PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

REVIEWER STRENGTHS OF A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

LESSON 1: NATURE OF INQUIRY AND 1. Constructed theories are tested and validated based on
RESEARCH: AN INTRODUCTION how and why phenomena occur.
2. Hypothesis can be constructed subject for
What is “research”? investigation and test.
3. Research findings can be generalized when the data
“Careful study that is done to find and report new are based on sufficient sized and random samples.
knowledge about something” - Merriam Webster 4. Research findings can be generalized when many
different populations and subpopulations has been
Research is define as knowing or understanding the simulated.
world as a “systematic inquiry that is designed to 5. It is useful for obtaining data which allows
analyze, and interpret data to understand, describe or quantitative predictions to be done.
predict phenomenon” (Mertens, 2015). 6. Allowing one to more credibly establish cause-and-
effect relationships, the researcher may create a situation
“Research is a formal and disciplined application of that eliminates the confusing influence of many
scientific inquiry to the study of problems” (Navarro & variables.
Santos, 2011). 7. Having a data collection using some quantitative
methods is relatively quick. (eg telephone interviews)
CHARACTERISTICS STRENGTHS, AND 8. It provides an accurate, quantitative, numerical data.
WEAKNESSES OF A QUANTITATIVE 9. Data analysis is less time consuming (using statistical
RESEARCH software)
10. The research results are independent of the research
CHARACTERISTIC OF A QUANTITATIVE (e.g statistical significance).
RESEARCH 11. With many people in power, it may have higher
credibility (e.g administrators, politicians, and people
 EMPIRICAL. It is based on observing and fund programs)
experimenting theories. 12. It is very useful for studying a large number of
 CONTROLLED. All variables are kept constant people.
except those that are tested and experimented.
 SYSTEMATIC. It sorts an orderly pattern and WEAKNESSES OF A QUANTITATIVE
sequential procedure. RESEARCH
 HYPOTHENTIAL. It is guiding an investigation
process. 1. The used variables of a researcher might not reflect
 ANALYTICAL. It appears no error in its the understandings of local constituencies.
interpretation which is observed in critical analysis 2. The used theories of a researcher might not reflect the
of all data. understandings of local constituencies.
 TRANSFORMATIVE. Data can be numerical 3. The researcher might miss out on phenomena
measure and are treated statistically because it occurring because of the focus on theory or hypothesis
employs quantitative or statistical methods. testing rather than on theory or hypothesis generation
 OBJECTIVE. It is unbiased and logical because all (called the confirmation bias)
findings are logically based on proper experiment 4. The produced knowledge could be so abstract and
and investigation. general for direct application to specific local situations,
 ORIGINAL/AUTHENTIC. A research contexts, and individuals.
processes/portrays the value of uniqueness, novelty, 5. The development of standard questions by researchers
and definiteness of one’s own work. can lead to “structural bias” and fake representation,
where the data in reality mirrors the outlook of the
researcher rather than of the participating subject.
-A research is always done by an expert because he uses 6. Researcher may gather a much constricted (limited)
valid data gathering, valid and carefully designed and sometimes superficial data set.
procedures. 7. Results are inadequate as they give numerical
-It must be persistent and leisured to ensure that the descriptions rather than comprehensive narrative and
activity has accuracy. usually offer less detailed accounts of human perception.
-It must require effort-making capacity. 8. The research is frequently done in unnatural, artificial
-It requires great bravery and courage. environment so that a level of control can be applied to
-It has logical backgrounds that help to create principles, the study. This level of control might not normally be in
ideas, and facts. place in the real world thus yielding “laboratory results”
-It is able to answer all questions needed. as opposed to “real world results”.
9. If not done seriously and correctly, data from  Once the information is compiled it is then analyzed
questionnaires may be incomplete and inaccurate. statistically to draw conclusions about the effect that one
has on the other.
4 MAIN TYPE OF QUANTITATIVE DESIGNS  Correlations are restricted to prediction; the
identification of causal variables requires an
experimental analysis.
1) Descriptive Causal-Comparative Research
2) Correlational  Seeks to find relationships between independent and
3) Quasi-experimental dependent variable after an action or event has already
4) Experimental occurred.
 The researcher’s goal is to determine whether the
independent variable affected the outcome, or dependent
variable, by comparing two or more groups of
individuals.
 It looks to uncover a cause and effect relationship.
 Is not conducted between the two groups.
 Looks solely for a statistical relationship between two
variables it tries to identify, specifically, how the two
groups are affected by the same circumstance.
 Involves comparison
 The study of two or more groups is done without
focusing on their relationships

Experimental Research
 Is guided specifically by a hypothesis
 Sometimes can have several hypotheses
 Hypothesis is a statement to be proven or disproved.
 Reveals a cause and effect relationship by systematically
manipulating one parameter (the independent variable)
and observing the influence on another (dependent
variable).

