LESSON 2: The Characteristics, Processes, and Ethics of Research

Research is a process of gathering, analyzing and interpreting information to answer questions. A good
research follows processes that must have certain characteristic. It must be systematic, controlled, rigorous, valid and
verifiable, empirical and critical. To avoid unethical practices researchers had obligations to adhere professional
standards in conducting research. Thus to consider a research writing ethical it must be clear, accurate, just and
authentic.
In the previous lessons, you learned the meaning of research and its importance in your daily life. Research is
different from inquiry. When you inquire or investigate, you tend to ask questions to probe or examine something to
request for truth, information, or knowledge. The importance of research helps improved life as well as finding a solution
to problems through reliable and validated information.

I. 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

II. The Seven Steps of the Research Process

Step 1. Define and develop your topic (Research Problem).

 Factors to Consider in Selecting a Research Problem

1. Researcher‘s area of interest
2. Availability of funds
3. Investigator‘s ability and training
Step 2. Find background information about your chosen topic (Review of Related Literature).
Step 3. Plan your research design including your sample (Methodology).
Step 4. Gather necessary data using open ended questions (for qualitative research) and closed-ended questionnaire or
paper pencil test questionnaire (for quantitative research) (Data Gathering Activities).
Step 5. Process and analyse data using thematic analysis (for qualitative research) and statistical tools (for quantitative
research).
Step 6. Formulate new insights gained (for qualitative research) conclusions (for quantitative research) and
recommendations.
Step 7. Define new problem.

III. Ethics in Research

Research ethics are guidelines for the responsible conduct of research which educates and monitors researchers to
ensure high standard. It promotes the aim of research, such as expanding knowledge and supports the values required
for collaborative work, such as mutual respect and fairness.

 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

What are these ethics in research?

1. Informed Consent.This is required to secure in order protect the rights of the participants in your study. Inform your
participants about the criteria set for choosing them as informants and the schedule of one-on-one interview at the
convenient time they are available. Participation to the study will be completely voluntary.
2. Honesty.It report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify and
misrepresent the data.
3. Objectivity.Avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions,
grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of research.
4. Integrity.Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought and action.
5. Carefulness.Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your work and the work of peers.
Keep good records of research activities.
6. Openness. Share data, results, ideas, tools and resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
7. Respect for Intellectual Property. Honour patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other forms of intellectual
property. Do not use published or unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give credit where credit is
due. Never plagiarize, fabricate and falsify.
8. Confidentiality. Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for publication, personnel
records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.
9. Responsible Mentoring. Help to educate, mentor, and advise others. Promote their welfare and allow them to make
their own decisions.
10. Responsible Publication. Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance your own career.
Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.
11. Respect for Colleagues. Respect your colleagues’ opinion, treat them fairly and do not outsmart others.
12. Social responsibility. Strive to promote social acceptance and prevent or mitigate social harms through research,
public education, and advocacy.
13. Non-discrimination. Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or other
factors that are not related to their scientific competence and integrity.
14. Competence. Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong education and
learning; take steps to promote competence in science as a whole.
15. Legality. Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and government policies.
16. Animal Care. Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct unnecessary
or poorly designed animal experiments.
17. Human Subjects protection. When conducting a research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and
maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and anonymity.

IV. Rights of Research Participants

1. Human Rights. They are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behaviour and are
regularly protected as natural and legal rights. They constitute a set of rights and duties necessary for the protection of
human dignity, inherent to all human beings.
2. Intellectual Property. It protects creations of the mind, which have both a moral and a commercial value.
3. Copyright Infringement. It is the use or production of copyright-protected material without permission of the copyright
holder. Copyright infringement means that the rights accorded to the copyright holder, such as the exclusive use of a
work for a set period of time, are breached by a third party
Examples:
a. Downloading movies and music without proper payment for use.
b. Recording movies in a theatre
c. Using others’ photographs for a blog without permission
d. Copying software code without giving proper credit
e. Creating videos with unlicensed music clips

4. Voluntary Participation. People must not be coerced into participating in research process. Essentially, this means
that prospective research participants must be informed about the procedures and risks involved in research and must
give their consent to participate.
5. Anonymity. It is the protection of people’s identity through not disclosing their name or not exposing their identity. It is
a situation in data gathering activities in which informant’s name is not given nor known.
6. Privacy. It is someone’s right to keep his personal matters and relationships secret. It is the ability of an individual to
seclude him from disturbance of any research activity.

