Lecture 1

INTRODUCING RESEARCH
Course Outcome/s:
1. Review and/or apply design concepts, design codes and engineering tools learned in
previous courses and work on a real-world capstone design project in a team setting.

Learning Objective/s:
By the end of discussion, the students are expected to effectively discuss what is research
and apply the research ethics

Overview:
1. Introduction
1.1. The Research Process
1.2. The Four Frameworks of Research
2. Developing Research Skills
2.1. How to turn Research Ideas into Research Process
3. Understanding Research Ethics
3.1. Research Ethics: A Test of Integrity

1. INTRODUCTION
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines research as “a studious inquiry or examination,
collecting of information about a particular subject, and careful or diligent search”. It is an
“investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of
accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised
theories or laws”, (Merriam-Webster dictionary).
Authors Anthony Arthur and Beverly Hancock of Introduction to the Research Process
stated that the context of the research study includes three key points: 1) the investigation is
carried out systematically, therefore the investigation is planned, 2) research is intended to add to
the body of knowledge and in doing so assists our understanding about complex issues, 3)
research is a process, carried out in stages.

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 1.1 The Research Process
The approaches on the research process is greatly dependent on the epistemology, which
differ extensively between social sciences, humanities, scientific area, arts, economic, etc.
The research process begins with an idea. A research idea is a tiny speck of notion that
sparks in a person’s mind. For starters, an idea can range from extreme poles and limitations. It
can either be an outcome of an experience or just plain curiosity (Giddens, 2001). While a
research question is tackling the idea, and trying to go specific with the goals of the whole
research. It connects the idea with variables that can lead to the realization of the research. Also,
research questions limit as to how far the research can go. Figure 1 below shows the cycle of a
research process.

Figure 1.1 The research process

1. The idea sheds the way into what should be done in the study.
2. Stating the research questions, which will target the gaps and demands of the
realization of the idea.
3. The third step will be establishing the aims and objectives. This is where the target and
main goals of the study will be concreted and polished. This will then guide the
researchers into the right direction of the realization of the research.
4. The review of related literature. This is where the theories, published solutions and
hypotheses will be coming from and thus solidify the claim to finding research
methods and solutions.
5. The methodology where the methods for experimentation will be studied and
simplified to ensure smooth flow for data gathering and experimentation.
6. Selecting data gathering method.

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 7. The experimentation which is the realization of the study (Yuki, 2010). The results will
either make or break the idea and objectives of the research. That is why it is important
that the gathering and analysis of data should be executed flawlessly.
8. Analysis and interpretation of results.
9. After the treatment of data, drawing of conclusions follows. This chapter holds the
justification and answers to the objectives of the study.
10. And lastly, all are arranged into order for better presentation of the respective
research.

Stages of the Research Process

Research studies involve a methodological procedure that concentrate on being objective
and collecting a mass of information for the analysis in order to come up with the conclusion.
Not following the process will make the research complicated, inaccurate, invalid, unethical, and
unreliable. It can also create confusion within the organization where the study was conducted,
and worst, can create possible harm to those involved and user of the research subject.
From the work of Diane Blakenship entitled, “Applied Research and Evaluation Methods
in Recreation”, she states that, “any research done without documenting the study so that others
can review the process and results is not an investigation using the scientific research process.
The scientific research process is a multiple-step process where the steps are interlinked with the
other steps in the process. If changes are made in one step of the process, the researcher must
review all the other steps to ensure that the changes are reflected throughout the process”.
The process flow as shown in the following Figure, illustrates the key platforms of what
we define as the “model” research process, and is explained on the following articles.

