Unit1: Lesson 2

NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH; THE CHARACTERISTICS, PROCESSES, AND ETHICS

OF RESEARCH

Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
2. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles.
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, and experimental and case study.
5. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
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.

Research Process
1. Select a general problem.
2. Review the literature of the problem.
3. Select a specific research problem, question, or hypothesis.
4. Collect data.
5. Analyze and present or display data.
6. Interpret the findings and state conclusions

Ethics in Research
Ethics generally is considered to deal with beliefs about what is right or wrong, proper or improper, good or
bad. According to a dictionary definition (Webster‘s 1968), to be ethical is to conform to accepted professional
practice.

Ethical considerations in conducting research

1. Objectivity and integrity
2. Respect of the research subjects’ right to privacy and dignity and protection of subjects from personal harm
3. Presentation of research findings
4. Misuse of research role
5. Acknowledgement of research collaboration and assistance
6. Distortions of findings by sponsor

Unethical practices in conducting research

1. Deceiving a respondent about the true purpose of the study
2. Asking a respondent questions that cause him or her extreme embarrassment; guilt emotional turmoil by
remaining him or her of an unpleasant experience
3. Invading the privacy of a respondent
4. Studying the respondents or research subjects without their knowledge
5. When analyzing the data—revealing only part of the facts, presenting facts out of context, falsifying findings
or offering misleading presentation such as lying with statistics

Answer the items below. Write your answers on your PR1 notebook.

1. Explain the processes of conducting research.

2. Differentiate ethical and unethical practices in conducting research.
3. In general, discuss why do we need to consider the characteristics, processes and ethics of research?