V. Ethical Standards in Research Writing

Research Misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism. It doesn’t include honest error of differences of
opinion. It can erode trust between researchers and funding agencies, which make it more difficult for colleagues at the
same institution to receive grants.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism refers to the act of using another person’s ideas, works, processes, and results without giving due credit. It
should not be tolerated as the unauthorized use of original works, a violation of intellectual property rights.
Three different acts are considered plagiarism:
1. Failure to cite quotations and borrowed ideas,
2. Failure to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks, and.
3. Failure to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words.

Activity 1: Question and Answer

Directions: Answer the questions briefly. Write your answers on the space provided.
1. Why is research practical and realistic?
2. The first step of research process is to develop your topic or research problem. What is the importance of
considering those factors in selecting a research problem?
3. Explain briefly. Research starts with a problem and ends with a new problem.
4. What is the purpose of research ethics in doing research work?
5. A research can be replicated but not the findings. Why?

Activity 2: Discussion of Activity 1

You just learned the characteristics, processes and ethics of research.

1. As a researcher, you can play the role of a member of a research team, can you identify the processes involved in
conducting research and its characteristics? Enumerate those processes.

2. What are the various research ethics and rights of a research participant

ACTIVITY 3: Read and Analyze

Direction: Read the following articles below and answer the questions that follow. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

Ethics in Qualitative Research

Certain ethical challenges in qualitative research necessitate sustained attention of two interconnected worlds:
the world of the researcher and the world of the participant. A critical view of some of the ethical challenges in the
participants’ and researchers’ world reveals that how we examine both these worlds’ effects how we design our
research. In addition, it reflects the need for researchers to develop an ethical research vocabulary at the inception of
their research life through multiple modes. The modes may include dialogue in the spoken and written and visual to
affect their aims to adhere to the principles of respect, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice in a way that is
mutually beneficial to the participant and the researcher.
Further, the deliberations in this paper reveal that a critical conscious research ethics are embedded in the
unfolding research ethics process involving the participants and the researchers, and both the participant and
researcher add equal weight to the transparency of the ethical process and add value to building methodological and
ethical rigor to the research.
The global public health response to COVID-19 could be significantly enhanced by safe, effective vaccines and
treatments, reliable measures of correlates of immune protection, and improved scientific knowledge of the disease and
its transmission. It is widely agreed that vaccines would be particularly important, and over 100 candidate vaccines are
currently being developed . Well designed human challenge studies provide one of the most efficient and scientifically
powerful means for testing vaccines, especially because animal models are not adequately generalizable to humans.
 Challenge studies could thus be associated with substantial public health benefit in so far as they (a) accelerate
vaccine development, (b) increase the likelihood that the most effective (candidate) vaccines will ultimately become
available), (c) validate tests of immunity, and (d) improve knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission.

Questions:
1.Based on the article, how will you define ethics in research?
2.Are SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission study on humans rather than animal models unethical?
3.If you were a part of the research teams conducting such phenomenon, what will you do to correct the
unethical feature of the experiment?

ACTIVITY 4: Complete the sentence stem below. Write your answers on the SEPARATE SHAEET OF PAPER
(1WHOLE).

1. Research process is a step by step procedure that guides the researcher in conceptualizing and conducting the
research. These seven steps are

2. According to Sanchez (2002) research is a continuous undertaking of making known the unknown. This definition of
research leads to common characteristics of research. Can you elaborate further on this?

3. What are some of the ethical codes of research?

4. What are some tips to avoid plagiarism when one is conducting research?

ACTIVITY 5: Answer the following question and write your answers on a 1 WHOLE SHEET OF PAPER.

