Research Methods Lecture Notes
Research Methods Lecture Notes
ü Meaning of Research
Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection, presentation,
analysis and interpretation of facts that lines an individual’s speculation with reality.
ü Characteristics of Research
3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical,
descriptive, experimental and case study.
6. Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method
and procedures.
7. Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
1. Research-oriented
2. Efficient
3. Scientific
4. Effective
5. Active
6. Resourceful
7. Creative
8. Honest
9. Economical
10. Religious
1. Intellectual Curiosity. A researcher undertakes a deep thinking and inquiry of the things, and
situations around him.
2. Prudence. The researcher is careful to conduct his research study at the right time and at the right
place wisely, efficiently, and economically.
3. Healthy Criticism. The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the results.
4. Intellectual Honesty. An intelligent researcher is honest to collect or gather data or facts in order to
arrive at honest results.
5. Intellectual Creativity – A productive and resourceful investigator always creates new researches.
9. Research responds to the economic recovery and austerity measure of the country.
10. Research trains graduates to become responsive to the economic development of the country and
to compete globally.
ü Types of Research
1. Basic Research. This is also called as “fundamental research” or “pure research”. It seeks to
discover basic truths or principles.
Examples:
· Boyle’s Law
· Charles’ Law
· Archimedes’ Principle
· Hooke’s Law
· Newton’s Law
2. Applied Research. This type of research involves seeking new applications of scientific knowledge
to the solution of a problem, such as a development of a new system or procedure, new device, or new
method in order to solve the problem.
3. Developmental Research. This is a decision-oriented research involving the application of the steps
of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to improve existing practices.
ü Classification of Research
1. Library Research. This is done in the library where answers to specific questions or problems of the
study are available.
3. Laboratory Research. The research is conducted in artificial or controlled conditions by isolating the
study in a thoroughly specified and equipped area. The purposes are: (1) to test hypotheses derived
from theory, (2) to control variance under research conditions, and (3) to discover the relations between
the dependent and the independent.
THE VARIABLE
ü Meaning of Variable
ü Types of Variable
1. Independent Variable. This is the stimulus variable which is chosen by the researcher to determine
the relationship to an observed phenomenon.
2. Dependent Variable. This is the response variable which is observed and measured to determine
the effect of the independent variable.
3. Moderator Variable. This is a secondary or special type of independent variable chosen by the
researcher to determine if it changes or modifies the relationship between the independent and
dependent variables.
4. Control Variable. This is the variable that is controlled by the investigator in which the effects can
be neutralized by eliminating or removing the variable.
5. Intervening Variable. This is a variable which interferes with the independent and dependent
variables, but its effects can either strengthen or weaken the independent and dependent variables.
1. Problem/ Objectives
2. Hypotheses
4. Assumptions
6. Research Design
7. Data Collection
1. The problem existing in the locality or country but no known solution to the problem.
3. There are probable solutions but they are not yet tested.
· Achievable. The data are achievable using correct statistical tools to arrive at precise results.
· Realistic. Real results are attained because they are gathered scientifically and not manipulated or
maneuvered.
· Time-bound. Time frame is required in every activity because the shorter completion of the
activity, the better.
4. Original and creative ideas of the researcher based on the problems met in the locality and
country.
1. Interesting. An interesting research problem attracts the attention of the researcher and other
people to conduct the research project even without incentive or research grant at all.
3. Cost-effective. A good research problem should be economical and effective in solving the needs
and problems of the society; it should also augment socioeconomic and health conditions of the people
and many others.
4. Relevant to the needs and problems of the people. Researchers must keep in mind that they
conduct research not for the personal aggrandizement but to solve the needs and problems of the
people.
5. Relevant to government’s thrusts. A research problem must respond to the government’s thrusts.
Research problem and research objectives have the same characteristics but they differ in form because
the former is stated in interrogative or question form and the latter, in declarative form.
ü The Hypotheses
Hypothesis – is defined as a wise guess that is formulated and temporarily adopted to explain the
observed facts covered by the study.
Types of Hypothesis
ü Theoretical Framework
- shapes the justification of the research problem/research objectives in order to provide the legal
basis for defining its parameters.
ü Conceptual Framework
ü Assumptions
- Is presented comprehensively to convince the screening committee the importance of the study.
- This includes the coverage of the study area, the subjects, the research apparatus, equipment or
instrument, the research issues and concerns, the duration of the study, and the constraints that have
direct bearing on the result of the study.
