The word research is derived from the Middle French “recherché”, which means “to go about seeking”, the term itself being derived from the Old French term “recherché” a compound word from “re-“, again, + “cerchier”, or “searcher”, meaning “search”. The Western Sydney University online research (2020) defines research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcome.

1. INTRODUCTION TO
RESEARCH
Module 1

2. Learning Objectives
At the end of the session you will:
‒Define methods of research
‒Describe the purpose of research
‒Illustrate the characteristics of good research
‒Describe the difference between research and problem
solving
‒Define the kinds and classifications of research

3. 1. What is Research?
The word research is derived from the Middle French “recherché”,
which means “to go about seeking”, the term itself being derived from
the Old French term “recherché” a compound word from “re-“, again, +
“cerchier”, or “searcher”, meaning “search”.
The Western Sydney University online research (2020) defines research
is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing
knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts,
methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and
analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and
creative outcome.

4. 2. Purpose of the research
Basic Research. Pure, basic, or fundamental
research is research carried out to increase
understanding of fundamental principles or
knowledge enhancement, this research is
conducted for the purpose of adding to
knowledge and building a theory or model.
It is not intended to yield immediate
commercial benefits; pure research can be
thought of as arising out of curiosity. This
research is done for human, animal and plant-
kingdom welfare.

5. 2. Purpose of the research
Applied Research. It is a form of systematic
inquiry involving the practical application of
science. It accesses and uses some part of the
research communities’ (the academia’s)
accumulated theories, knowledge, methods and
techniques, for a specific, often state-, business-,
or client-driven purpose.
Applied research is designed to solve practical
problem of the modern world, rather than to
acquire knowledge for knowledge’s sake. The
goal of applied research is to improve the human
condition. It focuses on analysis and solving
social and real life problems.

6. 3. Difference between research and problem solving
Characteristics Problem Solving Research
Purpose
Remove / reduce difference between current
and desired situation.
Develop new knowledge for use in a
community.
Goal State
Agreement or validation that the situation is
resolved.
Acceptance of new knowledge by peers.
Starting Point
Undesirable or uncomfortable situation
requiring change
Inconsistencies / incompleteness of
current community knowledge
End Product
Remedial action plan that can often be
generalized
Theory, model or answer to research
question submitted for peer review
Time Scale Days – weeks Months – years
Knowledge Base Situational expertise Discipline(s) expertise
Resources Journals, newspaper, personal networking
Archival literature, computer modelling,
data analysis theory
Common Implementation
Steps
Identify a problem Engage/Motivate
Define problem
Explore ideas
Plan Solution
Execute plan
Validate
Discover a gap in
Knowledge
Literature
Research questions
Develop method
Perform study
Peer review

7. 4. Classifications of Research
Research is classified according to form, purpose and method. The following are the types of research:
1. According to Form
a. Scientific Research. It relies on the application of the scientific method, i.e., from observation, data
gathering, processing and experimentation. This research provides scientific information and theories
for the explanation of the nature and the properties of a phenomenon or the world.
b. Humanities Research. Research in the humanities generally involves interpreting a phenomenon,
text or a work of art within a historical, philosophical, aesthetic and cultural context, making
connection, exploring meaning, and uncovering contradictions. Research in the humanities are more
likely to draw a material from texts and artefact than from original data gathering and
experimentation. Scholar in the humanities typically use literally resources in at least three ways:
 to obtain primary sources to be interpreted or analysed;
 to find secondary sources to put primary sources in a critical context; and
 to seek answer to specific question that arise during.

8. 4. Classifications of Research
2. According to Method or Design
Quantitative Research. It is the process of collecting and analyzing
numerical data. It can be used to find patterns and averages, make predictions, test
causal relationships, and generalize results to wider populations. Quantitative
research is widely used in the natural and social sciences: biology, chemistry,
psychology, economics, sociology, marketing, etc.
Quantitative research question examples:
What is the demographic makeup of Singapore in 2020?
How has the average temperature changed globally over the last century?
Does environmental pollution affect the prevalence of honey bees?
Does working from home increase productivity for people with long commutes?

9. Quantitative Research
1. Descriptive Statistics focuses on the
collection, summarization, and
characterization a set of data.

10. Classifications of Research
2. According to Method or Design
Qualitative Research. Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-
numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or
experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new
ideas for research. Qualitative research is the opposite of quantitative research, which
involves collecting and analyzing numerical data for statistical analysis. Qualitative
research is commonly used in the humanities and social sciences, in subjects such as
anthropology, sociology, education, health sciences, history, etc.
Qualitative research question examples:
– How does social media shape body image in teenagers?
– How do children and adults interpret healthy eating in the Philippines?
– What factors influence employee retention in a large organization?
– How is anxiety experienced around the world?
– How can teachers integrate social issues into science curriculums?

11. Qualitative Research
Focus Group
Questionnaires

12. 4. Classifications of Research
3. Mixed Method Research (Multimethodology). It is a procedure for collecting,
analysing, and “mixing” both qualitative and quantitative methods in a single study
or a series of studies to understand a research problem (Creswell and Plano, 2011).
is a methodology for conducting research that involves collecting, analyzing and
integrating quantitative (e.g., experiments, surveys) and qualitative (e.g., focus
groups, interviews) research. This approach to research is used when this
integration provides a better understanding of the research problem than either of
each alone.
4. Action Research. It is a research initiated to address a social issue or solve an
immediate problem which focuses upon taking as a result of findings, set within a
long-term progressive, cyclical or reflective process. It consists of a continuous cycle
of planning-acting-observing-reflecting. Action research is a well-known process for
guiding applied research

13. – End –
Thank You