PHILIPPINE CENTRAL ISLANDS COLLEGE

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

Quarter 3- Module 1- Week 1 & 2

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 Lesson
Research Experiences and
1
Knowledge 1
You have heard probably the term “research” during your junior high school or from some who have
taken the subject in Senior High School. I am pretty sure that this term has petrified you, chilled you out, and
made you anxious. Some of them shared their unforgettable experiences on this subject. Nonetheless, you
cannot deny that somehow you are afraid to take this chance. However, those are just misconceptions about
research (Kaur 2014). Research is not what you think of.
We can say that part of their stories is true and part of those are exaggerations. Nevertheless, if you would
just realize how exciting and engaging the process of research is, you would definitely be interested to do it.
Research is fun. Here you are going to explore and to investigate to understand the phenomenon, and to establish
new knowledge that is worthwhile to discover and to share. Research is easy. It is just requiring to commit yourself
and to exert extra effort in understanding the rudiments on how to write it done and to enhance the skills that you
needed. If you worrying for, you’re just a senior high school student, an amateur, and novice who lacks skills and
determination. You have the skills and the process itself is not new to you. You have been researching for a long
time. Remember how many times you search for solutions to your problem or investigate to know the answers to
your questions. Can we consider them as a form of informal research? Yes, they are!

What’s In
Imagine that you are a police inspector assigned to solve a crime. There are four (4) clues in the crime
scene. It is your job to decode the clues using the alphabet, musical notes, and symbols in order to identify who
is the culprit. Write your answers on your notebook.
answers on your notebook.

Sample
4/15/5/20/19
Word: Notes

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. Name of Culprit: 25/ 15/ 21

What’s New
The misAdventures of Bok and Nonoy

Do you have a similar problem searching about things you don’t know? I know during that time you were
very eager to satisfy your curiosity. How did you come up with the answer? Have you consulted anybody? Or

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you switched on your smartphone or computer and search on the internet? Isn’t fun to know the answers to
your questions? By doing that, you are actually researching. You are now conducting research! Continue
reading this module to remember how a student like you do research. Moreover, you will understand how this
subject differs from other subjects that you have gone through.

