BACC 005-Business Research/ PCOA 017-Accounting Research Methods

MODULE 1 – NATURE OF BUSINESS RESEARCH

2. Importance of research
The research's primary or principal purpose and goal is “the preservation and
improvement of the quality of human life,” and all kinds of research are directed
towards this end. The purpose of the research is to serve man,
Specifically, research help:
1. To discover new facts about known phenomena.
Ex: Alcohol is a known phenomenon, and research may turn it into a fuel equal in
quality to gasoline.

2. To find answers to problems that are only partially solved by existing methods and
information.
Ex: Cancer is a serious disease that is only partially cured by present methods,
but due to intensive and continuous research, the condition may be eradicated
later on.

3. Discover pathways of action of known substances and elements.

Ex: Due to research, we know the dangers of the abusive use of unprescribed
drugs and some poisonous substances.

4. To order-related, valid generalizations into systematized science.

Ex: The result of this purpose of the research is the science we are now studying
in school.

5. To provide a basis for decision-making in business, industry, education, government, and

other undertakings. One approach in decision-making is the research approach (This is
basing important decisions upon the results of research)

6. To satisfy the researcher’s curiosity.

Ex: Edison was curious about how a hen hatched her eggs and researched that,
and he invented the incubator.

7. To provide man with more of his basic needs – more and better food, clothing, shelter,
etc.

8. To make work, travel, and communication faster, more relaxed, and more comfortable.
Ex: Due to research, airplanes are made to fly faster, land vehicles to run faster,
labor-saving machines have been invented and improved, the radio and
The module is for the exclusive use of the University of La Salette, Inc. Any form of reproduction, distribution, uploading, or
posting online in any form or by any means without the written permission of the University is strictly prohibited. 1
 BACC 005-Business Research/ PCOA 017-Accounting Research Methods

television bring news immediately to the remote areas, and more wonders of
electricity are making life easier and better.

3. Types of Research
There are different ways of classifying research:
1. As to who undertakes research

a. Academic research

b. Research project
Academic research is one conducted by an individual in fulfilling the requirements for
the conferment of an academic title or degree. Baby theses, master’s theses, feasibility
studies, and doctoral dissertations fall under this type of research.
A research project is a type of research undertaken by an individual or group of
individuals as part of their professional work or assignment. Example: A market
researcher surveying the preference of homemakers for a particular brand of soap.
2. As to who makes the final use or application of the research results:

a. Pure/theoretical
b. Applied/practical
Pure or theoretical is one done to formulate a theory, principle, or law, with no
intended application of results. Research, in this case, is undertaken to gain
knowledge for knowledge’s sake.
Applied research is simply an inquiry to test or evaluate a theory of knowledge to
solve problems for useful ends.
When methodology or research design is used as a basis for categorizing research,
research can take ant of the following types:
 Descriptive Research- this type of research seeks to systematically describe a situation,
problem, or phenomenon, factually, accurately, and objectively. It aims to explain what is.

Ex: A business student assessing the work values of a group of rank-and-file employees in
one company.
 Correlational Research- In this type of research, the researcher tries to probe the
significance of the relationship between two or more factors or characteristics.

The module is for the exclusive use of the University of La Salette, Inc. Any form of reproduction, distribution, uploading, or
posting online in any form or by any means without the written permission of the University is strictly prohibited. 2
 BACC 005-Business Research/ PCOA 017-Accounting Research Methods

Ex: A researcher who undertakes a study to determine the significance of the association
between job performance and commitment.
 Explanatory Research- In this type of inquiry, the researcher seeks to clarify why and
how a relationship exists between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon.

Ex: A researcher seeks to find why job stress contributes to burnout or why low morale can
lead to lower productivity among employees.
 Exploratory Research- this kind of study is undertaken when the investigator is after
probing or exploring areas where little is known about the research problem.

Ex: Feasibility study and pilot studies

 Experimental Research- This type of research probes into the cause of an effect by
exposing one or more experimental groups to treatments or conditions.

Ex: When a professor determines the effectiveness of a learning module or packet to raise
his students' performance.