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 Figure 1.2 Steps of the research study
Step 1: Conceptualize the study
a. Identify the research question.
Every research process starts with an idea, an idea in which the researcher is very
interested in and wanted to explore. Without an idea or concept, one cannot start the research
process since the concept is main context of the research study. Take note of all the idea that has
been running in your mind for a while. Reflect why you are interested in that idea and what has
trigger you that made you interested in that idea. It may also help you decide by answering the
following; a) what is your aim?, b) what is your hypothesis?, c) why does it matter?.
The research question or the statement of the problem is composed of the main objective
and the specific objective. The main objective is the overall idea or concept that the researcher
want to answer in the research, and the specific objective are specific questions which basically
are steps that will lead or direct the researcher to answer the main objective.

b. Review related literature.

Now that you have already identified the problem of your research study, you must have
learned more about your idea or the topic under investigation. In short, you must be an expert in
the field of your study, and you can do it by doing research on the existing knowledge or
literature in the area of your study. Literature review enlightens the researcher on the extent of
studies that have already conducted in the research area, the approach that have been used, and
the research gap between known and the unknown facts. Through this reviews, the author can
narrow down his idea and be more specific about the concept of the research he/she wanted to
pursue.

c. Refining the statement of the problem.

After you have reviewed existing related literature or existing studies, you can now
identify the research gaps in the area of your research interest. With this, you can narrow down
and be more specific about your topic and eventually refine your research question. You may
realize that your initial questions were too broad or very general, too ambitious in a way that it
cannot be done within your timeline or financial capabilities, and your research idea was already
studied by other researchers before. Eventually, you can refine your research question base on
the existing knowledge you have just read.

Step 2: Plan of the study

a. Develop design of the study.

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 This step basically is the discussion of the methodological approach that the researcher
are going to do, to gather the data that is need in the study and how the researcher will analyse
those data.. The design of the study will be dictated by the concept of the study or the research
questions, which can be either qualitative or quantitative design.
Quantitative research pertains to the study in which the data gathered were through direct
counting, statistics and measurement or can be analysed through the used mathematical formulas
and applications, while qualitative research pertains to those studies where the data were
gathered through the use of questionnaires, surveys and observations.

b. Identify the target population

Target population of the study will also be dictated by the statement of the problem. The
population refers to the group of concern in which the results of the study will be applicable.

c. Identify the model to be use in data gathering.

The data gathering also relates to the research questions and the nature of the data the
researcher wants to have. The model of the data gathering should be suitable and appropriate to
the nature of the information the research needed. It will be a big waste of time and effort if the
author has failed to identify the most suitable method that the research required. Basically,
quantitative information cannot be collected with the use of feedback forms or consultations, and
qualitative information cannot be gathered through actual counting or measurement. The most
commonly used methods of data gathering are through the use of questionnaires, feedback forms
and observation. Other method which is usually used in scientific or engineering research
includes actual experiment or through the usage of computer software.

Step 3: Conducting the study

a. Data collection.
After the researcher has completed planning the approach and method of the data collection,
the researcher will now commence with data gathering. Data gathering shall be honest, not bias,
accurate and unaltered. An honest and accurate data will also create honest and reliable results,
and conversely, inaccurate or altered data will results to unreliable, destructive and damaging
results. There are also some research that is time bounded and therefore the data gathering should
also be as per the designed timetable of the researcher.

b. Data processing and analysis

Data analysis depends on the type and level of information that has been collected in relation
to the statement of the problem or the research question. Data collected shall be analysed in a

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way that it will answer the research questions. The analysis will either prove the hypothesis
correct or will reject it.
Data analysis is also a crucial step in the research process. Inaccurate usage and analysis
of data will eventually lead to a false conclusion or of not any bearing to the existing body of
knowledge. In a more complex study or when the study has so many data to be interpreted and
analyse, the help of a statistician is preferred. The statistician can help the researcher identify
which data will be used to answer the specific question.
Moreover, the results of analysis shall be tested whether it is statistically significant or
not based on the criteria or level of acceptance that the researcher have set or planned in the
design of the study. The higher is the statistical significant, the higher is the reliability of the
research study.

c. Drawing the conclusion

Conclusion does not only come from the results of the data interpretation and analysis.
Drawing up conclusion must be based from the results of the data analysis and on the overall
understanding of the researcher on the research study and on the process of conducting the
research. The statement of the problem must be re-visited, and the researcher must recognize on
what extent that the results have answered the questions.
At this point also, the researcher may opt to make some recommendations for
improvement of other future research.