KINDS OF VARIABLES
KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH A variable is defined as anything that has a quantity or
quality that varies.
1. Survey Research/Descriptive Research Variables are any characteristics of the unit/case a researchers
2. Correlational Research is interested in and wants to collect.
3. Causal-Comparative Research Variables are any characteristics of some event, object, or
4. Experimental Research person that can take on different values or amounts such as
gender, age, self-esteem.
Survey Research A variable is any parameter in the experiment that can change.
 uses interviews, questionnaires, and sampling polls to It is something that you measure, can manipulate and control.
get sense of behavior with intense precision.
 Allows researchers to judge behavior and then present DEPENDENT VARIABLE
the findings in an accurate way (usually expressed in a
frequently count or a percentage)  Dependent Variable is simply a variable that is
 can be conducted around one group specifically or used dependent on an independent variable/s.
to compare several groups  It something that depends on the factor.
 When conducting a survey research it is important that
the people questioned are sample at random. This allows INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
for more accurate findings across a greater spectrum of
respondents.
 Independent Variable (experimental/controlled/ predictor
variable) is a variable that is being manipulated in an
Correlational Research experiment in order to examine the effect this has on a
 Tests for the association between two variables. dependent variable (outcome variable).
 Is done to establish what the effect of one on the other
might be and how that affects the relationship.
CONTROL VARIABLE
 Is conducted in order to explain a noticed occurrence
 In correlational research, the survey is conducted on a
minimum of two groups  Is an extraneous (unimportant) variable that an
 In most correlational research there is a level of investigator does not wish to examine in a study
manipulation involved with the specific variables being  It is something that is constant and unaffected in an
researched. experiment.
MODERATING VARIABLE Academics, or professors, generally hold PhDs and work in a
 Is one that has a strong contingent (possible but not variety of disciplines, from sociology and medicine to
certain) effect on the independent variable-dependent political science and mathematics.
variable relationship Researchers’ work is generally written up and published in
 The presence of a third variable (moderating variable) book form or in professional periodicals and presented at
modifies the original relationship between the conferences to other academics in the same field.
independent and the dependent variable.
LESSON 1.1: IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
AND ITS PERSONAL BENEFITS
INTERVENING VARIABLE/MEDIATING
VARIABLE
Research
 Is a variable that explains a relation or provides a causal
link between other variables.
 It comes between the independent and dependent
variables and explains the link or mechanism between
them.
Systematic
application
CONFOUNDING VARIABLE

 Is a variable that makes vague the effects of another

variable. Scientific to find solutions to contribute
inquiry to problems to knowledge
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ACROSS
DISCIPLINES
IMPORTANCE
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Gather Relevant Information
- Results of such researches are used as spring board in
Social scientists study all aspects of human society from the
conducting more researches or planning new projects.
optimal distribution of goods and services to human behaviour
Improve Quality of Life
and social relationships within groups and between
– Research undertakings are geared toward improving the
individuals.
quality of life.
Social scientists suggest solutions to social, business, personal,
Understand History
governmental, and environmental problems.
– Helps us better understand our current society and the
behavior of the people.
SCIENCE RESEARCH For Personal and Professional Development
–Challenges us to become better through the new ideas,
Scientists study natural and physical phenomena, from perspectives, and skills that we can get when doing research.
diseases and global warming to atomic fission and ecology.
The application of scientific method to the investigation of
relationships among natural phenomenon or to solve a PRACTICAL AND PERSONAL BENEFITS
medical problem.
It helps you to become a good decision maker.
- challenge to make objective decisions based solely on the
MARKET RESEARCH
facts and information gathered.
It helps you become a good problem solver.
Market Researchers use surveys, studies and focus groups to – if challenges and problems are met along the way, you can
collect data about CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR. Some easily come up with solutions because you’re able to acquire
companies have their own market-research divisions. Others good decision-making skills.
hire specialized firms to conduct research for them. It will make you a good critical and creative thinker.
- easily weigh the challenges and pose possible solutions and
FINANCIAL RESEARCH remedies to any circumstances.
It will make you a good contributor of knowledge.
Financial research is an analytical function within financial – the outcome of research contributes additional information
services companies that involves a good deal of number to the existing body of knowledge.
crunching. Financial researchers analyze companies’ financial
statements and operations, report on market trends and
company performance, attend or organize industry
conferences develop propriety pricing models for financial
products, offer forecast and recommendations, and watch
emerging companies.

