Lesson The Characteristics, Processes, and

2 Ethics of Research

Research is a process of gathering, analysing 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.
.

(
What’s in?
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.

What’s New?

I. Characteristics of Research1

1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the

researcher.

1 For more information on this Characteristics of Research, see Calmorin,E.& Calmorin,A.

(2015).Research Methods and Thesis Writing. Retrieved from http:/www. https://www.rexestore.com/e-
books/
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.

___________________
For more information on this Seven Steps of the Research Process, see Abdullah, S.N.
(2018).Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint slides].Retrieved from
http://www.academia.edu./ppt

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 research2?

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.

2 For more information on this Ethics of Research, see Abdullah, S.N. (2018).Practical Research 1:
Qualitative Research [PowerPoint slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt
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?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

QUIZ 1
Assessment
Direction: Identify what characteristic of a researcher is being referred to in the
following statements. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. An experience researcher should impart knowledge to his or her students.

a. Responsible Publication
b. Non-discrimination
c. Respect for colleagues
d. Social Responsibility
2. The researcher should ensure that the participants will not be adversely affected by
the research and its results.
a. Care
b. Human subjects protection
c. Respect for colleagues
d. Social Responsibility.
3. Any participants to any research activity must not be forced to take part in the
study.
a. Voluntary participation
b. Informed consent
c. Risk of harm
d. Social responsibility
4. When a paper is already submitted to a publication, no submission to another
should be done.
a. Objectivity
b. Legality
c. Care
d. Responsible Publication
5. The researcher should be fully equipped with research skills when conducting the
study.
a. Confidentiality
b. Competence
c. Legality
d. Openness
6. All the data to be reported should include all facts and accuracy.
a. Honesty
b. Objectivity
c. Competence
d. Care
7. Whatever agreed upon by the participants must be actualized.
e. Integrity
f. Legality
g. Social Responsibility
h. Responsible Publication
8. The researchers should accept all comments and considerations.
a. Openness
b. Respect for intellectual property
c. Non-discrimination
d. Responsible mentoring
9. Informed consent for a participant is best exemplified in which of the following
actions?
a. Talking to him or her privately
b. Surprising him or her with a questionnaire
c. Writing him or her a letter
d. Using a padrino system
10. Confidentiality of a participant is best exemplified in which of the following
actions?
a. Asking the participant to write his or her name in the questionnaire
b. Not mentioning his or her name in the Participants of the study section
c. Introducing himself or herself in an interview
d. Taking his or her picture

Practical Research 1-Pre/Post Test. Retrieved from http:/www.academia.edu.co/preposttest

Lesson Quantitative and Qualitative

3 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.

( What’s in?
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.
 What’s New?

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.
II. Difference: Qualitative Research versus Quantitative Research2

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

-Uses pictures, words, - Uses numbers, scales,

sentences, paragraphs, hypotheses, calculations,
compositions, narrations and computations and statistics
short stories tools.

Sample (size) Small judgment (by decision) Large sample representatives

sampling of population
Data Gathering Unstructured or semi structured Standardized /Structured
(flexible processes)
Uses census, survey
Uses interviews, participant questionnaire, checklist,
observation, group discussions. paperpencil test and
Ex: Case Study, field research experimentation.

Uses open ended questions. Uses closed ended questions.

It is a freeform survey questions This questions can only be
allow a participant to answer in answered by selecting from a
open-text format, responses are limited number of options,
unlimited to a set of options. usually “multiple-choice”, “yes
or no”, or a rating scale

Example: Example:
Guide questions for the Strongly agree to strongly
interviews disagree
In quantitative research closed
1. What was your ended questions are the basis
experiences during quarantine of all statistical analysis
period on the COVID-19 techniques applied on
pandemic? How did you questionnaires and surveys.
handle the situation caused by
the pandemic? Sample Question:
2. Was the support of the Do you agree on online
National and Local modality class in transitioning
Government enough for your the new normal of education?
basic needs? Did they conduct a. Strongly agree
 evaluation for those who were b. Agree
affected? c. Disagree
d. Strongly disagree

Inductive Deductive
The researcher starts with the Starts from a hypothesis or
Activities observations, an open mind already created theory
without biases, gathering all emphasizing the previously
exact details of the topic and researched phenomenon from
generalization or new theory is different views (tested against
given towards the end of the observations).
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

Data discussions discussions from the lowest and highest means then explains the
and Presentation overall mean.