What is It
If you think research is not for you, let me give you some instances that you might have applied “researching”. Can
you still recall when your Math teacher- asked you to solve a mathematical problem that you cannot understand?
Thus, no matter how you try you cannot find the right answer or concepts behind it Most probably, you ask somebody
to help you out or you open your cellphone and search for a video tutorial. Can you still recall when you first played
your favorite online game, and no matter how much you try, you still cannot defeat your opponent’s hero? I think
what you did was to ask your friend or an expert to help you out or you searched on the internet for answers.
The process that you have done is research. You had a problem, you established your methods on how to
solve your problem, you conducted a literature review or an actual interview and survey, then you came up with
solutions. These requires you to search and to overcome your problems. Research flows in the same manner.
Doing research does not necessarily mean creating extraordinary things like Mark Zuckerberg who developed
Facebook or even Zhang Yiming who created TikTok.
Etymologically, research came from “re” and “search”. "Re" is a prefix that means again and search is a
word which means to look for. Therefore, research is to look for something (Chapman 1979). There are two (2)
things that we need to take note of in this definition. First, research is not only about the discovery of something
unknown, it is coming up with a new explanation of something that is known. Second, research is a process. It
is a process of searching for something to solve an existing problem or difficulty to solve.
Research is also understood as a systematic investigation or inquiry entailing collection of data,
documentation of critical information, analysis, interpretation of information (Williams 2007). From the given
definition, this highlights the manner how research is conducted. It is systematic. The question is, how does it
become systematic and what makes it systematic. The term systematic entails the structure. To understand the word
system, just imagine your body. Are your hands located in your ears? Or is your nose located on your chin? Of
course, you will reason out that your hands are located to where it should be and your nose is located in the middle
of your face. The manner of how your body parts is structured and organized implies the system. Research as
systematic means it follows the structure or method. Therefore, whenever collecting data, documenting information,
analyzing, and interpreting information are conducted, a particular method is used.
On the other hand, research can be also viewed as the formation of new knowledge and the
employment of previous or existing knowledge into a new and creative way (O’Donnell 2012). Imagine these
two (2) scenarios: mother giving birth to a baby and a potter molding a pot. The creation of new knowledge can
be compared to a mother giving birth. The mother stands for the research itself and the baby is new knowledge.
Thus, through research, new knowledge is born. On the other hand, a potter molding a pot can be paralleled to
the use of existing knowledge in a new creative way. Here, the potter stands for the researcher, the clay as the
existing knowledge, and the pot itself is a new knowledge made creatively.
Now, do not be afraid to carry out research. It is because you can make a research. Why? First, it is not
new to you. You are not just fully aware that what you were doing is research and you have been doing many
times. Second, research is not a demanding activity that would exhaust your strength. However, some particular
techniques and processes are involved and needed to be carried out in conducting this activity. What you have
heard from others is a piece of hoax and challenges. It is a hoax for research is not after all difficult. It is a
challenge for you that needs dedication and commitment to successfully do this exciting activity.
What’s More
Identify the word that is being described in each sentence. Write your answers on a sheet of paper.
1. It is conducted if someone wants to know something. It starts with the letter “R” and ends with the letter
“H”.
2. It stands for an action when someone follows structures or order in conducting research. It starts with
the letter “s” and ends with the letter “c”.
3. The term represents for the something that someone can get after finishing a research. It consists of two
words? The longest word starts with the letter “k” and ends with the letter “e”.
4. It happens when somebody wants to answer questions or inquiries. The longest word starts with the
letter “c” and ends with the letter “n”. Further, the word in the middle is a preposition.
5. It happens when someone wants to answer something. It starts with the letter “p” and ends with the
letter “m”.
6. This word refers to an act when someone seeks to inquire for a question. It starts with the letter “a” and
ends with the letter “r”.
7. Researchers do with the help of experts. It can be one on one or with the group. It starts with the letter
“I”.
8. The word refers to an action when you read articles and other materials to know more what you are
searching for. It starts with the letter “r” and ends in “w”.
9. It refers to observation, survey or interview. This word starts with the letter “I” and ends with the letter
“n”.
10. It stands for an action to answer queries, understand problems seek new knowledge or based from
existing knowledge in a new and creative way. It starts with the letter “r”.

What I Have Learned

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Write T if the statement is True, F if otherwise. Write your answers on your notebook.
1. Research etymologically came from “re” and “search”.
2. Research is only about the discovery of something unknown.
3. Research is not only coming up with a new explanation of something that is known.
4. Research is a process of searching for something to solve an existing problem or difficulty to solve.
5. Research is a systematic investigation or inquiry entailing collection of data, documentation of critical
information, analysis, interpretation of information.
What I Can Do
Read each statement carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answers on your notebook.
1. What is the best example of informal research? Searching for an answer through…
a. the use of internet or expert.
b. looking at the beautiful sceneries.
c. to the humming of the birds.
2. What does the word “search” mean?
a. to be attached
b. to be industrious
c. to look for
3. What does the word “systematic” mean?
a. Inquire b. gather c. structure
4. Why we cannot make research without any problem? It is because …
a. research doesn’t require any problem at all
b. answering problem is its main purpose
c. all students ought to take in the senior high school
5. In research, what do we search? We search for …
a. new knowledge, explanations and understanding
b. what is not existing in this world
c. on things that can give us satisfaction to our live
Assessment
Read each statement carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answers on your notebook.
1. What makes research a systematic?
a. Research follows certain process or standards.
b. Research is just looking for answers.
c. Research is based from previous knowledge.
2. Why research is not new to our experience?
a. because we think
b. because we find explanation for answer
c. because we have research subject
3. What do you call a research that does not follow the usual format of researching?
a. formality research
b. formal research
c. informal research
4. Why research is not only concern with discovering or creating new things? It is because…
a. we also seek for explanations.
b. we also search for old things.
c. we are abiding citizens.
5. How do we conduct research in usual human experience?
a. by conducting investigation with the use of different platform
b. by reflection of what has been done for a day
c. by giving importance to the things that we do at present
6. How does our usual and personal process of conducting inquiry and problem solving become research?
a. It has process before drawing up conclusion.
b. It follows our innate intuition in solving problem.
c. It uses a non-understandable and complicated process.
7. How existing knowledge becomes basis for new knowledge?
a. It serves as ground or support to the new knowledge.
b. It actually doesn’t have any connection to the new knowledge.
c. It becomes the only source of explanation.
8. How simple internet searching or observation became research? It can be considered as…
a. literature review
b. non-essential review
c. obsolete referencing
9. What makes informal research differs from the formal way of researching?
a. does not have process
b. follows process
c. does have system
10. What is the purpose of collecting data in research? It is to gather information
a. necessary for the problem
b. non-related to the issue

