PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE

OF AERONAUTICS

Dr. Leonardo C. Medina, Jr.

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
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 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
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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
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 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
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 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
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market study
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 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
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 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
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company
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 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)
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 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
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 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
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