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INTRODUCTION
The mere mention of the word “research “usually brings terror to the minds of educators
as well as to the students. Many feel that conducting research is too complicated, painstaking,
and too time-consuming (Magsajo-Sarno, 2015). Man continuously searches for phenomena that
will help him answer the whys and wherefores of things. His curiosity about himself and his
environment enables him to think, invent, search and arrive at adequate answers to his problems
and to satisfy his needs. In his desires to arrive these answers satisfactorily, he develops various
instruments and techniques. And the best tool to help him is research. According to Badke
What is Research?
Research is an orderly, careful, and patient study and investigation of a subject matter for the
Research means searching for a theory, for testing theory, or for solving a problem.It means that
something exisrs that needs investigation and inquiry which later has to be solved.
Research is defined in various ways- for one, to search again, to take other more careful look, to
This means that research is a practical way of discovering answers and solutions to existing problems.
Research may also be defined as simply ‘’A systematic quest for undiscovered thruth’’(Leedey,
Characteristic of Research
Research has several distinct characteristics that make it part form other educational activities. It
will noted that the discussion follows actually clarifies the meaning of research.
Look around you. Think of the many unresolved questions. Think about the current situation in
TVET and compare to what is ideal or what should be. Consider the gap between “what is” and “what
ought to be? “ This will call to mind some questions, Like “Why”, “What caused it happen? “ What must
be done? “.What does it mean? These questions can prompt one to start a research.
GAP
One of the critical steps that you will take in the conduct of research is the identification of a
problem. Research starts with a clear, unambiguous problem that you want to resolve which means that
is not confusing. Rather, it is definite and certain. We must see clearly at its inception what the research
is attempting to settle.
The research problems helps in building up your predictions of the outcome of the study (Sevilla
et al., 2000) called hypotheses. These predictions may just be based on your observations or firm belief
At the outset, it has been started the research is systematic and therefore is an organized
activity. Thus a plan is imperative as it will be the “blueprint” that will direct the whole activity . In most
cases, the plan is in a form of a research proposal which described what the researcher will do in the
process.
In preparing a research proposal, you describe the “Why” of the research, its significance, what
the research anticipates to resolve, the hypotheses you would like to test, what the research design is,
and how you intend to do it in terms of the methodology you will undertake.
The foregoing characteristics, which basically describe the direction of the research, suggest the
next step you will step you will take is the gathering of data. Data to be collected will depend on the
facts that are appropriate to answer the problem/s stated so that they can be interpreted meaningfully.
The solution of a research problem may lead to another problem which may be a potential for
Research is a way of thinking and as Kerlinger (1973) states, research is a systematic, controlled,
empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about presumed relations
among natural observable events. In short, research, research is a scientific process and a way of
thinking that engages in revealing new insights into the world around us and a systematic quest
for undiscovered truth.
Research gathers new knowledge or data which when analyzed and interpreted can be used for
various purposes.
Since, research generates valid data, it provides TVET managers, teachers, or any user of the
results of the research on the appraisal of the current situation of the organization, where it has
been, and where it is going. Thus, research provides information for decision making.
Research is viewed as a vehicle towards the solution to observed problems in the workplace. As
such, committed people in TVET have the responsibility to seeks solutions to problems that may
restrain a TVET Institution to achieve its vision and mission. In effect, research becomes an input
to development.
Research is an output of a rational and nagging desire to improve the way we are and do our
work.
Research is used to look into problems that bother people in their environment. Solutions are
sought and, in so doing, it consequently paves the way towards improving work conditions.
Research is purposive.
The main or principal purpose and goal of research is the preservation and improvement of the
quality of life (Calderon and Gonzales, 2008).
Bad Research
In the pursuit of the ultimate goal of research to search for the truth, you need to prepare or equip
yourself with essential skills and competencies.
A. Since research is based on facts, a lot of input may be accessed from the library.
B. Computers have invaded our lives and this invasion does not spare the field of research
Can you make use of the computer word processing or using special programs for
Statistical computations or for storing data and information or for creating
Tables and graphics.
In this age of information and communication technology (ICT), are you aware
of the power of the web?
Can you assess information through the Internet or communicate with others using
The email?
C. Again, since research is facts-based, can you keep grips with statistics and related
measurements?
Do you have the ability to construct research instrument like a survey questionnaire or an
interview schedule (questions to ask and their logic)
Remember that a product of research needs to be disseminated, and that a research
proposal or research report is a communicative document.
Thus, research proposal or report should describe what you will do or have done as
clearly and precisely. Then, also data after processing have to be interpreted showing how
significant communication skills are in research.
7. Why do we need research?
Applied Research – It refers to research that is directed towards practical application of knowledge
and aims at findings an explanation for an observed problem. It can also aim at testing a theory to
evaluate its usefulness in education, business, management, and the like.
The theory may be supported, modified or revised. A new theory may even be provided. Applied
research, covering mostly social science areas, entails large scale studies with subsequent problems on
data collection.
Action Research - This refers to the type of research that is concerned with the solution Of a
specific problem in a local situation. This research is conducted by a person who is to use findings to
improve a bothering current situation.