ü Definition of Terms
1. Conceptual Definition – The definition are based on concepts or hypothetic ones which are usually
taken from a dictionary, encyclopedia and published journals.
2. Operational Definition – The definition of terms are based on observable characteristics and how it
is used in the study.
CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Related – means the legal bases, literature and studies which have direct bearing or relation to the
present study.
- It determine the relevance of the study to the government’s thrusts. The major sources of related
legal bases are laws and department directives such as circulars, orders, memoranda, and others which
are related to the present study.
ü Related Literature
- Literature may be defined as “Written works collectively, especially, those enduring importance,
exhibiting creative imagination and artistic skill which in a particular period, language and subject”.
ü Related Studies
- Published and unpublished research studies are sources of materials that are included in this
section. The research studies which have direct bearing to the present study are segregated into foreign
and local studies.
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH DESIGNS
Historical Design
- It is a scientific critical inquiry of the whole truth of past events using the critical method in the
understanding and interpretation of facts which are applicable to current issues and problems.
It is useful in searching through the past for solutions to contemporary problems and needs.
It enables the communities to grasp their relationship with the past to the current issues; and
Presentation of the facts in readable form involving problems of organization, composition, exposition
and interpretation.
Collection of data
Presentation of facts
Primary Sources
- Documents – These include school directives, court decisions, executive and other official records,
personal materials. Newspapers and periodicals.
- Remains – These include physical plant, equipment, apparatus, teaching aids and devices, pictures
of buildings or furnishing, forms of diplomas and certificates, textbooks and reference books.
Secondary Sources – These are histories of education, bibliographies, encyclopedia and many others.
Descriptive Design
For closer observation into the practices, behavior, methods and procedures.
Playing a large part in the development of the instrument for the measurement of many things.
Formulating of policies in the local, national or international level.
1. Descriptive-survey – This type is suitable wherever the subjects vary among themselves and one is
interested to know the extent to which different conditions and situations are obtained among these
subjects.
A survey is useful in (1) providing the value of facts, and (2) focusing attention on the most important
things to be reported.
2. Descriptive-normative survey – The term “normative” is sometimes used because surveys are
frequently made to ascertain the normal or typical condition for practice, or to compare local test
results with a state or national norm.
6. Descriptive-evaluative – This design is to appraise carefully the worthiness of the current study.
7. Descriptive-comparative – This is a design where the researcher considers two variables and
establishes a formal procedure to compare and conclude that one is better than the other.
8. Correlational survey – This is designed to determine the relationship of two variables (X and Y).
9. Longitudinal survey – This involves much time allotted for investigation of the same subjects of two
or more points in time.
Experimental Design
- Is the problem-solving approach that the study is described in the future on what will be when
variables are carefully controlled or manipulated.
1. Single-group design – This design involves a single instrument with two or more levels.
2. Two-group design – In this design, two comparable groups are employed as experimental and
control groups or two comparable groups are both experimental groups.
3. Two-pair group design – This design is an elaboration of the two-group design wherein there are
two control groups and two experimental groups.
4. Parallel-group design – This design in which two or more groups are used at the same time with
only a single variable manipulated or changed.
5. Counterbalanced or Latin square design – This design is also called “rotation design” or quasi-
experimental design. It involves an exchange of two or more instruments taken by the subjects during
the experiment.
6. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) – This design in which a group of test plants or animals is
studied only once but subsequent treatment is applied to determine the cause of change.
7. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) – This experimental design uses a group of test plants
and animals as subjects of the study which are studied once but subsequent treatment applied are
replicated to determine the cause of change.
8. Correlational design – This experimental design is used to determine the relationship of two
dependent variables, X and Y, how they are manipulated by the independent variables.
9. Pre-Test-Post-Test design – This design involves the experimental group and the control group
which are carefully selected through randomization procedure.
- Is a problem-solving technique wherein the study is described from the past, present and the
future.
Collection of data related to the factors or circumstances associated with the given phenomenon.
ü Validity
- It means the degree to which a test or measuring instrument measures what it intends to
measure.
ü Types of Validity
· Content validity – It means the extent to which the content or topics of the test is truly
representative of the content of the course.
· Concurrent validity – It is the degree to which the test agrees or correlates with a criterion set up
as an acceptable measure.
· Predictive validity – It is determined by showing how well predictions made from the test are
confirmed by evidence gathered at some subsequent time.
· Construct validity – It is the extent to which the test measures a theoretical construct or trait.
ü Reliability
- It means the extent to which a research instrument is dependable, consistent and stable.