ACADEMIC RESEARCH
RESEARCH PROCESS Confidentiality
protect confidential communications and personal information
1. Define your topic of your respondents.
2. Write your problem statement Social responsibility
3. Make an outline strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate (lessen)
4. Develop a research strategy social harms through research, public education, and advocacy.
5. Evaluate your sources Competence
6. Write and revise your paper maintain and improve your own professional competence and
7. Document your sources expertise through lifelong education and learning.
Legality
Define your topic know and obey relevant laws and institutional and
– This will directly affect the research process, to lessen the governmental policies.
time in gathering information, the topic must be chosen wisely. Animal care
Write your problem statement show proper respect and care for animals when using them in
– Describes what is to be tested during the entire research research.
process or the general problem or question that the research Human Subjects Protection
aims to answer. when conducting research on human subjects, minimize
Make an outline harms and risks and maximize benefits; respect human dignity,
– First draft of the paper. Start by writing down all relevant privacy, and autonomy; take special precautions with
information gathered in line with the research topic, then vulnerable populations; and strive to distribute the benefits
logically organize outline. and burdens of research fairly.
Develop a research strategy
– This minimizes the time and effort on your paper, and serve LESSON 2: IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND
as guide in setting out objectives and priorities. STATING THE PROBLEM
Evaluate your sources
– check the quality and credibility of the sources you will use WAYS TO WIN
in the study. Consider the following for the material:  REACH THE END GOAL
Authority (author and publisher)  STRATEGIZE
Currency (date of publication)  FIND A WAY
Purpose (intention of the author)
Write and revise your paper Three Things You Should Ask Yourself in Choosing
– check contents of paper. Make sure that the contents are in a Research Topic
line with your chosen topic and problem statement.
Document your sources 1. Should-do-ability
– shows credibility of the writer, and whether the ideas or It is about the purpose, relevance, importance, appropriateness,
information are taken from another source or from the author and ethics of the research.
himself or herself.
2. Do-ability
The manageability, skill required, prior experience needed,
ETHICS IN RESEARCH timeframe anticipated, and resource support available to
conduct this research.
Ethics are norms for conduct that distinguish between 3. Want-to-do-ability
acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Focus on your own motivation, commitment and perseverance.
Research ethics establishes the moral integrity of the
researchers which is crucial as it ensures that research findings
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A
are valid and trustworthy.
RESEARCH TOPIC
Integrity
keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive  Size
for consistency of thought and action.  Scope
Honesty  Time
do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.  Resources
Objectivity  Skill
avoid or minimize bias or self-deception.  Access
Carefulness  Prior Knowledge
avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically  Motivation
examine your own work. Keep good records of research
activities such as data collection, research design, and
correspondence with agencies.
Openness
share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism
and new ideas.
Respect for intellectual property
Give credit where credit is due. Honor patents, copyrights,
and other forms of intellectual property. Never plagiarize.
HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC? - The data collected during the investigation

1. Consider research you have already done. 3. ) Controlled (Constant)

“You should not just recycle topics from previously written A variable that is not changed and stays the same.
papers. Instead, you should develop a new topic from the old -Also called constants
research.” -Allow for a “fair test”
2. Your own interests are a great source to find a topic.
3. Current events or timely issues can be a good place to find Example # 1
a promising research question. Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle
4. Make a note of your everyday observation. to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to
5. Your personal experience about an event, a social group, or finish the puzzle.
a place are often worth more exploration.

THE RESEARCH TITLE

TITLE
It summarizes the main idea or ideas of the study. A good title
contains the fewest possible words needed to adequately
describe the contents and/or purpose of the research under the Example # 2
study. An investigation was done with an electromagnetic system
made from a battery and wire wrapped around a nail.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE TITLE Different sizes of nails were used. The number of paper clips
the electromagnet could pick up was measured.
1.Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study
2.Avoid using abbreviations
3.Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate
reader interest
4.Use current nomenclature (terminology) from the field of
study
5. Identify key variables, both dependent and independent and
controlled
6. May reveal how the paper will be organized
7. Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the Example # 3
major hypothesis The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will
8. Is limited to 10 to 15 substantive words or descriptive terms boil.
and phrases that accurately highlight the core content of the
paper
9. Does not include redundant phrasing, such as, "A Study of,"
"An Analysis of" or similar constructions
10. Titles are usually in the form of phrase, but can also be in
the form of question
11. If you use a quote as part of the title, the source of the
quote is cited [usually using an asterisk and footnote],
12. Use correct grammar and capitalization with all first Example # 4
words and last words capitalized, including the first word of a The temperature of water was measured at different depths of
subtitle. All nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs a pond.
that appear between the first and last words of the title are also
capitalized
13. In academic studies, rarely is a title followed by an
exclamation mark. However, a title or subtitle can be in the
form of a question.

