Validity

The validity of the test concerns what the test measures and how well it does so (Catane, 2000). Thus, validity refers to the degree in which a particular instrument is useful in measuring that which it is designed to measure.

Reliability

Reliability refers to the consistency of scores obtained by the same persons when they are re-examined with the same test on different occasions or with different sets of equivalent items or under other variable examining conditions (Anastasi & Urbina, 1997). Reliability also refers to the measuring instrument's accuracy or precision. The property of getting the correct measurement is accuracy while the property of getting self-consistent results is precision.

All types of reliability can be expressed in terms of a correlation coefficent (r) which expresses the degree of correspondence or relationship between two sets of scores. Correlation coefficients can be computed in various ways depending on the nature of the data (Catane, 2000).

Evaluating the Research Instrument

Evaluating the research instrument places confidence on the results obtained and draws correct conclusions. Research instruments must be reliable and valid.

Researcher-Developed Instruments

Researcher-developed instruments are constructed when standardized instruments cannot match up as tools for a specific research. Some researcher-developed instruments are the interview schedule, observation form, document analysis form and the questionnaire. These instruments are used to test the hypothesis of the study.

Standardized Instruments

A standardized instrument has highly refined measurement procedure, carefully developed and designed for administration under carefully-prescribed conditions for some specific purpose (Catane, 2000).

Standardized instruments share the following common properties or characteristics (Colombo, 1984):

1. They have well-defined instrument items with test administration having the same procedures and time limits.

2. Their procedures for scoring have been carefully prescribed.

3. Formative data (scores obtained from administration to other groups) have been prepared.

4. They include estimates of validity and reliability that are based upon said experimental research.

5. Some standardized instruments have been published and marketed by public and private enterprises.

Experimental Research

Experimental research is a study conducted in the laboratory. Field experiments and quasi-experimental research fall under this type. This type of research involves two groups: the experimental group and the control group.

Evaluation Research

Evaluation research judges the value, worth or merit of an existing program. Formative and summative evaluation are applied in training programs, textbooks, manuals or curriculums.

Ex Post Facto Research

Ex post facto research is a systematic empirical inquiry in which the researcher does not have direct control of the independent variables.

Correlational Research

Correlational research involves the collection of two or more sets of data from a group of subjects with the attempt to determine the subsequent relationship between those sets of data (Tuckman, 1972).

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research describes the population's characteristics. Exploratory or normative surveys fall under this type of research. Selltiz, et al. (1979) define it as a study where the major emphasis is on the discovery of ideas and insights. Qualitative methods (case studies, content analysis, ethnographic studies) and quantitative research (survey research, cross-sectional survey, cohort study, correlational research, longitudinal survey) are used.

Historical Research

According to Kerlinger (1972), historical research is the critical investigation of events, developments and experiences of the past, the careful weighing of evidence of the validity of resources of information on the past and the interpretation of the weighed evidence. The difference between this type of research and others is that the focus of the subject is the past. Data are gathered through the collection of original documents or interviewing eye witnesses.

Developmental Research

Developmental research refers to the systematic work drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and / or practical experience that is directed to producing new materials, products and devices; to installing new processes, systems and services; and to improving substantially those already produced or installed. This type of research is often used in engineering and technology areas.

Applied Research

Applied research, also known as action research, is directed towards the practical application of knowledge. The theory may be supported, modified or revised. A new theory may even be provided.

Applied research, covering mostly social science areas, entails large-scale studies with subsequent problems on data collection.

Basic Research

Basic research, also known as "fundamental" or "pure" research, is directed towards developing new or fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject rather than its practical application.

Theories and hypothesis containing abstract and specialized concepts are developed and tested. The researcher's intellect is triggered and social implications of existing social problems are uncovered.

Types of Research Based on Purpose

The types of research on the basis of purpose refers to the extend to which the findings are used.

Naturalistic

Naturalistic inquiries state that we must understand the framework within which the subjects under study interpret their environment to be able to understand human behavior. The individual's thoughts, values, perceptions and actions are studied.

Rationalistic

Rationalistic inquiries are the established traditional systems in systematic inquiry. The rationalistic inquiry begins with an existing theory. Formal instruments are used in categorizing the basis for collecting data and transforming such data into quantitative measures. Findings are generalized. The problem is converted into dependent and independent variables after which the researcher develops strategies and instruments to control relationships between and among naturally occuring variables. Once the steps of the research design are completed, the researcher returns to the theory formulated to interpret the results.

Characteristics of Research

Below is a summary of the characteristics of research:

1. Research is logical and objective.

The researchers must strive to eliminate and suppress their
feelings and preferences in their analysis. They should elevate logic
and clear thinking.

2. Research is expert, systematic and accurate investigation.

The researchers must be able to identify the problem and then,
carefully plan their procedures. The data gathered must be accurately
recorded and analyzed. Valid data gathering instruments should be
utilized by the researchers.

3. Research gathers new knowledge and data from primary and secondary sources.

It places emphasis upon the discovery of general principles. It goes
beyond subjects and situations that are being investigated. With the
use of valid sampling procedures, research infers qualities of the
entire population used in the study.

4. Research endeavors to organize data in quantitative (measurable)
terms if possible and to express these data in numerical measures.

A sound conclusion must be arrived at by the presentation of
significant findings.

5. Researchers require courage.

The researchers must not be afraid to present their conclusions,
even if they may be unpopular and unacceptable to society.

6. Research is carefully recorded and reported.

All data, procedures, limiting factors, references and results must
be carefully documented and objectively recorded. Conclusions and
recommendations are carefully arrived at taking into cosideration the
limitations of the study.

Purpose of Research

Every scientific and technological advancement of the new millenium is
a by-product of reseach. With such improvement in science and
technology, the quality of life progresses. Research provides
solutions to problems we encounter. Since problems are endless,
research is a continuing process.

Research

Research means searching for a theory, for testing theory, or for
solving a problem. It means that something exists that needs
investigation and inquiry which later has to be solved.

Research is defined in various ways - for me, "to search again, to
take another more careful look, to find out more" (Selltiz, et al.,
1976). This means that research is a practical way of discovering
answers and solutions to existing problems. As one goes into the
research process, questions arise.

Research may also be defined as simply "a systematic quest for
undiscovered truth" (Leedy, 1974). Hence, it is the search for an
answer to an unanswered question.

"Research is a systematic attemp to provide answers to questions"
(Tuckman, 1972). It is a systematic attemp to obtain adequate
solutions to problems.