1. How do you characterize good research writing?

2. What is the importance of following the ethical standards in conducting a research?

ACTIVITY 6: Additional Activities

Look for a sample of local or foreign research in your own field of specialization (internet). Evaluate the research if it
follows the ethical practices in conducting research. Use one whole sheet of paper.

LESSON 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Research has two broad methodologies; qualitative research and quantitative research. Quantitative
and qualitative researches are complementary methods that you can combine in your research studies to get
results that are both wide-reaching and profound. To get the best results from these methods in your research,
it’s important that you understand the differences between them which you will study in this lesson.
In the previous lessons, you learned that research should be systematic, objective, feasible, empirical
and clear. These characteristics guide you in realizing the real nature of research following the processes as well
as the factors in selecting your general problem or topic. As a researcher you need to consider the ethics and
unethical practices in conducting research.

I. When to use Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

Quantitative data can help you see the big picture.
Qualitative data adds the details and can also give a human voice to your survey results.
 Concept Map showing the Designs of Research.

II. Difference: Qualitative Research versus Quantitative Research

Qualitative Quantitative
It aims to create new theory based on the The purpose is to test a hypothesis or theory.
gathered data. Measures problem using rating scale and other
Objective A fact-finding research used to gain research parameters of group
understanding of individual differences in similarities.
terms of feelings and experiences.
-natural setting -measurement setting

-making stories out of a certain -performs measures out of a certain phenomenon.

Data Description phenomenon. - Uses numbers, scales, hypotheses, calculations,
-Uses pictures, words, sentences, computations and statistics tools.
paragraphs, compositions, narrations and
short stories
Sample (size) Small judgment (by decision) sampling Large sample representatives of population
Data Gathering Unstructured or semi structured Standardized /Structured
(flexible processes)
Uses interviews, participant observation, Uses census, survey questionnaire, checklist, paper
group discussions. pencil test and experimentation.
Ex: Case Study, field research
Uses closed ended questions. This questions can only
Uses open ended questions. be answered by selecting from a limited number of
It is a freeform survey questions allow a options, usually “multiple-choice”, “yes or no”, or a
participant to answer in open-text format, rating scale
responses are unlimited to a set of
options.
Example:
Example: Guide questions Strongly agree to strongly
for the interviews disagree
1. What was your experiences In quantitative research closed ended questions are
during quarantine period on the COVID- the basis of all statistical analysis techniques applied
19 pandemic? How did you handle the on questionnaires and surveys.
situation caused by the pandemic?
2. Was the support of the National Sample Question:
and Local Government enough for your Do you agree on online modality class in transitioning
basic needs? Did they conduct evaluation the new normal of education?
for those who were affected? a. Strongly agree
b. Agree
c. Disagree
d. Strongly disagree
Inductive Deductive
The researcher starts with the Starts from a hypothesis or already created theory
Activities observations, an open mind without emphasizing the previously researched phenomenon
biases, gathering all exact details of the from different views (tested against observations).
topic and generalization or new theory is
given towards the end of the research
process.
Uses both inductive and deductive
They are not mutually exclusive with each other in research.
Inductive method or “bottom-up” is used if the researcher starts discussions from the lowest and
highest means then explains the overall mean.
Data discussions Deductive or “top-down “if discussion is from the overall mean going to the lowest and highest
and Presentation means, deductive.
Opinions are based on experience or Opinions are based on laws, rules, or other
observation. There are no criteria used in recognized principles.
data discussions.
Synthesize data, interpret, thematic. Statistical

Subjective Objective

Data Analysis Data analysis is influenced by the personal The researcher employs standard criteria in
experiences and views. analyzing data.
 Cultivates understanding with high validity. Endorse a development.
Has high output replicability.
There are no conclusions
Outcome formulated. Conclusion is formulated towards the end of the
research process.

III. Similarities: Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research

1. Both have the process of inquiry and investigation.

2. Both improve life and help us in understanding various issues of life and in giving solutions to our problems
3. Both start with a problem and end with a new problem.
4. Both use textual forms in analyzing and interpretation of data.
7. Both use inductive and deductive methods of presenting data.
Activity 1: Question and Answer
Directions: Answer the questions briefly. Write your answers in a separate sheet of paper. 1 WHOLE
1. How do you define the two designs of research: qualitative and quantitative?
2. What are the differences and similarities between these methods?

