PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

REVIEWER FOR 1ST QUARTER EXAMINATION

LESSON 1
Practical Research 1 – Qualitative Research
Practical Research 2 – Quantitative Research (Our Subject this first semester)
Inquiries, Investigations and Immersion – Culminating Research Subject (Actual Conduct of Research and afterwards
Final Defense of your research output) (Your subject in the second semester of the new normal School Year 2020-
2021)
Research Capstone – Actual Conduct of Science Investigatory Project (SIP) (For STEM students only)
Qualitative Research – making “kuwento” without “kuwenta” of a certain event or phenomenon
Quantitative Research – doing “kuwenta” with “kuwento” of a certain event or phenomenon
Research = Inquiry + Investigation + Immersion o Quantitative Research = Statistics + Language
What is an Inquiry? an Investigation?
INQUIRY is an act of asking questions. It is a process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt or
solving problem. In dictionary, “INQUIRY” is synonymous with the word “INVESTIGATION”. However, investigation
has a deeper meaning if we are talking about research process. It is a systematic examination of a certain event or
phenomenon. It is closely related to “RESEARCH”. What makes research different from investigation is that the
former undergoes “IMMERSION”.
What is an Immersion?
IMMERSION is a process whereby a researcher immerses (deeply involves) himself in the data gathering activities
and the data he has gathered are carefully read or examined by him in details.
What is a Research?
RESEARCH is a systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing specialized tools, instruments, and
procedures in order to obtain a more adequate solution to a problem. It starts with a problem; going to the
collection of data; analysis and interpretation of incontrovertible facts and evidences, which are critical to reach
decisions based on actual observations. It ends with a problem.
LESSON 2
Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical - Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
2. Logical - Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive methods of data
analysis.
3. Cyclical – Research undergoes a cyclical process. It starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical - Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data, whether historical, descriptive, and
experimental or any alternative research methods.
5. Replicable - The research design and procedures are replicated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and
conclusive results.
6. Critical - Research exhibits a careful and precise judgment. A researcher must be critical in treating his hypothesis.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
1. The data are gathered using structured research instruments.
2. The results are based on larger sample sizes that are randomly chosen as representatives of the population.
3. The research can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.
4. The researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought.
5. All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data are collected.
6. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics.
7. Data are presented through tables, graphs, figures or other non-textual forms and followed by textual analysis and
interpretation.
8. Project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate causal relationships.
9. The researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect numerical data.
10. Findings are reusable.
The Seven Steps of the Research Process
1ST, Defining and Developing a Problem/Topic (WORKING TITLE)
2ND, Finding Background Information about a Chosen Problem/Topic (REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE)
3RD, Planning a Research Design and Sample (METHODOLOGY)
4TH, Gathering Necessary Data using Specialized Tools/Instruments (DATA GATHERING ACTIVITIES)
5TH, Presenting, Analyzing and Interpreting Data
6TH, Formulating New Insights (For Qualitative Research) or Conclusions (For Quantitative Research)
7TH, Defining a New Problem
LESSON 3
Strengths of Quantitative Research
1. Quantitative research can test and validate the already constructed theories about how and why phenomena
occur.
2. Quantitative research tests hypotheses that are constructed before the data are collected.
3. Quantitative research can generalize research findings and it can be replicated on many different populations and
sub-populations.
4. Quantitative research is useful for obtaining data that allow quantitative predictions about significant events.
5. Quantitative research provides precise, quantitative, numerical data.
6. Quantitative research may have higher credibility with many people in power (administrators, politicians, people
who fund the research programs).
7. Quantitative research involves data analysis which is relatively less time consuming since it can use statistical
software such as Microsoft excel and Social Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
8. Quantitative research involves data collection using some quantitative methods which are relatively quick.
Weaknesses of Quantitative Research
1. Quantitative research involves difficulty in data analysis. It is also known as Statistical research.
2. Quantitative research requires extra resources to analyze the findings/results.
3. Quantitative research is expensive and it requires a lot of time to perform the statistical treatment and analysis.
4. Quantitative research has limited outcomes since it involves structured questionnaire with close-ended questions.