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 c. obsolete and outdated.

Lesson
Importance of Research in our Daily
2 Lives

Do you feel annoyed if there is a power interruption? Can you imagine a world without electricity? Do you
feel unease if the internet connection is not stable? Can you imagine if there is no internet or if there is no
cellphone? Well, of course, you will be annoyed, mad, and worried. Life will be difficult if there is no electricity.
Life will be boring if there is no cellphone or even the internet. Life is threatened if there will be no cure for
COVID-19. But thanks to research, all our worries are gone. It is because of research which made our lives
comfortable, easy, and secured. Various researches have changed our lives. Here are some leading outputs of
the researches that really changed the world and our perspectives in lives.
1. Electricity 6. Computer
2. Engines 7. Internet
3. Telephone 8. Vaccines for Viruses
4. Rubber 9. Antibiotics
5. Modern Education 10. Modern Medicine
Can you imagine if no one has dared to conduct research on these things? For sure life will be miserable.
Thus, research is indeed important to us.
Research is very significant on our lives, it has gradually changed human life through history. Here are the
five (5) importance of research to our daily lives.
1. Research aims for truth (Rolfe 2002).
2. Research improves quality of human life (Bornmann 2013).
3. Research saves life(Cancer Research UK 2019).
4. Research gathers necessary information (Igwenagu 2016).
5. Research explores humanity (Lee, Tran, and Lee 2007).

The research aims for truth. We crave truth for no one has the desire to live in lies (Rasmussen 2013).
Research is about establishing truth based on evidence or data. We conduct a study to seek for truth. Just
imagine, for many centuries people believe that the world is flat and it is over the giant turtle. Beyond the
horizon of the sea is an abyss. But there came Ferdinand Magellan who proved this otherwise. His courage and
research have made us live with the fact that the world is round.
Have you ever heard about the belief that earth is the center of the universe? Actually, for many years
men believed that everything revolved around us. But thanks to Copernicus, because of his tedious research,
now we know that it is not Earth as the center of the universe but the sun. I beat you can cite more examples
related to this concern. Nonetheless, the main idea here is that research provides us an explanation or solution
to particular problem based on truth (Kasi 2009).

Research improves the quality of human life. I believe that you often hear from your parents about their
experiences when they were young. Though it sounds so boring, they live without television, without the
internet, without a cellphone, without an air condition, without an electric fan, without computer, or online
games. Can you imagine that kind of life? But look at our situation now. Everything that they don’t have before,
we have it now. You can cook now without a fire stove. Now, it is a matter of pushing a button with the use of a
rice cooker or electric stove. You can call and see your friends abroad without hustles through the use of social
media platforms. You can travel anywhere by just a matter of hours or a few days using your motorcycles and
bikes. You can enjoy staying at home not going outside with the use of your smartphones. This is the life we
have now. Do you think it just went down from heaven like rain during the rainy season? All of the technological
advancements are brought by different researches (Gupta 2018). Without the people who dedicated their lives
for the sake of humanity, we will not have this kind of life. Through research, it improves our standard of living.

