or regions.
 Steps in Identifying a Research Problem

4. Refine Your Focus

Narrow down the problem to a specific and
manageable scope. Avoid overly broad or vague
issues by specifying the context, variables, and
stakeholders involved.
 Steps in Identifying a Research Problem

5. Seek Feedback
Discuss your ideas with peers, mentors, or experts
in the field to refine and validate your research
problem.
 Characteristics of a Good Research Problem
A well-defined research problem should be:

Relevant: Addresses an important issue in the field or

society.

Original: Fills a knowledge gap or offers a new

perspective.

Specific: Clearly defined and focused on a particular

aspect.
 Characteristics of a Good Research Problem

Feasible: Can be studied within available time,

resources, and skills.

Ethical: Aligns with ethical research practices and

does not harm participants or communities.
 Examples of Research Problems
Broad Problems
How does climate change affect biodiversity?
What are the impacts of remote work on employee
productivity?
Refined Problems
How does rising temperature affect the migration
patterns of Badjaos?
What is the effect of flexible work hours on the job
satisfaction of remote software developers?
 Importance of a Research Problem
Provides Direction: Focuses the study on a specific
question.

Establishes Relevance: Ensures the research

contributes value to the field.

Guides Methodology: Helps in choosing appropriate

research methods and tools.
Writing Research Questions and Hypotheses

Research questions are the foundation of any study,

guiding the focus of investigation. They should be
clear, focused, and aligned with the objectives of the
research. Typically, research questions can be
categorized into:
 Descriptive Questions

Aim to describe phenomena or characteristics.

Example: What are the key challenges faced by

teachers in adopting online teaching methods?
 Comparative Questions

Focus on comparing variables or groups.

Example: How do the academic performances of

students in traditional classrooms differ from those in
virtual classrooms?
 Relationship Questions

Explore the relationships or correlations between

variables.

Example: What is the relationship between social

media usage and academic performance among
college students?
 Hypotheses

Hypotheses are predictive statements that establish

a relationship or difference between variables. They
provide a testable framework for research.
 Types of Hypotheses

Null Hypothesis (H₀): Suggests no significant

relationship or difference exists.
Example: H₀: There is no relationship between study
hours and exam performance.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): Suggests a significant
relationship or difference exists.
Example: H₁: Students who study more hours achieve
higher exam scores.
 Types of Hypotheses

Directional Hypotheses: Predicts the direction of the

relationship.
Example: Students who sleep fewer hours perform
worse academically.
Non-Directional Hypotheses: Suggests a relationship
exists without predicting its direction.
Example: There is a relationship between sleep
duration and academic performance.
Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

Testable and falsifiable.

Specific and clear.
Based on existing knowledge or theory.
 Setting Objectives

Objectives are specific statements that define the

goals of a research project. They guide the study and
ensure it remains focused and purposeful. Research
objectives outline what the researcher aims to
achieve by conducting the study.
 Types of Research Objectives

General Objective

Describes the overall aim of the study, providing

a broad understanding of what the research
seeks to accomplish.
Example: To examine the impact of e-learning
on students' academic performance.
 Types of Research Objectives
Specific Objectives
Break down the general objective into smaller,
actionable goals, addressing particular aspects of the
research topic.
Examples:
To analyze the relationship between e-learning
duration and exam scores.
To identify challenges faced by students using e-
learning platforms.
To compare academic performance in e-learning and
traditional learning settings.
 Steps to Set Effective Objectives

Identify the Research Problem

Understand the key issue or gap the study intends to
address.
Example: Students' poor engagement in virtual
classrooms.
 Define the Scope of the Study

Narrow down the focus to avoid being overly broad or

vague.
Example: Focus on high school students in a specific
district.
 Determine the Key Outcomes

Decide what the research will measure, test, or

analyze.
Example: Engagement levels, learning outcomes, or
attendance rates.
Align Objectives with Research Questions and
Hypotheses

Ensure all objectives are directly linked to the research

questions or hypotheses.
Thank you!