ACTIVITY 2: Discussion of Activity 1

You just learned to differentiate quantitative from qualitative research.

1. In one sentence, differentiate a quantitative research from qualitative research?

2. Tell whether the following statement is a quantitative research or qualitative research.
Explain your answer.
a. Prefer for statistical summary of results.
b. Prefer for narrative summary of results.

ACTIVITY 3: Direction: Using a Venn Diagram below, illustrate the differences and similarities between a quantitative
and qualitative method of research by filling in completely the Venn diagram presented in the next page.

One example is done for you to follow.

Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Similarities
Natural Dependent on
Setting Both are rigorous & statistical tool
uses textual form in
data analysis
ACTIVITY 4: Complete the box by filling out the missing description of qualitative or quantitative research. Use
one whole sheet of paper

Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

1. Dependent on statistical tools
Uses open-ended questions 2.
Inductive in data gathering activities. 3.
4. Results oriented and highly structured
Uses more flexible processes. 5.
6. Has high output replicability.
No conclusions formulated. 8.
9. Uses large sample size.
Data analysis is subjective. 10.

ACTIVITY 5: What do the figures below mean? Explain and write your answer below. Use on whole sheet of paper

Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Activity 6: Decide whether the following topics or research questions is qualitative or quantitative. Explain why and
what is your basis. Write your answers on the spaces provided.
1. Culinary Arts: Then and Now
2. How do the TVL students feel about their chosen strand?
3. What is the degree of satisfaction of students taking the different SHS?
Tracks?
4. The Why and How of Social Networking Use
5. The Level of Social Media Addiction among the Youth
Activity 7: Direction: Determine whether each word or group of words indicates Qualitative Research or Quantitative
Research.
1. Naturalistic
2.To validate the already constructed theory
3. Hypothesis
4. Multiple Methods
5. No criteria
6. Pure words, phrases, sentences, compositions and stories are used in data analysis
7. Open-Ended Questions
8. Highly-structured Research
9. Objective
10. Subjective

Activity 8: Modified Identification

Direction: For the following research titles, identify from which field it belongs to by choosing your answers from the box
below. Write only the letter as your answer on the space provided below each number. Copy and answer.

A. Science Research
B. Fisheries research
C. Information & Communication Technology Research
D. Arts Based Research
E. Business Research
F. Humanities Research
G. Agriculture Research
H. Sports Research
I. Mathematics Research
J. Social Science Research

_______1 Scouring: Habitat Destruction of Coral Reefs and other Marine Animals
_______2.The Role of Computers in Digital Health Indicators
_______3. Students’ Misconceptions in Calculus
_______4. Making Bricks Out of Paper Strips
_______5.The Influence of Sports Activities on Learners Efficiency in Academics
_______6. Financial Attitude and Practices of Teachers
_______7. Psychosocial Stress Management of Senior High School Students
_______8. Effect of Classroom Environment through Classroom Structuring
_______9. Effect of Green Leaves as Nitrogen Fertilizers on Growth of Selected Vegetables
_______10.Parenting Needs, Goals and Strategies for Single Parents

Lesson 4: The Kinds of Research Across Fields

Developing an interest in different kinds of research will help you look into something that affects your
personality or your life in some important way. If you are interested on a topic you are researching, you will enjoy
reading and learning about it. To define clearly the types of research in areas of interest you want to embark, focus
your scientific skills, your passion and ideas. It supports you to connect to your career path. The examples of
research in areas of interest will lead you to choose specific topic of your research study which you will be exploring
to create new knowledge.
In the previous lessons, you learned about research methods to be used in your particular field of study.
Whatever methods are used, there are many resources to support research, and any number of variations to the
basic methods. Choosing a method of research that is adaptable in your study as a learner guides you to start
making a decision on what topic you want to pursue.