Development Research - This refers to the systematic work drawing on existing knowledge gained
from research and /or practical experience that is directed to producing new materials, products, and
devices; to installing new processes, systems and services; and to improving substantially those already
produced or installed (Catane , 1998). These type of research is often used in engineering and
technology areas.
1. Historical
This type of research means that research gives meaning to events and happening. It purpose is to
assess the meaning and understand the message the events and happening convey. Is aims to arrive at
conclusions concerning trends, causes or effects of past occurrence that may help explain present events
and anticipating future events (CPSC, 1984 ) .
2. Descriptive Research
The word descriptive comes from de meaning ‘from” and scribere, meaning to “ write “ The
term , therefore , describe the essential character of the method ( Leddy, 1980).Employing this
method deals with collecting data to gather information about the present existing conditions without
analyzing relationship and variables (Fraenkel and Wallen , 2007).
3. Experimental Research
This method of research attempts to control the whole research situation except for some
variables which are thought of as the cause of an effect. The underlying concept in this type of research is
control. To control is the effort of the researcher to remove the effects of any variable other than the
independent variable that might affect performance on a dependent variable, (Fraenkel and Wallen,
2007). This type of research is concerned with the phenomenon of cause and effect.
4. Online Research
The term online refers to being connected via modem or network to other computers (Williams
et.al 1995). Being online gives you access to resources those available a computer sitting by itself
unconnected. ItseTo access means your facility to connect to a particular database which is a collection of
integrated, or cross reference, data which various individuals like students and professionals, use for
various purposes. Online research is sometimes referred as web-based research.
Measuring Instruments
In , research a measuring instruments is a device used to quantify and records information that is
important to a research study ( Catane,2000) These measuring instruments come in the form of
interviews, questionnaires, observation or unobtrusive methods and these are the tools of data collection.
There are two types of measuring instruments: Standardized instruments and Researcher developed
instruments.
Standardized Instruments
Standardized instruments share the following common properties or characteristics (Colombo, 1984)
1. They have well defined instruments items with test administration having the same procedures and
time limits
Research Developed instruments are constructed when standardized instruments cannot match up as tools
for a specific research. Some research developed instruments are the interview schedule, observation
form, document analysis form and the questionnaire. These instruments are used to test the hypothesis of
the study.
Evaluating the research instrument places confidence on the results obtained and draws correct
conclusions. Research instruments must be RELIABLE and VALID.
Reliability
Reliability refers to the consistency of scores obtained by the same person when they re
examined with the test on different occasions or with different sets of equivalent items or under other
variable examining conditions (Anastasi & Urbina, 1997). Reliability also refers to measuring instruments
accuracy or precision. The property of getting the correct measurement is accuracy while the property of
getting self-consistent result is precision.
All types of reliability can be expressed in terms of correlation coefficient which expresses the
degree of correspondence or relationship between two sets of scores. Correlation coefficients can be
computed in various ways depending on the nature of the data ( Catane, 2000)
Validity
The validity of the test concerns what the test measures and how well it does so (catane, 2000). Thus
validity refers to the degree in which a particular instrument is useful in measuring that which it is
designed to measure.
Activity No. 1
Directions: Answer the following questions: (10 pts. each)
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2. Among the given characteristics of quantitative research, choose three items that
you feel very important and explain why you think they are important to you.
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3. In your own point of view, why do you think you need to do research?
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5. Why do you think you need to develop competencies and skills in doing the
research?
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TOTAL SCORE:_________________
This refers to the systematic work drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and /or
practical experience that is directed to producing new materials, products, and devices; to installing new
processes, systems and services; and to improving substantially those already produced or installed
(Catane , 1998).
In other words, this type of research is applied in prototyping, inventing, innovating and in
improvising and fabricating. This type of research also refers to Research and Development programs
that deal with developing materials for instruction.
Examples
1. A study to determine the potential of using coconut oil as a substitute for linseed oil in the
production of latex paint.
2. Fabricating low-cost innovative equipment for drying fruits, vegetables, meat and fish using
solar energy.
3. A study to develop of teaching-learning material, such as teaching manual in Refrigeration
and Air-conditioning cum a training kit for students to teach abstract concepts in
thermodynamics easily.
Selecting a topic for research is guided by two factors. They are as follows:
1. Personal factors which include interest, researcher’s capabilities (technical and economic)
and limitations, and size.
2. External factors that includes uniqueness/novelty, importance or value of the research,
critical mass (availability of data and materials), department or unit where the research is to
be undertaken.
Interest. You must be interested in the problem to conduct the investigation with much
willingness, dedication, and commitment, otherwise, the research may not reach completion.
Research Capabilities. You must qualified in terms of capabilities and training to investigate the
problem related to your field. Moreover, the choice of your topic must be doable (can be done),
and achievable Insofar as your position in your institution is concerned. In other words, you
must not encroach on areas beyond your authority.
Economic Capability. Means that the amount of time and money to complete the research
should be within your means as a researchers, otherwise, it will be wise to think of the
possibility of looking for both financial and non-fictional support from within the
institution/company or from outside sources.
