Professorial Lecturer Institute of Graduate Studies RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND SCIENTIFIC WRITING
Second Trimester AY 2011-2012
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. Dean, College of Engineering Lyceum of the Philippines University 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 3 Research -searching for a theory, for testing theory, or for solving a problem -the continuous discovery and exploration of the unknown -a systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering questions posed by the researcher
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Research is either basic or applied Basic research -seeks to contribute to knowledge through the development of a theory or concept Applied research -seeks to provide solutions to problems through the development and evaluation of processes, policies, and other activities that require specific courses of action 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 5 Scientific Research -a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena Business Research -a systematic process of answering a question or a problem, involving the methodical formulation of a theoretical framework and methodology; collection, analysis, and interpretation of pertinent data; and presentation of recommendations from which courses of action can be taken 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 6 Purpose of research -to answer a specific question, to solve a particular controversy or issue Objectives of research -to seek new knowledge -to provide useful information in the form of verifiable data
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Methods of research 1. historical 2. case and clinical studies 3. descriptive 4. experimental Techniques of research 1. questionnaire 2. observation 3. interview
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Major steps in Research 1. Identification of research problem 2. Formulation of research problem and objectives 3. Development of the theoretical framework 4. Designing of the research methodology 5. Collection, analysis, and interpretation of data 6. Presentation of conclusions and recommendations 7. Taking course of action 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 9 Common Types of Business Research 1. Feasibility Study Purpose-determines the viability of product/service/project which is not yet operational Scope-usually covers one project/ service and looks at the marketing, production, management, legal, and financial aspects Respondent-selected through sampling. This is done for the 8/8/2011 market study Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 10 Analysis-percentage, regression, ratios, t-test, z-test, or chi-square test 2. Industry Study Purpose-analyzes the past and present performance of companies and predicts the future of the firms in the industry Scope-covers one industry and looks at the marketing, production, management, and financial aspects. It also looks into legislations affecting the industry 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 11 Respondent-selected either through total enumeration or sampling of firms within the industry Analysis-frequency, percentage, time- series, ratios, regression 3. Corporate Strategy Purpose-aims to propose strategies to improve company performance
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Scope-covers one firm and looks at a combination or all of the functional areas Respondent-key informants Analysis-content analysis, percentage, frequency 4. Case Study Purpose-describes/explores patterns or events in an in-depth manner Scope-covers a particular topic of interest of a person or 8/8/2011 company Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 13 Respondent-key informants Analysis-content analysis, frequency, percentage 5. Other Types of Applied Research Purpose-objectives can be descriptive, correlative, comparative, to offer solutions or expand knowledge Scope-depends on the objective of the study Respondents-selected either through total enumeration or sampling (not applicable if purpose is for theory development) 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 14 Analysis-parametric, non-parametric statistics 6. Basic Research Purpose-aims to develop a theory or concept Scope-covers one specific theory or concept or a group of related theories and concepts Analysis-mathematical modeling, econometric techniques
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A problem exists when 1. there is an absence of information resulting in a gap in our knowledge 2. there are no contradictory results 3. a fact exists and you intend to make your study explain it Sources of a problem for investigation are the following: 1. experiences and observations 2. the vast amount of literature in your own field 3. courses that you have taken 4. journals, books, magazines or abstracts 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 16 5. theses and dissertations 6. your professors and your classmates Characteristics of a good problem are: 1. the topic should be of great interest to you 2. it should be useful for the concerned people in a particular field 3. it should be novel 4. it should lend itself to complex designing 5. it should be completed in the allotted time desired 6. it should not carry ethical or moral impediments 8/8/2011 Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr. 17