5. Quantitative research involves a lot of resources for data collection. Large number of respondents is evident in
quantitative research.
6. Quantitative research data are prone to manipulation.
Approaches Applied in Conducting a Research
Inductive Approach is also known as bottom-up approach. It is concerned with the generation of new theory
emerging from the specific data to general idea. It is often times associated with qualitative research.
Deductive Approach is also known as top-down approach. It usually begins with a hypothesis. Its emphasis is
generally on causality.
LESSON 4
Importance of Quantitative Research across Fields
A progress cannot exist without inquiry. Doubt is often times better than overconfidence. Doubt leads to inquiry, and
inquiry leads to invention. Invention brings progress to the modern community (Hudson Maxim; 1853-1927).
Quantitative Research and Anthropology
Anthropology is the scientific study of humans, their behavior and societies in the past. Quantitative
researches have given huge contributions to the improvement of human life. Anthropology is concerned with
simultaneously exploring of connections of human kinds amidst their cultural differences, alternatives and identity.
In the contemporary academic, socio-cultural and political climate, these connections have immense symbolic
implications. Because of quantitative research, there are so many discoveries such as human behavior in the society,
racial conflicts and human evolution. We are able to trace back the sacrifices of our ancestors because of
anthropology.
Quantitative Research and Communication
Communication is the act of conveying meanings from one entity or group to another through the use of
mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic rules. Every communication involves at least one sender, a
message and a recipient. The primary purpose of communication research is to help people understand
communication phenomena and direct their communication towards accomplishing individual and organizational
goals.
Quantitative Research and Medicine
Medicine is the science and practice of establishing the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of
disease. It encompasses a variety of health care practices to maintain and restore health by the prevention and
treatment of illness. Medical research aims to advance our knowledge to prevent and cure health problems. It can
provide important information about disease trends and risk factors, outcomes of treatment or public health
interventions.
Quantitative Research and Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. It is a multifaceted discipline which
includes many sub-fields of study such as human development, social behavior and cognitive process. Quantitative
psychologists study and develop the methods and techniques used to measure human behavior and other
attributes. Their work involves the statistical and mathematical modelling of psychological processes and analysis of
psychological data.
Quantitative Research and Social Science
Social Science is the study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world
around them. It tells them about the world beyond their immediate experience, and can help explain how their own
society works. It provides vital information for governments and policymakers, local authorities and non-
governmental organizations. Social science research is the activity of gathering, analyzing and interpreting
information for a variety of social, economic, educational and political purposes. It is the scientific study of human
society and social relationships. Social sciences include cultural or social anthropology, sociology, social psychology,
political science, history, linguistics, archeology, and economics.
Two Kinds of Quantitative Research
1. Experimental Research
2. Non-experimental Research
Three Kinds of Experimental Research
1. True-experimental Research
2. Quasi-experimental Research/Ex post facto Research/Causal-comparative research
3. Pre-experimental Research
Three Kinds of Quasi-experimental Research
1. Matched-comparative-group Research
2. Time-series Research
3. Single-subject Research
Common Types of Quantitative Non-experimental Researches
1. Descriptive Research 2. Comparative Research 3. Correlational Research
What is an Experimental Research?
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH is a quantitative research that treats or deals with the object or subject of the
research in a definite or exact manner and it determines the extent of the effect or influence of the treatment on the
object or subject, then discovers the causes of such effect. It involves an experimentation to test the impact of the
independent variable to the dependent variable. Research variable is given a special name that only applies to
experimental and correlational investigations.
What is a Research Variable? RESEARCH VARIABLE is a changing quality, attribute or characteristic of a
person, a group, an educational system, or any topic that is of interest in a study. Examples of research variables are
intelligence, social competence, bullying, stress management, commitment, performance, achievement, study
habits, absenteeism, etc.
Three Common Types of Variables
1. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE- the stimulus or predictor variable.
2. DEPENDENT VARIABLE- outcome or response variable.
3. INTERVENING VARIABLE- mediating or moderating variable.
LESSON 5
Two Groups Involved in an Experimental Research
1. Experimental Group. In this group, treatment or influence is applied.
2. Control Group. This group does not receive any treatment or manipulation.