IDENTIFYING VARIABLES & DESIGNING

INVESTIGATIONS
Example # 5
3 Kinds of Variables The greater the amount of soap in a soap and water mixture,
1. ) Independent Variable the bigger a soap bubble can be blown.
Something that is changed by the scientist.
-What is tested
-What is manipulated
2. ) Dependent
Something that might be
affected by the change and measured.
- What is observed
- What is measured
Example # 6
The farther a ball drops, the higher it will bounce.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

HEART OF THE THESIS

RESEARCH PROBLEM
How about in Research?
It is what the researchers aim to answer
later on as they go through the research endeavor.
Rewards System and Job Performance of Service Crew in
Chicken Place A problem statement is the description of an issue
currently existing which needs to be addressed. It
provides the context for the research study and generates
the questions which the research aims to answer. The
statement of the problem is the focal point of any
research.

STRUCTURING QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

QUESTIONS
Frequency of Visit in Different Library Resources of
Dominican Multiverse Library
1. Choosing the type of quantitative research question
you are trying to create(descriptive, comparative or
relationship based)
2. Identifying the different types of variables you are
trying to measure, manipulate and/or control, as well as
any groups you may be interested in.
3. Selecting the appropriate structure for the chosen type
of quantitative research question, based on the variables
The Impact of Classroom Management in the and/or groups involved.
Discipline and Performance of ABM Students in 4. Writing out the problem or issues you are trying to
Isabela National High School – Senior High School address in the form of a complete research question.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF A

GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM

 NOVEL
 INTERESTING
 COST- EFFECTIVE
The Effect of Discipline and Rigid Training in the  INNOVATIVE
Professionalism of Tourism Students in Jose Rizal  PRACTICAL
University
RESEARCH PROBLEM SHOULD BE:

S- SPECIFIC
M-MEASURABLE
A-ATTAINABLE
R-RESULT-ORIENTED
T-TIME-BOUNDED
E-ETHICAL
R-REPLICABLE
Family Background and Academic Performance of
Grade 12 ABM Students of Davao Senior High 2 GENERAL TYPES OF QUESTION
School Students
1) NON-RESEARCHABLE QUESTION
Questions that are answerable by YES or NO
Examples:
 1.Should all mothers breastfeed their babies? 6. COMPARATIVE RESEARCH
2. Should college instructors be watchful over their QUESTIONS
freshman students?
3. Should the colleges offering accountancy majors - Comparative research questions aim to
mandate their graduates to have a review before taking the examine the differences between two or
licensure examinations? more groups on one or more dependent
variables (although often just a single
2) RESEARCHABLE QUESTION dependent variable). Such questions
are questions of value, opinions, or policy raised to typically start by asking "What is the
accumulate data. difference in?"a particular dependent
Formulating a clear, significant question prepares variable (e.g., daily calorific intake)
the researcher for subsequent decision-making over research between two or more groups (e.g.,
design, data collection, and data analysis. American men and American women).

TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS 7. RELATIONSHIP RESEARCH

QUESTIONS

- Whilst we refer to this type of quantitative

1. FACTOR-ISOLATING QUESTIONS
research question as a relationship-based
(“What is this?”)
research question, the word relationship
should be treated simply as a useful way
- Sometimes called factor-naming
of describing the fact that these types of
questions
quantitative research question are
- They isolate, categorize, describe, or
interested in the causal relationships,
name factors and situations.
associations, trends and/or interactions
2. FACTOR-RELATING QUESTIONS
amongst two or more variables on one or
(“What is happening here?”)
more groups.
- Their goal is to determine the relationship
among factors that have been identified
- Aim to establish relationship

3. SITUATION-RELATING QUESTIONS
(“What will happen if...?”)

- Usually yield hypotheses testing or

experimental study designs in which the
researcher manipulates the variables to
see what will happen.

4. SITUATION-PRODUCING QUESTIONS
(“How can I make it happen?”)

- These questions establish explicit goals

for actions, develop plan or prescriptions
to achieve goals , and specify the
conditions under which these goals will
be accomplished.

4. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS

- Descriptive research questions simply aim

to describe the variables you are
measuring. When we use the
word describe, we mean that these
research questions aim to quantify the
variables you are interested in.

- Think of research questions that start with

words such as "How much?", "How
often?", "What percentage?", and "What
proportion?", but also sometimes
questions starting "What is?" and "What
are?". Often, descriptive research
questions focus on only one variable and
one group, but they can include multiple
variables and groups.