Size. You have to exercise wisdom in considering the size of the problem and the time to be
consumed in the conduct of the research.
Uniqueness/ Novelty. Novelty has to do with the element of newness. Will the research to be
conducted contribute something new to the body of existing knowledge? What features of the
research make it different from what has been done before?
Importance /Value of the Problem. The problem should result in some value of life. The
investigation of such problem should have some practical or good contribution to the field of
concentration.
1. The title should be specific, clear, concise, descriptive and comprehensive. It reflects
the main purpose of the proposed study. The wording should indicate or summarize
the content of the paper. It should be short and simple and fully explanatory. Avoid
unnecessary and redundant words. Nonstandard or not widely used acronyms and
abbreviations should be spelled out.
2. The title should convey the subject matter of the study by the use of key terms. It
should note categories that define the topic such as time, geography, or occupation.
3. As a researcher grows and grows more certain of what belongs and does not, to
investigation, the title begins to be delimited accordingly.
4. The researcher may emulate the works of outstanding researchers on how they set
their thoughts in the words of the title.
Example
In one TVET institution, one of the courses offered is Food Technology. The institution
is located in a region where rainy season is longer than the dry season.
Thus, drying fruits, vegetables, meat and fish is a big problem. However, commercial
food dryers are expensive in the market and with the meager resources of the institution,
procuring a commercial dryer is remote. Because of this situation, there is a need to
fabricate a food dryer for laboratory use for the purpose of food preservation to be used in
the instructional delivery system. Fabricating a simple, low-cost food dryer to be used in
the laboratory may just be the answer.
General Objectives
Specific Objectives
1. Determine the requirements for drying fruits, vegetables, meat and fish.
as guidelines.
Work Sheet A
PROPOSED RESEARCH TITLE
Prepare three tentative research titles that you would want to investigate based on your
readings and personal experiences in your field of specialization. Remember the acronym
SMART. Show your work to your professor/research teacher for checking and approval.
Tentative Title 1.
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Tentative Title 2.
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Tentative Title 3.
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Work Sheet B
APPROVED RESEARCH TITLE
Write the approved research title. Ask your professor/research teacher to re-check it before
starting to work on the next work on the next part of your research ( ALL IN CAPITAL
LETTERS )
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Work Sheet C
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Go back to your approved research title and formulate the general and specific problems. Let
your professor/research teacher check your work.
General Objectives
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Specific Objectives
(You can have four to five specific objectives)
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Chapter I – Introduction
the topic for research. It should describe the circumstances that prompted you to
undertake the research work. Provides the background and setting needed to put the
evolve from an unexplained phenomenon that needs to be resolved and that should be
- Significance of the Study. This sections justifies the study. It should include a
statement of the contribution of the study in pushing back the existing frontiers of
knowledge. It should also include the potential beneficiaries of the research and the
- Scope and Delimitation of the Study. Boundaries of the study need to be clearly
defined and stated specifically. In social science , the who ( the subjects ,including
the population and sample), what- (variables studied ) when ( the time frame ) where
( locale of the study ) and how ( short statement of the research methodology )
Work Sheet D
WRITING OF THE INTRODUCTION
Review the guidelines and principles in writing the introduction and prepare the initial
draft of your introduction. You can have three to four paragraphs to introduce your research
topic. You can also refer to some printed materials as your references.
Introduction
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Work Sheet E
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Go back to your approved general objectives and specific problems. Copy the approved
general objectives and specific objectives. Let your professor/research teacher check your
work.
General Objectives
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Specific Objectives
(You can have four to five specific objectives)
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Work Sheet F
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Review the guidelines in writing the significance of the study. Identify the beneficiaries
of your research/ investigation and discuss in paragraph form.
Significance of the Study
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Work Sheet G
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Go back to your general and specific objectives and think of the possible research
methodology, scope, limits of the study, who are the respondents, study conducted, time
frame and what is the study.
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INTRODUCTION
A review of literature is a formal survey of professional literature that is pertinent to the particular
question. In this, way the researcher will find out exactly what others have learned in relation to the
question or questions at hand. This process will also help frame and focus the question and move
closer to the hypothesis or focused question
( http://www.linguistics.byu.edu).
APA Style- The American Psychological Association often preferred in the fields of psychology
and many other social sciences.
The APA citation style refers to the rules and conventions. For documenting sources used in a
research paper. The APA style requires two elements for citing outside sources. Reference Citations
in Text and a reference List. Together these elements identify and credit the sources consulted in
the paper and allow others to access or retrieve this material.
In APA style, citations to sources are placed in text of paper in order to briefly identify sources
for readers and enable them to locate the source cited information in the reference list. These
parenthetical (in text) references include the author’s last name and the year of publication enclosed
parentheses. Citations are placed within sentences and paragraphs so that it is clear what information
is being quoted and paraphrased and whose information is being cited
(http://www.library.cornell.edu)
Examples
Works by a Single Author
The last name of the author and the year of publication are inserted in the text at the appropriate
point.
Concerned about the future world (Palma,1992 )
If the name of the author or date appear as part of the narrative,, cite only missing information in
parentheses.
Palma (1992 ) stated that
In 1992, Palma stated that