· Test-retest method – In this method, the same instrument is administered twice to the same group
of subjects and the correlation coefficient is determined.
rs = 1 – Z6D2
N3-N
· Parallel-forms method – Parallel or equivalent forms of a test may be administered of the group of
subjects, and the paired observations correlated.
· Split-half method – The test in this method may be administered twice, but the test items are
divided into two values.
rwt = Z(rt)
1 + rnt
· Internal-consistency method – This method is used with psychological test which consist of
dichotomously scored items.
Kuder-Richardson Formula 20
Rxx = [N] [SD2 - ∑piqi]
N-1 SD2
ü Usability
- It means the degree to which the research instrument be satisfactorily used by teachers,
researchers, supervisors and school managers without expenditures of time, money and effect.
3. Ease of interpretation and application. Results of test are easy to interpret and
clearly in an appropriate size for the grade or year level for which the instrument
is intended.
CHAPTER 6: SAMPLING DESIGNS
Sampling – may be defined as the method of getting a representative portion of the population.
Population –is the aggregate or total of objects, persons, families, species, or orders of plants or animals.
Advantages of Sampling
2. It is more effective.
4. It is more accurate.
Disadvantages of Sampling
1. Sample data involve more care in preparing detailed sub classification due to small number of
subjects.
2. If the sampling plan is not correctly designed and followed, the results may be misleading.
3. Sampling requires an expert to conduct the study in an area. If this is lacking, the results can be
erroneous.
4. Locate and select the source list of particular individuals to be included in the sample.
5. Design the sampling design to be used that suits to the study, either scientific or nonscientific
sampling.
Step 1: Determine the total population (N) as assumed subjects of the study.
Ss = NV + [ Se2 (1-p)]
NSe + [ V2p(1-p)]
Sampling Designs
1. Scientific Sampling
1. Restricted random sampling – This type of sampling design involves certain restrictions to improve
the validity of the sample.
2. Unrestricted random sampling – This is the best random sampling design due to no restrictions
imposed, and every member in the population has an equal chance of inclusion in the sample.
Lottery Technique
3. Stratified random sampling – This type of design divides the population into two or more strata.
4. Systematic sampling – In this type of design the individuals of the population are arranged in a
methodical manner.
6. Cluster sampling – In this type of design, the population is grouped into clusters or small units.
2. Nonscientific sampling
1. Purposive sampling – This type of nonscientific sampling is based on selecting the individuals as
samples according to the purpose of the researcher as his controls.
2. Incidental sampling – This type of sampling design is “applied to those samples which are taken
because they are the most available.”
3. Quota sampling – This type of design is popular in the field of opinion research because it is done
by merely looking for individuals with the requisite characteristics.
CHAPTER 7: DATA PROCESSING AND STATISTICAL TREATMENT
Input – it involves the responses from the research instrument by the subjects of the study.
Output – the results of the study which are presented in data matrix form.
Data processing
It refers to the grouping of subjects under study according to the objectives or purposes of the study.
Step 2. Coding of data – Information from the questionnaire, tests, interview schedules, rating scale and
many others must be transformed into coded items to facilitate tabulation of data.
Step 3. Tabulation of data – this is done by tallying and counting the raw data to arrive at a frequency
distribution and to facilitate in organizing them in a systematic order in a table or several tables.
Data matrix
Dummy tables
- Are helpful in preparing for the data matrix because they are used in planning, summarizing,
organizing and analyzing the data on how the different variables differ with each other.
Statistical Treatment
- It is a must that researchers diagnose the problem by using the appropriate statistical tool to
arrive at accurate and definite interpretation of results.
- The appropriate statistical tool for univariate problem is the weighted arithmetic mean and the
like.
- The statistical tools for bivariate problem in experimental research are t-test and linear
correlation.
- The statistical tool used in bivariate descriptive research problems are z-test and linear
correlation.
- Z-test between percentages. The z-test is used to determine the significant difference between
two percentages of related individuals in which the data are collected through survey.
Z= P1 – P2
PQ[1/N1 + 1/N2]
- Two statistical tools used in multivariate experimental research problems with three or more
variables are F-test or ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis One-Way ANOVA and Friedman’s Two-way ANOVA.
- F-test or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) involves three or more independent variables as
bases for classification.
- Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also a statistical tool used both in
experimental and descriptive research problems. The formula is as follows:
Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by ranks is another statistical tool used in
multivariate research problems both in experimental and descriptive researches. The formula is as
follows:
H= 12 ∑[Ri2/n] – 3(N + 1)
N(N + 1)
Chi-Square (X2) 2 X 2 table. In chi-square (X2) 2 x 2 table or fourfold table, two discrete variables are
involved to test if these variables are independent from each other.
