Problems are an inherent part of human existence and no society has ever existed without difficulties. Research is a systematic process of investigating problems to discover facts and solutions. It involves carefully gathering and analyzing data to validate theories or solve problems. The goals of research are to attain new knowledge, develop general principles, and improve conditions through objective and comprehensive investigation of phenomena. Research can be basic, aimed at developing theory, or applied, aimed at solving practical problems. It plays an important role in development by informing problem analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

1. NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF
RESEARCH
By:
Maria Jezza Ledesma

2. Problems are one
feature of human
existence.
No man has ever been
born and gone through
life without having
suffered from
discomfort, difficulties
and anxieties.
No societies has ever existed without having
experienced turmoil and upheavals wrought by
natural calamities and by natural calamities and by
the conflicting values and interests of its members or
of other social groups.

3. The media reported on problems which rocked and
unsettled not only countries which are economically
poor but even those which boast of material
affluence:
• Poverty, food insufficiency, unemployment,
diseases, immorality, graft and corruption, racial
discrimination, rebellion, war and bloody struggle
for power and dominance.
Some developing countries are experiencing
unprecedented development which resulted to
the growth of cities, modern technology, the
information explosion, and the emerging middle
class which both fed and fed upon the economic
boom.

4. Whenever and wherever
problems occur the natural
reaction of people is to look for
solutions which are not only
effective but which can be
acquired and used as fast as
possible.
Such solutions cannot be
arrived at on the bases of mere
beliefs, guesses, theories or
wishful thinking.
They must be based on knowledge. But to
acquire knowledge and to continuously
evaluate its accuracy, usefulness and
effectiveness require a well-planned and
systematic procedure.
Research is a tool has
been devised to meet this
end.

5. Research is defined as a careful, systematic study in a
field of knowledge that is undertaken to discover or
establish facts or principles.
It is also defined as a systematic process of collecting
and analyzing data to find an answer to a question or
a solution to a problem, to validate or test an
existing theory.
The word research or re-search implies that the
person has “to search again, to take another more
careful look, to find out more” (Selltiz and others,
1976). This is to be done because what one already
knows may not be enough, misleading or totally
wrong.
THE MEANING OF RESEARCH

6. According to well-known Filipino anthropologist F.
Landa Jocano, research is an activity which is
meant to acquire better knowledge by “relearning
what we already know through systematic
observation and experimentation.”
• He also referred to it as “acquiring new
knowledge or perspective by synthesizing into
new forms the otherwise disparate elements in
the materials being examined.”

7. Kerlinger (1986) defines research as “systematic, controlled,
empirical and critical investigation of natural phenomena
guided by theory and hypotheses about the presumed
relations among such phenomena.”
Best and Kahn (1989) gave additional dimension to the
definition by stating that research is a “systematic and
objective analysis and recording of controlled observations
that may lead to the development of generalizations,
principles or theories resulting in prediction and possibly
ultimate control of events.”
A more basic and all inclusive definition of research is hereby
suggested:
• “Research is a systematic, objective and comprehensive
investigation of certain phenomenon which involves
accurate gathering and recording, and critical analyses and
interpretation of all facts about the phenomenon for
theoretical or practical ends.”

8. From this definition, it is clear that the ultimate goal of
research is to attain or to establish facts about the
phenomenon being investigated. The means by which
these facts will be attained are also explicit, systematic,
objective and comprehensive investigation, accurate
gathering, recording and critical analyses of data and
interpretation of facts.
Guesswork, haphazard procedure and subjective
disposition have no place in the research process.
(Ardales, 2001)

9. CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
Research is directed toward the solution of
the problem.
Research emphasizes the development of generalizations,
principles or theories that will be helpful in predicting future
occurrence.
Research is based upon observable
experience or empirical evidence.
Research demands accurate observation and
description.
Research involves gathering new data from primary or
firsthand sources using existing data for a new purpose.

10. Although research activity may at times be somewhat random
and unsystematic, it is more often characterized by carefully
designed procedures that apply rigorous analysis.
Research requires expertise.
Research tries to be objective and logical, applying every
possible test to validate the procedures employed, the data
collected, and the conclusions reached.
Research involves the quest for answers to
unsolved problems.
Research is characterized by patience and
unhurried activity.

11. Research is carefully recorded and reported.
Research sometimes requires courage.

12. MAJOR TYPES OF RESEARCH
Basic Research
• Is the type of research which is conducted for the sake of
knowing.
• It is also known as theoretical research to address theoretical
issues concerning phenomena such as cognition, emotion,
motivation or social behavior.
• Its main objective is to test or arrive at a theory with ultimate goal
of establishing general principles (Fox, 1969).
• Attempts to describe an existing situation and/or explain certain
patterns of behavior using either qualitative o quantitative
research techniques
• The goal is to offer better descriptions and better explanations of
human behavior.

13. Applied Research
• Is to be undertaken when the purpose is to obtain knowledge for
practical application or useful ends, thus, it is also known as
practical research.
• In this type of research, the intention is not just to acquire
knowledge but to use that knowledge to solve problems or
improve the prevailing condition which in its present state is
unsatisfactory, or may be satisfactory but which has still room for
betterment.
• According to Gay (1976), the purpose of applied research is to
apply, test and evaluate the usefulness of a theory or knowledge
arrived at in solving problems.
• Aims to see immediate solution to a problem.

14. Both the basic and applied types of
research are important.
While researches that have immediate practical applications
are attractive, those which are designed to test or construct
theories and those which are meant to validate, correct or
elaborate and expand what have been already known are
important too.

15. FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH
Research corrects perceptions as well as expands
them.
Research gathers information on subjects or
phenomena we lack or have little knowledge about.
Research develops and evaluates concepts, practices
and theories.
Research also develops and evaluates methods that
test concepts, practices and theories.
Research obtains knowledge for practical purposes
like solving problems on population explosion, drug
addiction, juvenile delinquency and the like.
Research provides hard facts which serve as bases for
planning, decision-making, project implementation,
monitoring and evaluation.

16. THE ROLE OF RESEARCH IN IMPROVING
OUR QUALITY OF LIFE
RESEARCH
NEW
KNOWLEDGE
NEW SKILLS/
PRACTICES/
BEHAVIORS
NEW
TECHNOLOGY
NEW TOOLS/
DEVICES/
APPROACHES
IMPROVED
CONDITION/
WELFARE

17. THE ROLE OF RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENT
Research is needed in describing and
analyzing existing social or economic
problems or conditions.
Research data are important inputs to planning and in
designing a program/project/activity intended to address
an existing problem.
Data on the background and needs of target clients of a
proposed program/project are needed in the
preparation of the intervention.

18. Program managers or project implementers should
continue collecting, analyzing and using relevant data to
determine if, or to make sure that a project/program is
being implemented as planned.
Project implementation should be closely monitored to check
progress and quality of implementation. Monitoring requires
accurate information about the status of project
implementation including rate of completion, financial
standing, and quality of performance (inputs and outputs).
Upon completion of a project, its
performance or impact needs to be
evaluated.