Research saves a life. Through the course of human history, research has proven its worth and roles in our
lives. In the past, when penicillin was not yet discovered, people just die without proper medication. It was by
the research of Fleming that the first generation of antibiotics were discovered (Pandey et al. 2014). In the same
manner, how can we forget the research of Dr. Abelardo Aguilar, a Filipino doctor, one of the contributors to the
discovery of Erythromycin during the late 1940s? Now, we have effective medicine in bacteria that causes
infections in the respiratory tract (Peretti et al. 2011).
Moreover, Dr. Fe Del Mundo improved the incubator and jaundice relieving device. Now pre-matured
babies and those suffering from jaundice can survive and enjoy life in the future. With our situation now with the
threat of COVID 19, the only hope is research. Research on understanding the disease, development of

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vaccines, and medication will save us. Nonetheless, researchers are doing their best working day and night to
have a medical remedy for this pandemic. Later, research will succeed and will continue to provide us a safer
life.

Research gathers the necessary information. Conducting research implies gathering necessary data to
explain your problem and to answer your particular questions for example, you want to understand students’
perceptions about modular learning, then, you conduct survey to the projected respondents or direct interviews
with the projected participants. Thus, the content of the survey questionnaire and the guided interview must
aligned to the your problem and to the questions that you like to answer. On this manner, you are gathering
important data needed for your research. Another, when COVID 19 was just starting to spread, medical experts
are puzzled about the emerging disease (Vetter, Eckerle, and Kaiser 2020). Many of them wanted to know what
was the cause. Some of them investigated how it is being transmitted. Some experts dealt with medical
mapping. Others determined the incubation period and how it can be prevented. Each of them intensively
conducted a particular study to answer their inquiries. They did many laboratory experiments, observations, and
literature review. Data related only to their questions were considered. Now, we have at least a good
perspective on the manner the virus is transmitted, possible medication, ways to prevent it, incubation period,
and location affected by the pandemic. Thus, the necessary information to understand the situation was
gathered.

Research explores humanity. Do you know that Bataeños have developed distinct Tagalog intonation and
words? Do you know that the song “Ati Ku Pung Singsing” is about the culture of the Kapampangan? Do you
know that in Zambales, the Aetas have customary maternal and infant care beliefs based on their tradition and
faith passed through generations? Do you know that the Dumagat of Aurora considered prayers as part of their
economic life? Do you know that the province of Tarlac came from the "Malatarlak"? I am quite sure that you
are familiar with some of these questions. These are just examples of how research explores the culture of
people.
Research likewise deals with the investigation of culture to understand and to appreciate others'
practices, and beliefs (Zion and Kozleski 2005). The way we understand others is the result of a long study of
different individuals to provide us explanations about group or individual culture. Because of this, we can now
relate, understand, and respect others.
Probably you have your own, experience aware with your own experience how research works, you can
still cite importance of research. These five (5) importance are just the representation of many benefits we can
get out of research. Research is important because it aims for truth, improves quality of human life, saves life,
gathers necessary information, and explores humanity.

ASSESSMENT
Read each statement carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answers on your notebook.
1. How does research become important to humanity?
A. It makes our lives easy and comfortable.
B. Researchers makes money out of it.
C. We are required to take this subject.
2. How can research save lives?
A. provides no solution to our health problems
B. saves lives because it is harmless
D. provides medical explanations and probable solutions
3. How does research improve our lives?
A. continuous development of technology
B. using limited practices and technology
C. using old practices and technology
4. What is the best example of exploring culture of individuals?
A. development of cellphone
B. space travel.
C.understanding cultural
5. Who is the main beneficiary of research?
A. dogs
B. humanity
C. animals
6. How does research provide answers to our inquiries?
A. drawing through intuition
B. making introduction.
C. inferring through evidences

7. How does research serve as a medium of understanding the culture of others?

A. Research provides benefits to people.
B. Research becomes a platform or method.
C. Researcher just reflects without evidence
8. In what way, does research gather information?
A. through interviews, observations and survey

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 B. through interviews only
C. through observations only
9. Why truth is the main aim of conducting research?
A. to seek for limitations
B. to seek for the truth
C. to know one’s purpose
10. What is the best explanation why we are conducting research?
A. to improve our lives.
B. make money out of it.
C. don’t have anything to do.