I. Kinds of Research across Fields

Areas of Description Example of Studies
Interest
Arts-Based Personal expression in various art forms is 1.The Role of Arts in Student
Research use as a primary mode of inquiry Achievement in Reading
2.How Classroom Artistic
Structure Motivates Learning
Research in Deals with human culture such as 1 Values Education in the Public
Humanities philosophy, religion, literature, linguistics Schools: Practices and
and history Challenges
It includes ancient and modern languages,
human geography, laws, politics and other 2. Children In-Conflict with the
social sciences. Law: A Resolution and
Intervention
Sports Intended for athletes to endure their 1. Student Involvement in
Research health and wellness goals through proven
high quality products. Athletics and their Academic Performance

It helps the coaches and athletes to access 2.Sports and Fitness Support on Students in Public
information and apply it to develop Schools
programs and techniques in sports.

Science Discover laws, postulates theories that 1.Utilization of Garbage and other Waste
Research can explain natural or social phenomena. Resources as
Cleaning Materials
Applies systematic and constructed
scientific method to obtain, analyze and 2.Making of COVID -19 Cure out of Heat Transfer
interpret data.
A strong and testable hypothesis is the
fundamental part of the scientific
research.
Mathematics Provides mathematics mastery topics and 1.Student Difficulties in General Mathematics:
Research helps develops confidence and interest to Remediation and
solve more mathematical problems. Interventions
It may also assist to find new methods to 2.A Systemic Approach to Changing Classroom
simplify calculations. Practices for Enhancing Mathematics
Outcomes
Agriculture Improves productivity and quality of crops 1.Green Space in School: Social and Environment
Research irrigation, storage methods, effective farm Perspective
management and marketing of agricultural
resources. 2. Is Urban Gardening as a Source of Well-Being?
Agriculture is the backbone of the
economic system providing food, raw
material and employment opportunities.
Fisheries Increase the productivity and 1.Finding a Future: Sustaining
research management of fishery resources to Inland Fishery
provide food: protect and maintain
different bodies of water for sustainable 2.Fishing for Change: Fishery
supply of aquatic resources. Policy in the Philippines
Information Aim to adapt current technology 1.The Role of ICT in the New
and advancement which enhances Normal Education
Communication
 Technology development of resources.
(ICT) 2.Exploring the Interactive
Research Computer Simulation in Public
Schools
Business Acquire information in business to 1.Developing a Framework for
Research maximize the sales and profit. It aids Small Scale Business
business companies regulates which 2.Business Practices and Strategies of Small
product or service is most profitable or in Enterprises at Limketkai Mall
demand.
Social Science Finds solutions for human behavior 1.The Impact of COVID-19
Research gathering information about people and Pandemic on Employment
societies. Opportunities
2. Implementation of Enhanced
Community Quarantined in Low Risk Area of
Misamis.Oriental.

Activity 1: Question and Answer

Directions: Answer the questions briefly. Write your answers on the separate sheet of paper. 1 whole

1. What are those kinds of research across fields?

2. How do samples of research in different areas of interest help you in writing the research proposal?

Activity 2: Discussion of Activity 1

You just learned the kinds and samples of research in areas of interest. Answer the following questions on the
space provided.
1. What are your views in using the samples of the research papers presented previously in areas of your interest?
2. Can you write your qualitative research proposal through the use of such pattern from the sample research
paper?

Activity 3: Enrichment Activity

Direction: Compare and Contrast. Write in a separate sheet of paper.
Choose two researches from the different areas of interest like those in the field of arts, humanities, sports, science,
mathematics, business, agriculture, fisheries, ICT and social science. Be able to differentiate your chosen topics.
Highlight their similarities and differences.

Activity 4: Identify the specific area of interest for each given topic by writing the letter of each type in the correct
column. Likewise, below the letter representing your answer, write the importance of such research in your daily
life.

Arts-Based Humanities Science ICT Business

A. Digital Age
B. Child in Conflict with the Law
C. Classroom Environment
D. Herbal Medicines
E. Financial Management
Activity 5: Think of your own topic for research which you would like to work on. Keep in mind what you have
learned from this lesson to justify the specific research type for each chosen topic. Write your “top two” most
interesting topics below.
1)
2)

Prepared by

JEMAR M. BANDAJA, LPT

PR1 Teacher