 Ex-post Facto or Causal-Comparative Research- Research of this type is when the

investigator delves into analyzing the possible effect of a factor that cannot be
manipulated and controlled.

Ex: A guidance counselor who is after singling out the variables associated with failing
marks.
Health Science student who is interested in the incidence of lung cancer among heavy
smokers.
 Historical Research- In historical research, the researcher attempts to reconstruct the
past objectively and accurately or explain an incident that happened using data taken
from the past.

Ex: A researcher would like to determine why the Filipino elite collaborated with the American
imperialists during the American Regime.
 Ethnographic Research- This type of research is done when the researcher explains or
describes a phenomenon holistically, using multiple data collection techniques.

Ex: Topics like law culture and graduate students of Jose Rizal University and accounting
teaching in selected business administration schools in Region II lend themselves to this
research methodology.
The module is for the exclusive use of the University of La Salette, Inc. Any form of reproduction, distribution, uploading, or
posting online in any form or by any means without the written permission of the University is strictly prohibited. 3
 BACC 005-Business Research/ PCOA 017-Accounting Research Methods

4. Characteristics of Research
The Characteristics of the research are as follows:
1. Research is systematic. The investigation follows a very organized and sequential
procedure to discover new things in the body or solve problems.

2. Research is controlled. All variables in the study are constant except those that are being
tested.

3. Research is empirical. All the procedures employed and the data gathered are perceived
in the same manner by all observers.

4. Research is analytical. All the data gathered should be analyzed, presented, and
interpreted.

5. Research is objective, unbiased, and logical. All the findings and conclusions are logically
based on empirical data.

6. The research employs a hypothesis. All experimental research requires suggestion that
needs to be tested while the descriptive study does not explain; however, provide an
assumption from specific questions answered in the conclusion part.

7. The research employs qualitative or statistical methods. Data are transformed into
numerical measures and are treated statistically to determine their level of significance or
usefulness.

8. Research is an original work. All data gathered should be coming from primary sources
only or first-hand sources, except for historical research.

9. An expert does research. Research done by experts means data collected is valid,
carefully designed, and used correct research instruments.

10. Research is a patient and unhurried activity. Research work hastily done produces shaky
results and incorrect findings.

11. Research requires an effort-making capacity. Research requires much work, time,
human, and money.

12. Research requires courage. Researchers, at times, encounter difficulties in the process.
He/she may experience disapproval, sleepless nights, embarrassment, and frustrations.
Despite these, the researcher needs to be brave and persistent in pursuing the effort that
has been started.
5. Sources of Research Topic

The module is for the exclusive use of the University of La Salette, Inc. Any form of reproduction, distribution, uploading, or
posting online in any form or by any means without the written permission of the University is strictly prohibited. 4
 BACC 005-Business Research/ PCOA 017-Accounting Research Methods

The identification of the research topic is the beginning activity of the research process.
The topic must be identified with specificity. The following sources of topics will guide you in
preparing yourself in crafting your research title.
1. Own interest and observations. Our interests and views will eventually help us in crafting
our problem. Our attention is so because they can point directions to our research and
sustain the study.

2. Pressing problem needing a solution. In the workplace, school, community, we are

confronted with issues or difficulties that require an immediate resolution. These
difficulties need to be addressed and become a potential source of a research problem.

3. Other investigator’s theories and research. One of the most important things about
research is that it raises more questions than its answers. These new questions can also
serve as a starting point for future research.

4. Literature is one’s field of specialization. Books and research journals in your area of
expertise can be a potential source of the research topic.

5. Completed theses and dissertations. This completed research is also a good source of the
research problem. Studies typically suggest topics for future researchers, particularly
under the recommendation section of their work.

6. Suggestions from colleagues and professors. Your friends and peers who have researched
a particular discipline can suggest problematic issues that need immediate attention,
which is a possible or potential source of your research problem.

The module is for the exclusive use of the University of La Salette, Inc. Any form of reproduction, distribution, uploading, or
posting online in any form or by any means without the written permission of the University is strictly prohibited. 5