Lesson
3
Characteristics of Research

In the previous lessons, you were oriented with the definition of research along with its importance in
daily life. Aside from them, you also need to know the characteristics of research because they will guide you in
crafting your own.

Let me remind you that characteristics are features or qualities that distinguish a person, place, or thing.

Characteristics of Research (Cristobal & Cristobal, 2017)

1. Research should be systematic.
The researcher needs to carry out a series of interrelated steps in conducting the study. Such procedure
must follow a well-planned, sequential and organized structure from beginning to end.
The research paper is divided into macrosystem and microsystem. The former refers to different
chapters labeled with main headings, while the latter consists of various elements detailing the contents of each
part.
2. Research should be objective.
The researcher needs to present information that are purely based on truths. It should always be
anchored on the factual basis in which the research work is founded, thus being free from any bias or personal
opinion.
3. Research should be feasible.
The researcher needs to consider the possibility and practicality of conducting the proposed study. All
significant factors like time, budget and access to resources must be analyzed to determine if the research can
actually be done.
4. Research should be empirical.
The researcher needs to employ appropriate methods, either quantitatively or qualitatively, to produce
evidence-based information. They can be drawn from concrete experimentation, direct or indirect observation,
and verifiable experience.
5. Research should be clear.
The researcher needs to use comprehensible language to present information and convey explanation
throughout the research process. The factors to be manipulated, measured or described in the study, also
known as variables, must be clarified using literature from published and unpublished materials. They should be
explained well from the introductory part of the research paper to ensure a deeper understanding of the study to
be conducted.
ASSESSMENT

Identify whether the following scenarios show different characteristics of a good research. Write ACCEPT if it
does, and REJECT if it does not. Write your answers on your notebook.

__________ 1. Organizing the study in a logical manner

__________ 2. Disregarding the basis on which the work is founded
__________ 3. Validating the results of the study
__________ 4. Basing on biases
__________ 5. Analyzing phenomena of importance
__________ 6. Providing fabricated information
__________ 7. Presenting opinions
__________ 8. Considering the extraordinary nature of things
__________ 9. Evaluating sources of information
__________ 10. Counterchecking different evidence

Lesson

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 4
The Research Process
Research process is a systematic manner in which the researcher approaches his/her area of study to
produce knowledge that the community will consider to be worthwhile within the field (Rao, 2017).
Understanding such process is an important step towards executing any study. The following table shows the
five phases of the research process along with their definition (Whittemore & Melkus, 2008).

Research Phase Definition

Conceptual Phase Identifying the problem, reviewing the literature,

formulating the hypothesis, developing the research
framework, and determining the research purpose and
objective

Design and Selecting a research design, developing study procedures,

Planning Phase and determining the sampling and data collection plan

Empirical Phase Collecting data, and preparing data for analysis

Analytic Phase Analyzing data, interpreting the results, and making

conclusions

Dissemination Communicating results to appropriate audience, and

Phase utilizing the findings
Now, here’s
the simplified flow of the significant steps you need to take in conducting a study as presented by Rao (2017):
1. Define the research problem.
To begin your research, you must look at a significant real-life problem. Factors like area of interest,
availability of fund, socio-economic significance of the study, and the safety measures to be undertaken should
be considered in finding and defining the research problem.
The researcher identifies English language proficiency as a problem of aspiring maritime students in
qualifying for admission to prestigious maritime institutions.
2. Review the literature.
Read various publications or surf the internet to become aware of the previous works already done
about the chosen topic. You may utilize different resources like science books, magazines, journals,
newspapers, or even in the internet.
The researcher reviews previous studies conducted about English language proficiency and the
experienced difficulties of aspiring maritime students.
3. Formulate hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a theoretical statement in solving a logical relationship between variables. It should be
based on the problem being solved.
The researcher hypothesizes that the implementation of English-Only Policy (EOP) in the classroom can
improve the English language proficiency of Pre-Baccalaureate Maritime students.
4. Prepare the research design.
Identify what is the best means to collect and analyze data in the study to clarify and improve the
research problem, purpose, and questions.
The researcher uses an experimental design on exploring the experiences of the students in
implementing EOP.
5. Collect data.
Use an appropriate data collection method to elicit the needed information.
The researcher collects data through interview and focus group discussion.
6. Analyze data.
Utilize strategies and methods that make sense of the data to answer the research problem.