Chi-Square (X2) 3 x 3 Table. It is also called nine-fold which involves three discrete variables to test if
these variables are independent from each other.
Friedman’s Two-Way ANOVA by Ranks as Statistical Tool used in Multivariate Descriptive Research
- It is used when the data from k related samples consist of at least an ordinal scale and have been
drawn from the same set of observations to different population.
Kruskal-Wallis’ One-Way ANOVA (H) by Ranks a Statistical Tool in Multivariate Descriptive Research (Tied
Observations)
1 - ∑T
N2 – N
CHAPTER 8: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
ü Data Analysis
- It may be defined as the examination of data or fact in terms of quantity, quality, attribute, trait,
pattern, trend, relationship among others so as to answer research questions which involve statistical
techniques and procedures.
· Univariate Analysis
- Tests a single variable to determine whether the sample is similar to the population from which it
has been drawn.
· Bivariate Analysis
· Multivariate Analysis
- Tests three or more independent variables at a time in the degree of relationship with the
dependent variable.
· Normative Analysis
- Is a type of data analysis wherein the results of the study is compared with the norm or standard.
· Status Analysis
- Stresses real facts relating to current conditions in a group of subjects chosen for study.
· Descriptive Analysis
- Describe the characteristics, composition, structures and substructures that occur as units within
the larger structure.
· Classification Analysis
· Comparative Analysis
- The researcher considers at least two entities and establishes a formal procedure for obtaining
criterion data on the basis of which he can compare and conclude one is better than the other.
· Cost-effective Analysis
- Is applicable in comparing the cost between two or more variables, and to determine which of the
variables is most effective.
CHAPTER 9: PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH
1. The methods used in participatory action research have direct bearing on the beliefs and vision of
the participants in the community or the masses.
2. Participatory action research should aim for the solution of the problem in order that the
concerned people in the community be benefited as soon as possible.
3. All the participants in the research process must be involved in the formulation of the problem to
its solution conceptualization and implementation.
4. The members of the research team should be made up of the researchers and the people
representing the elements of the situation.
5. The research participants should be viewing the research process as a total community experience
where community needs are established and awareness and commitment within the community are
increased.
6. The research participants should see the research process as a dialogue over time and not a static
picture occurring from one point in time.
7. The aim of the research process, like the aim of the educational process, should be the liberation of
the creative potential of human beings and harnessing of human resources in order to solve social
problems.
1. People-oriented
2. Community involvement
3. Group-research
4. Big crowd
5. Political involvement
2. Statement of goals/objectives
3. Identification of participants
5. Establishment of timetable
8. Interpretation of findings
9. Implications/Recommendations
10. Implementation
1. Research participants increase their knowledge and ideas as well as valid analysis of social reality,
thus, more relevant solutions are achieved.
2. Both researchers and subjects of the study gain more from the research process when the
researchers attain greater sensitivity and self-awareness of the problems.
3. The subjects of the study gain trust and self-confidence on their own rate and resources to improve
their condition.
4. Good relationship can be developed among the research team, research participants and the
people in the community.
1. It is time consuming because it takes time to involve many people in conducting the research.
2. It is difficult to gather people and manage to attend the general assembly due to a large number of
people involved.
3. When the research team back-out while the research process is going on, a new team is created
and therefore you have to start all over again.
4. The research team may use their power to personal needs and most of the benefits go to them.
5. Politicians who get involved in the research process may use traditional techniques and the said
technique may prevail.
6. Abuse of discretion by the research team may be practiced due to too much trust and confidence
by the research participants and subjects of the study to them and they do not check and balance their
activities.
ü Writing Requirements
4. Adequate resources
This includes the statement of the problem, hypotheses, theoretical/conceptual framework, significance
of the study, scope and limitations of the study and definition of terms.
This consists of related legal bases, related literature, related studies and justification of the proposed
study.
· Methodology
This includes the research design, determination of sample size, sampling design and technique, the
subjects, the research instrument, validation of the research instrument, data gathering procedure, data
processing method and statistical treatment.
This contains the research method, materials, procedure, training of the panelists, evaluation of the
product, and statistical treatment.
· Schedule of Activities
This includes the time frame for every activity of the thesis proposal.
· Bibliography
The list of references used by the proponent in preparing the thesis proposal.
· Appendix
· Curriculum Vitae