Step 4: Study write-ups

Writing up the study is basically the documentation and the narrative of the whole step-
by-step research process conducted by the researcher, starting from the very beginning, which is
the conceptualization of the research topic, up to the drawing of conclusions. It is said to be a one
of the most critical part of the research study, since it is through writing that the researcher will
communicate to the reader or to the other researcher.
Basically, writing up the research can start immediately after the research proposal, which is
basically the first part of the research study or the conceptual framework. The second part is the
review of related literature or the theoretical framework of the research. The third which is the
methodological framework is basically the discussion about the methodology or the data
gathering approach of the study. And the fourth, the analytical framework is the phase in which
the data gathered were interpreted and analysed based on the statement of the problems. It is also
the stage which the conclusion and the recommendation have been drawn and suggested.

1.2. The Four Frameworks of Research

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 The four frameworks of the research process serves as the structure of the whole study
which the researcher can use as guide in doing research. These frameworks will help the
researcher avoid confusion, uncertainty, and even fear, by having a step-by-step approach to the
research process. These four frameworks are; conceptual, theoretical, methodological, and the
analytical framework.

Figure 1.3 The four frameworks of research

Conceptual framework is the most important framework of the research process. First
and foremost, a research should begin with an idea, a concept that triggers the researcher and the
community as well. This idea should be defined and refined properly. By refining the concepts,
the specific and main objectives of the research should be targeted properly and precisely. It is at
this framework that the topic of the study have been conceptualized. Without an idea or concept
or a hypothesis, there will be no research study. The conceptual framework dictates the flow and
outcome of the other frameworks.
The theoretical framework is the second framework. In theoretical framework, the ideas
and main objectives are carefully reviewed and studied to make sure that the concept is unique,
possible, viable, economical (for students), and effective. Also, past studies are reviewed to make
sure that the theory is valid. It is where related literature and studies have been developed. This is
at this framework the researcher will establish the gap between the existing knowledge and the
present study. The review of related literature will help the researcher refine his statement of the
problem. Through this framework, the researcher can narrow down or be more specific about his
statement of the problem. It can be concluded that, the conceptual framework and the theoretical
framework is a cyclic process; conceptualized the topic, review the literature and then refine the
topic, and then repeat and repeat until the research have already satisfied with the research topic.
The methodological framework pertains to the design of the study. After refining the
objectives and reviewing the literature, effective methods should be presented to better analyse
what specific methods and steps would justify the concept best and what do not. Also, if these
methods are being considerate of the research setting and respondents. When these processes are
already completed, then research is ready for proposal. It is the framework that discussed the
type of data or information that will be gathered and how it will be gathered, and how it will be
analysed. It can either be quantitative data or qualitative data, depending on the statement of the
problem.
And lastly, after all results are taken, the analytical framework follows. The analytical
framework is the framework in which the data or information that have been gathered will be
interpreted and analysed based on the statement of the problem. It is where data are treated and
analysed. It is where results are discussed to draw certain conclusions that answer the research’s
statements of the problem. If the data are not handled well and analysis is not done right, then it
affects the research as a whole. Conclusion also will be drawn not only based on the data

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analysis results, but also to the overall understanding and experience of the author on the
research study. Recommendation also may opt to include by the researcher depending on the
outcome of the research study.