What is a Correlational Research? Correlational Research is a type of non-experimental research in which the
researcher measures the two variables and investigates the statistical relationship between them. Non-experimental
Research particularly Correlational Research is dynamic. Statistical patterns between two variables that result from
correlational research are ever-changing. Correlational results change depending upon to the setting of the study.

Positive Correlational Research is a type of correlational research in which an increase/decrease in

independent variable is associated with an increase/decrease also in dependent variable.
Negative Correlational Research is a type of correlational research whereby an increase in independent
variable is associated in a decrease in dependent variable.
LESSON 6
Classifications of Experimental Research
1. TRUE-EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH - Random assignment of the two groups under study is applied. True-
experimental research uses random selection of respondents who among them to be included in experimental group
or control group. In other words, randomization is applicable.
2. QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH – adopts a comparative technique in choosing the subjects. Randomization is
not applicable. In other words, either random assignment or random selection is absent or both are not applied.
3. PRE-EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH – follows some basic steps in experimental research but fails to include a control
or comparison group. It is considered “pre” to indicate that it is just only a preparatory or prerequisite to true-
experimental research or quasi-experimental research.
Types of Quasi-Experimental Research
1. Matched-comparative-group research - The treatment group (experimental group) has similarities with another
group (control group).
2. Time-series research - It applies series of pre-tests and post-tests to test the effectiveness of the program.
3. Single-subject research - It is also known as one-group post-test design.
LESSON 7
What is a Non-Experimental Research? Non-experimental research is aimed at finding truth about a subject by
describing the collected data and determining the extent of the subject’s variables or investigating the relationship
or connection of two or more variables.
Quantitative non-experimental researches are also known as Survey Research since they apply checklist or survey
questionnaire as a research instrument to gather data. No treatment or condition is involved in this type of research.
All qualitative researches are examples of non-experimental research. However, they cannot be classified as survey
researches since no survey questionnaire is distributed to the participants.
Characteristics of Non-Experimental Research
a. Primary Data – data collected by the researcher himself.
b. Secondary Data – data collected by other people.
c. Tertiary Data – data taken from the summary or synthesis of secondary sources of data.
SURVEY RESEARCH is a method of non-experimental research that aims to determine what a big number of people
think and feel about some social issues affecting people’s lives and the community.
Purposes of Survey Research
1. To obtain information about people’s opinions and feelings about an issue.
2. To identify present condition, needs, or problems of people in a short span of time.
3. To seek answers to social issues.
4. To give school officials pointers on curricular offerings, decision-making techniques, guidance and counseling
services and teacher-evaluation feedbacks.
Strengths of Survey Research
1. Versatility. Survey research can tackle any issue affecting society.
2. Efficiency. Survey research is not costly in terms of money and time, assuming that there is excellent
communication or postal system.
3. Generality. Survey research can get a good representation or sample of large group of people.
4. Confidentiality. Survey research is capable of safeguarding the privacy or anonymity of the respondents.

What is a Conceptual Framework?

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK is a schematic structure which illustrates the variables and their indicators to be
studied. It is a research paradigm which can best explain and represent how the variables might relate to each other.
It is linked with the concepts, empirical researches and important theories used in promoting and systemizing the
knowledge espoused by the researcher. It serves as a “road map” that will guide the researcher towards realizing the
objectives of the study.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK should be constructed before beginning to writing the research objectives. Research
objective serve as a basis in devising a research instrument needed in collecting data. Conceptual framework has two
parts: (1) Textual Description; and (2) Visual Representation. Visual representation of the conceptual framework is
also known as research paradigm.

 Research title summarizes the main idea of the study.

 A Research Question (Statement of the Problem) is the question around which you center your research. It
is a question that a research paper sets out to answer. Specifying the research question is the first step the
researcher has to take when undertaking a research. It helps the researchers focus their research by
providing a path through the research and writing process.
 Background of the Study should be written in deductive approach. It should start from the general
knowledge going to the small details of the issue.
 DEFINITION OF TERMS is an important part of a research paper wherein key or important terms such as
research variables, their indicators and other significant terms in the research title are operationally defined.