RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
NATURE OF INQUIRY
Inquiry is defined as “a seeking for truth, information or knowledge”. The information
is sought through questioning. Individuals carry on the process of inquiry from birth till
death. The process of inquiry begins with gathering information and data through applying
various human senses.
The exploratory nature of inquiry allows individuals, particularly students grappling
with different ways of looking at ideas and issues to think creatively about problems that
do not possess simple answers.
Elements of Inquiry- Based Process
1. Selection of appropriate questions
2. Formulation of appropriate questions
3. Identification of key questions
4. Search for valid and relevant evidence
5. Interpretation and assessment of evidence
6. Application of evidence to identified issue
7. Presentation of coherent, conclusion, final or tentative
8. Reflection on, and assessment of the learning process
What is Research?
Research is a systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish
facts and reach new conclusions. It is also an act of studying something carefully and
extensively in order to attain deep knowledge. When done on a larger scale, research
contributes to the welfare of humanity. It can be creative, exploring or just reassuring in
nature.
Why do Research?
One does research because the process will make you become confident in your
ability to find information and present it effectively in varied ways. If you desire to become
a competent researcher, you need to gain an understanding of the various stages of the
research process. Dong research is anchored on an experiential learning approach where
you will fuse and build principles with real- life experiences.
IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH IN DAILY LIFE
The Role of Research
Our everyday life has always been punctuated by exciting adventures, challenging
situations and surprising discoveries. When confronted with doubts and problems, you
turn to finding out what could be the possible answers and solutions for them. Research
leads an expansion of knowledge and discoveries. Its effects have led a breakthrough in the
research process.
The Significance of Research
Research is undertaken because of some importance it has and does for individuals and the
society. Reasons for its significance are given as follows:
1. To gather necessary information
2. To improve standard of living
3. To have a safer life
4. To know the truth
5. To explore our history
6. To understand arts.
CHARACTERISTICS, PROCESSES AND ETHICS OF
RESEARCH
Characteristics of Research
Following the major definition of research as the scientific investigation of
phenomena which includes collection, presentation, and analysis and interpretation of
facts, strict adherence to ethical standards in planning and conducting in both qualitative
and quantitative research is most important.
The following are the major characteristics of research:
1. Empirical – Research is based on observations and experimentation of theories. It
takes into account the direct experiences that fuse the researcher’s speculation with
reality. Most researches are based on real – life situations.
2. Systematic – Research follows orderly and sequential procedures, based on valid
procedures and principles. Researchers are advised to refer to the research
guidelines provided or prescribed by the school.
3. Controlled – In research, all variables, except those that are tested/experimented
on, are kept constant.
4. Employs hypothesis – The hypothesis guides the investigation process. Research
refers to a search for facts, answers to questions and solutions to problems.
5. Analytical – There is a critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in
the researcher’s interpretations.
6. Objective – The term also refers to the research as unbiased and logical. All findings
are logically based on empirical data, which as earlier mentioned, are based on real
life situations.
7. Original work – It requires more effort to get at the researcher’s own investigation
and produce that data needed to complete the study. Go to the library to check on
the originality of your work.
Other Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Studies under qualitative research have certain characteristics in common that make
them different from quantitative research. Some of these are:
1. Concern for Context and Meaning
Qualitative research is bounded by a particular context which the research aims to
study. Since it is context bound, the human experience takes its meaning from social,
historical, political, and cultural influences.
2. Naturally Occurring Settings
Qualitative Research studies behaviour as it happens naturally in a school,
classroom, community or an organization. It is based on the premise that setting affects
the findings.
3. Humans as Instruments
The researcher is the primary instrument for gathering and for analyzing data.
He/she responds to the need for capturing the complexity of human experience, as well
as in adapting and responding to the environment. Only a human being can do the field
work methods such as the interview, observation and documentary analysis.
4. Descriptive Data
Data used in qualitative studies are in the form of words or pictures or other visuals
rather than numbers and statistics. The participants, experiences, and perspectives called
from varied types of documents enable the researcher to present a holistic description of
the subject/s of the study.
5. Emergent Design
In qualitative research, the design cannot be finalized at the onset because the
researcher continues to adjust his/her methods and ways of proceeding as the study
progresses. It is also difficult to predict what may happen during the actual interactions
between the researcher and the participants.
Research Process
This is a diagrammatic presentation of the steps taken when doing a research.
Research is expected to be organized which is shown when it utilizes a planned procedure
because there is a structure or method in going about doing research. It is also systematic
when there is a definite set of procedures and steps which you will follow. Finding answers
is the end of all research; otherwise, the research may not be successful.
Ethics in Research
Ethics refers to norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and
unacceptable behavior. These are direct networks among people because they recognize
some common ethical norms but interpret, apply, and balance them in different ways in the
light of their own values and experiences (Resmik, 2015).
Functions of Ethics
Ethics as important component in research writing shows the following functions:
1. Norms promote the aims of research such as knowledge, truth and evidence of
error.
2. Ethical standards promote the values that are essential to collaborative work such
as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness.
3. Ethical norms ensure that researchers can be held accountable to the public.
4. Ethical norms in research, is research that helps build public support quality and
integrity of research.
Some Ethical Principles
Enumerated below are words and phrases that correspond to principles on which
actions exhibited while doing research are anchored on.
1. Honesty
Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honestly report data,
results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or
misrepresent data. Do not deceive colleagues, research sponsors, or the public.
2. Objectivity
Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation,
peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects
of research where objectivity is expected or required. Avoid or minimize bias or
self-deception. Disclose personal or financial interests that may affect research.
3. Integrity
Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for
consistency of thought and action.
4. Carefulness
Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your
own work and the work of your peers. Keep good records of research activities,
such as data collection, research design, and correspondence with agencies or
journals.
5. Openness
Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property
Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use
unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give proper
acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to research. Never plagiarize.
7. Confidentiality
Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for
publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.
8. Responsible publication
Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance just your own
career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.
9. Respect for colleagues
Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.
10.Social Responsibility
Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through
research, public education, and advocacy.
11.Non – Discrimination
Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race,
ethnicity, or other factors not related to scientific competence and integrity.
12.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.
13.Legality
Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.