Figure 1.4 The four frameworks approach to the research project

Table 1.1 Detail of the four frameworks of research project

2. DEVELOPING RESEARCH SKILLS

Table 2.1. Five Basic Research Skills

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 Derived from “The Basic skills required by every researcher” [Table]. (2016). In
Research Methods: Structuring Inquiries and Empirical Investigators (p. 22). Valenzuela City,
Philippines: JO-ES Publishing House.
Every researcher needs research skills that constitutes to the different steps in research
process. A research skill is most likely called the key skill. This chapter centers on the key skills
needed by each of researchers.
Different perspectives on developing key skills of a researcher have been elaborated by
numerous research authors. For every perspective, a competent researcher takes time to develop
such skills. To develop the key skills of a researcher, certain stages or processes a researcher
should apply. This involves continuous reading of textbooks or other references which discuss
research methodologies and research methods, and thru attaining experience in working on
research paper.
There are five phases on managing a research paper and detects some key skills of a good
researcher. Research key skills may develop through considering the phases on managing the
research project.

Conception

This phase involves formation of ideas. Research ideas, statement or question may
develop through constantly thinking and reflecting issues, research studies and theories.
Researchers focus on their research statement or question and continually revising and enhancing
it by comprehending and reviewing related literature studies. It is often for a researcher to refine
their research question or statement during the development of research verdicts occur and
interpreted. Conceptualization and reconceptualization from reviewing related literature is
necessary for more comprehensive and viable research question. Researcher should repetitively
refine the question until the theory of the research fit or satisfy the methodology of the research
paper.

Realization

A research paper is about answering its research statement or question. It should be

viable research, attainable or it can be happen. Researcher also considers the reliability of valid
information to interpret the research statement. Planning and organizing is essential in working
on research to keep track and completed the paper in time. Planning and organizing also involves
identifying the source of needed data and financially prepared for travel, field work, interviewees
and interpreters expenses, and other research materials.

Investigation

Interpersonal skill is developing in this phase wherein the researchers enhance their
communication, understanding, valuing the rights of informants and observing ethical issues. An

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interview skill is essential to be prepared and practiced. This skill focuses on issues like
preparing the right setting for the interview, making the interviewee comfortable and ensuring a
well-organized methodology on recording the information from interview. Investigation
comprises issues in gathering of information that supports the research paper.

Interpretation

Beginning the analysis consider important points. First is to conduct preliminary analysis
or interpretations based on the review of related literature. From all the collected data, a
researcher may use specific methodology in analysis of data, and eventually, as the researcher go
on with the analysis, collecting further data than actually needed will be necessary for
continuously analysis of the paper until the research project satisfies its objectives.

Utilization

Researchers develop writing skills regularly. As continually writing and reading the
research paper, the structure may change, improve and will attain a good structure of research
paper.

2.1 How to Turn Research Ideas Into Research Process

Now that you’ve done reflecting the backbone of your study through research idea, you
are now set to turn that idea into a viable research project. You must focus on your study to
produce a good product. You must also consider reflecting on these possible questions such as,
“What keeps me do this research? Why did I am interested unto this?” and “What will I be
focusing in this study?”
From generating a research idea, the idea is then to be precisely defined research project.
Every researcher should focus on the idea created. The process of refinement of research idea
involves defining or answering guide questions: does the idea interest you? What is the focus of
my research project?

The focus of the research idea should also test its “researchability”. The test of
researchability includes availability of the time needed and financial capacity of the researcher,
and the accessibility of the necessary data to carry out the research project. The importance of
testing the research idea is to determine and help the researcher decide from the start whether it
is worth trying to develop the research idea to come up with the research paper. If any of the tests
take difficulty, then the research idea may not be researchable. The research idea may be too
ambitious and cannot be finished in a specified time, too costly for the availability of the budget,
or the data needed to perform the research is not accessible or attainable.
You may also reflect into the processing of testing your possible research unto the factor
of researchability. You must reflect if you have the time, the money, the data and accessibility

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available in the whole process of research, then, if you have, then, it can be proved that you can
efficiently do your research.
This process of testing can help you distinguish from the start whether it is or it is not
sensible to develop the idea you have in your mind. If you think that it will bring any hardship
rather than it will bring a good effect to the factors stated above, then it most likely your study is
not researchable. It is important to be very precise about the factors stated above to ensure a
smooth process of research in the future.
It is essential to consider the factors in determining the researchability of the research
idea to help the researcher complete the research paper on time.

