In the context of school, researchers ought to be examine the research’s subjects by following the crucial concepts of scientific inquiry and research ethics. First of all, the basic concept in the scientific inquiry method that researchers should prioritize is observation on subjects and the proper research procedures conducted. Researchers generally begin by making observations. Researchers explore and gather information with their senses such as sight, sound, touch, etc. then follow by the Q&A session to obtain the respond and answer from the subjects. These questions in Q&A session will guide researchers in conducting research and experiments that want to answer certain research questions. For instance, researchers observe the motivation of students towards their learning in school before the researchers conduct Q&A session to interview the students. Secondly, research before the research. Before conducting research, it is very important that the information and data form the previous studies are from reliable sources. In short, ensure the information and information sources have high validity and reliability. Research helps researchers better understand their observations and questions before they conduct experiments. Elements involved in the research are quantitative or qualitative, how to collect data through interviews or questionnaires, dependent variables and independent variables and so on. For example, researchers need to first look for information and secondary data related to student motivation and mental health to ensure that the two variables can be linked and studied in the school context that researchers’ plan. Next, the hypothesis introduced for the direction is important. Hypotheses can guide the direction of experiments and ensure that variables can be related and must be tested. For example, researchers issued a statement that allowed them to test student motivation and the level of mental health of the sample from the school population. In addition, the experimental aspect will be emphasized for the next stage. Both dependent variables and independent variables will be studied and the relationship between both will be recorded through experiments or interventions if any are made. For example, researchers give motivational programs to students and retest the students’ mental health. Finally, the analysis of the research results. Analysis needs to be done to determine and better understand the findings as well as what is implied. For instance, researcher will do an analysis using the hermeneutic method, which is an ontopretation process, to understand the internal structure hidden in the texts they got from student interviews about the variables being studied.
Ethics is a very important aspect for research to be carried out in the right way and follow a systematic process without unwanted ethical problems. Elements closely related to research ethics are such as giving a briefing on the nature of the study, giving consent based on information, freedom to withdraw at any time, not causing physical and psychological harm, giving a briefing before the study begins and ensure the private and confidential (P&C) of the subjects and respondents. For example, researchers will give a briefing about the study of student motivation and mental health before the beginning of the data collection process for a specific sample with a privacy and confidentiality agreement. The factor of freedom to withdraw at any time and not cause physical and psychological harm to oneself and others will be emphasized and paid attention to from time to time to ensure that research ethics, sample safety, the rights of respondents or subjects and so on are properly preserved and not neglected as a step to make the research successful.
