This document provides an introduction to research concepts including the meaning and nature of research, purposes of good research, characteristics of good research, and the research process. Research is defined as an inquiry or investigation to address problems, needs, and provide new knowledge. The purposes of good research include preserving human life, serving humanity, and advancing knowledge. Characteristics include being systematic, objective, empirical, and using statistical methods. The research process is described as cyclic involving problem identification, literature review, formulation of research questions and design, data collection and analysis, reporting results, and dissemination.

1. INTRODUCTION TO
RESEARCH CONCEPTS
Assoc. Prof. Jewelson M. Santos, LPT, Ed.D.,DHum, DFRIPRroT, FCCT

2. THE MEANING AND NATURE OF
RESEARCH
Definition of Research
Research is an inquiry or investigation to find solutions to a problem, to address or
meet a need, and to provide new knowledge and information (Salangsang, 2015).
According to Palispis (1991, as cited by Cortez & Galman, 2018) research is a tool
necessary for improving knowledge, for advancing progress, and for making man
capable of relating more efficiently to the world he lives in, to fulfill his purposes, and
to find solution to the conflicts he is in Problems, needs, and new knowledge are
mostly the initiating forces behind a research.

3. PURPOSES OF A GOOD RESEARCH
According to Cortez & Galman (2018), the following are the purposes of a good
research:
1. To preserve, improve, and save the status of human life;
2. To save the world, serve man and the humanity, and preserve his environment,
and maintain the provision of good life;
3. To fulfill its inborn obligations. These obligations include the presentation of new,
original results or methods and/or review a certain field or area of interest;
4. To provide something that advances (not merely repetition), knowledge and
understanding of a certain scientific field; and 5. Research has an obligation to
communicate the scientific discovery for community consumption, production and
utilization.

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD
RESEARCH
• A good research contains scientific message that is clear, useful and exciting. Good research
conveys the researcher’s thoughts in analogical manner, and best showcases the researcher’s
materials, and is written in a style that transmits the message clearly
• The following are some of the more specific characteristics of a good research:
1. Research is systematic, controlled, analytical, and empirical;
2. Research is objective, and logical;
3. Research employs hypothesis;
4. Research employs statistical methods;
5. Research is original work and done by responsible individuals;
6. Research undergoes accurate investigation process that epitomized commitment, courage,
and principle; and
7. Research is a product of patience and systemic activity (Cortez & Galman, 2018).

5. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
• Research is a
systematic,
focused, and
objective
undertaking.
Basically, its
whole process
is a cyclic one
that never
ends.

6. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
1. Problem identification. Here, the problem may be identified based on the
following:
a. Personal interests and competence. The topic must be engaging to your interests
and expertise. For instance, if your field of specialization is Mathematics. The topic
must be within the teaching of Mathematics education. However, if your field of
specialization is Social Studies, the topic must be forged within your discipline, not
in Physical Education or any other fields.
b. Relevance. The topic must be relevant as it promises to provide new knowledge or
information, or even offer a solution to an existing problem.
c. Feasibility. Here, you consider the availability of relevant data, limits and
constraints of time and resources, samples, and manageability of research
methodology.

7. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
2. Literature search and review. This part entails redefining and refining a research
problem. It is also important in the process to avoid duplication of previous research
works. Furthermore, it offers theoretical and conceptual frameworks about the
research topic.
3. Formulation of the Statement of the Problem (or Statement of the Objective, as the
case may be), determination of research purpose, research questions and hypotheses
(if there are any). Having decided on the research topic and having formulated the
research problem, the next step is to state this into research questions. The research
questions clarify the purpose of your research study and determine the bounds or
scope of what will be studied. Specifically, the set of research questions suggests
information or data that are needed, and the methodological approaches so that the
main problem could be answer. The research question sets the research method to be
used.

8. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
4. Formulation of the research design. After formulating the research problem and
research questions, the researcher’s next work is to plan systematically how to solve
the research problem. A research design defines the preceding conditions for the
collection and analysis of data in a relevant manner and will best resolve the issues
regarding the research purpose. The research design must be based on research
method to be used.
5. Data Collection and Analysis. This part describes the activities that you need to
undertake to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret needed data. The method
involving data analysis depends on the research design of the study

9. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
6. Reporting of the results and findings of the study. This part of the process presents
and interpolate the answers to the formulated research question. Technically,
questions are stated in declarative form. Each question is then followed by the answer,
to which implications, conclusions, and recommendations are to be based.
7. Dissemination of the results and findings of the study. Research results are shared
and disseminated by joining various fora like In-house reviews, research
presentations, and by way of publication