3.1 RESEARCH ETHICS: A TEST OF INTEGRITY

A research study once completed will become a part of the already existing body of
knowledge in which many people or individuals may find new information. This research will
somehow and sometime will become a part of the existing literature where the new batch of
researcher will base their new research study. So, imagine what will happen if the information on
that specific research was false or inaccurate; or, the data used in that research were altered and
manipulated; or, the interpretation and the model of data analysis is not appropriate to the nature
of the data gathered. For sure, it will bring potential harm to that body of knowledge and the user
or those involve on it.
It is said that, the integrity of the researcher dictates the quality of research study, and
following ethical standards and principles defines the researcher’s integrity. Ethics by definition
is the “moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour”. It is basically about the human’s
ability to do good or bad.
There are many ethical principles that a researcher should consider in making research, and
these are summarized in to two core objectives:
a) Beneficence – means that the welfare of those involve in the research shall be the goal of
the researcher.
b) Non-malfeasance – means that those involve in the research shall not be harmed even by
very small infliction.
(Excerpt from Laerd Dissertation website)
Research ethics provide rules for the more ethical and responsible conduct of research
studies. The following are some of the ethical standards and principles that can be adopted in the
conduct of research;
1. Honesty - Researcher must not alter, fabricate or falsify information in a research studies.
Data gathering, interpretation and analysis should be reported completely and honestly.
2. Objectivity - Researcher shall not be biased in any part or in any phases of the research
study.
3. Integrity - Researcher must exhibit consistency throughout the research process.
4. Carefulness - Researcher shall not be negligent specially when dealing with data
gathering, interpretation and analysis.

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 5. Openness and transparency - The author must be open and transparent to everyone that
is involved in the conduct of research, including the mentor or the professor, the adviser
and other contributor. In this way, any potential problems will be discovered early and
eventually be dealt properly.
6. Respect of Intellectual Property Rights - The author must not copy or plagiarized the
work of other researcher. He/ She must cite the work of other author properly and shall
be included in the list of references.
7. Anonymity and confidentiality - The concept of anonymity refers to the guarantee that
the researcher will give to those involved in the study that their identity will not be
divulged in public before, during and after the research study. Similarly, the concept of
confidentiality pertains to the assurance of the researcher about the confidentiality of any
information that those involved have contributed in the research.

Discussion Questions:
1. What is a research?
2. Discuss the importance of research
3. Enumerate the four frameworks of the research process. Discuss how these frameworks
are related to each other.
4. Discuss the importance of having a literature review in the conduct of research.
5. Discuss how the research process starts.
6. Discuss the importance of ethics in the conduct of research.
7. Enumerate and elaborate at least five ethical principles in conducting a research process.
8. When can a project be deemed viable?
9. Discuss the relevance and value of research and give an example to prove your answer.

References:
Arthur A. (2009). Introduction to Research Process. Retrieved from
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/pathol/research/pdf/2a_Introduction_to_the_Research_Process_Revisi
on_2009.pdf
Blakenship, D. (2009). Applied Research and Evaluation Methods in Recreation. Retrieved from
https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/steps-of-the-research-process
Giddens, A. (2001). Sociology, Cambridge: Polity
Katzenbach, J.R. and Smith, D.K. (2003). The wisdom of Teams: Creating The High Performance
Organization, New York.
Latham, J. R. (2014). The Research Canvas: A Framework from Designing and Aligning the DNA of
Your Study.
Morgeson, F.P., Scott, DeRue and Karam, E.P. (2010). Leadership in Teams: A functional approach
to understanding leadership structures and processes. Journal of Management 36(1):5-39.
Principles of research ethics. Retrieved from http://dissertation.laerd.com/principles-of-research-
ethics.php

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Silva, D.L. (2016). Research methods: structuring inquiries and empirical investigations. JO-ES
Publishing House, Inc.
Yuki, G. (2010). Leadership in Organizations, New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall

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