Deductive or “top-down “if discussion is from the overall mean

going to the lowest and highest means, deductive.
Opinions are based on Opinions are based on laws,
experience or observation. rules, or other recognized
There are no criteria used in principles.
data discussions.
Synthesize data, interpret, Statistical
thematic.

Subjective Objective
Data Analysis
Data analysis is influenced by The researcher employs
the personal experiences and standard criteria in analyzing
views. data.

Cultivates understanding with Endorse a development.

high validity. Has high output replicability.
Outcome
There are no Conclusion is formulated towards
conclusions formulated. the end of the research process.
___________________ 1
For more information on these Designs of Research, see Abdullah, S.N. (2018).Practical Research
1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt
2
For more information on “Differentiate Qualitative and Quantitative Research”, see Abdullah, S.N.
(2018).Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint
slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

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.

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
 What I have learned

Complete the box by filling out the missing description of qualitative or quantitative
research.
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.

QUIZ 2

Assessment
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

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.

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
The Kinds of Research Across
4 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.

( What’s in?
Review
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.

What’s New?

I. Kinds of Research across Fields

Areas of Description Example of Studies

Interest
Arts-Based Personal expression in various 1.The Role of Arts in Student
Research art forms is use as a primary Achievement in Reading
mode of inquiry
2.How Classroom Artistic
Structure Motivates Learning

Research in Deals with human culture such 1 Values Education in the Public
Humanities as philosophy, religion, Schools: Practices and
literature, linguistics and history Challenges

It includes ancient and modern 2. Children In-Conflict with the

languages, human geography, Law: A Resolution and
laws, politics and other social Intervention
sciences.

Sports Research Intended for athletes to endure 1. Student Involvement in

their health and wellness goals Athletics and their Academic
through proven high quality Performance
products.
2.Sports and Fitness Support on
It helps the coaches and Students in Public Schools
athletes to access information
and apply it to develop
programs and techniques in
sports.

Science Discover laws, postulates 1.Utilization of Garbage and

Research theories that can explain other Waste Resources as
natural or social phenomena. Cleaning Materials

Applies systematic and 2.Making of COVID -19 Cure out

constructed scientific method to of Heat Transfer
obtain, analyze and interpret
data.
 A strong and testable
hypothesis is the fundamental
part of the scientific research.

Provides mathematics mastery 1.Student Difficulties in General

topics and helps develops Mathematics: Remediation and
Mathematics confidence and interest to solve Interventions
Research more mathematical problems.

It may also assist to find new 2.A Systemic Approach to

methods to simplify Changing Classroom Practices
calculations. for Enhancing Mathematics
Outcomes

Agriculture Improves productivity and 1.Green Space in School: Social

Research quality of crops irrigation, and Environment Perspective
storage methods, effective farm
management and marketing of 2. Is Urban Gardening as a
agricultural resources. 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 Inland Fishery
resources to 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 and Aim to adapt current technology 1.The Role of ICT in the New
Communication advancement which enhances Normal Education
Technology (ICT) development of resources.
Research 2.Exploring the Interactive
Computer Simulation in Public
Schools

Business Acquire information in business 1.Developing a Framework for

Research to maximize the sales and Small Scale Business
profit. It aids business
companies regulates which 2.Business Practices and
product or service is most Strategies of Small Enterprises
profitable or in demand. at Limketkai Mall

Social Science Finds solutions for human 1.The Impact of COVID-19

Research behavior gathering information Pandemic on Employment
about people and societies. Opportunities

2. Implementation of Enhanced
Community Quarantined in Low
Risk Area of Misamis.Oriental.

QUIZ 3
Assessment

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.

K. Science Research

L. Fisheries research

M. Information & Communication Technology Research

N. Arts Based Research

O. Business Research

P. Humanities Research

Q. Agriculture Research

R. Sports Research

S. Mathematics Research

T. Social Science Research

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