The researcher analyzes the data by drawing patterns and themes from the generated data.
7. Interpret and report the findings.
Put the information in perspective and present the solution to the proposed problem based on the
findings of the investigation.
The researcher interprets and reports the findings based on the collected and analyzed data to solve the
research problem.

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For a clearer understanding of the process, study the following schematic diagram:

Prepare Interpret
Define the
Review the Formulate the Collect Analyze and report
research

literature hypothesis research data data the

problem
design findings

ASSESSMENT
Categorize the following steps in which phase of the research process they belong to. Use the legend below,
and write your answers on your notebook.

A – Conceptual Phase D – Analytic Phase

B – Design and Planning Phase E – Dissemination Phase
C – Empirical Phase

__________ 1. Making conclusions

__________ 2. Developing study procedures
__________ 3. Identifying the problem
__________ 4. Selecting a research design
__________ 5. Developing the research framework
__________ 6. Collecting data
__________ 7. Interpreting results
__________ 8. Analyzing data
__________ 9. Reviewing the literature
__________ 10. Determining the sampling and data collection plan

Lesson
5
Ethics in Research
Importance of Ethics in Research
Resnik (2015), in his article, “What is Ethics in Research & Why is it important?”, as cited by Cristobal &
Cristobal (2017), enumerates the following reasons why it is important to follow ethical principles in writing and
conducting a research:
1. It promotes the aims of research.
Ethics guides the researchers in obtaining knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error by prohibiting
fabrication, falsification and misrepresentation of research data.
2. It upholds values that are essential to collaborative work.
Many researchers who are working in different disciplines and institutions cooperate and coordinate to
accomplish a particular research. With ethics in mind, they also maintain trust, accountability, mutual respect,
and fairness.

3. It ensures that researchers can be held accountable to the public.

Ethical norms guarantee the public that researchers are deemed responsible for committing any form of
research misconduct.
4. It builds public support for research.
People express and lend their support by all means if they can trust the quality and integrity of research.

5. It promotes a variety of moral and social values.

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 Ethical principles help the researcher avoid practices that can adversely harm the research subjects and
the community. Thus, it encourages social responsibility, human rights, animal welfare, compliance with the law,
and public health and safety.

Ethical Codes and Policies for Research

Cristobal & Cristobal (2017), in their book, “Practical Research 1 for Senior High School”, lists the
following ethical codes and policies that the researcher needs to consider in conducting a study:
1. Honesty
The researcher should strive to truthfully report data in whatever form of communication all throughout
the study.
2. Objectivity
The researcher should avoid being biased. The study should not be influenced by his/her personal
motives, beliefs and opinions.
3. Integrity
The researcher should establish credibility through the consistency of his/her thought and action. He/she
should act with sincerity especially on keeping agreements.
4. Care
The researcher should never neglect even the smallest detail of the study. All information should be
critically examined. Records of research activities should be properly and securely kept.
5. Openness
The researcher should be willing to accept criticisms and new ideas for the betterment of the study.
Research results and findings should be shared to the public.
6. Respect for intellectual property
The researcher should not plagiarize. Credit should be given to who or where it is due. All authors cited
and sources used in the study should be properly acknowledged.
Plagiarism refers to the act of illegally using another person’s ideas, works, processes, and results.
Thus, it constitutes claiming an intellectual property as one’s own that can be penalized through Republic Act
8293 known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
7. Confidentiality
The researcher should take steps to protect all confidential communications or documents from being
discovered by others.
8. Responsible publication
The researcher should ensure that his/her work is clear, honest, complete, accurate, and balanced, thus
avoiding wasteful and duplicate publication. It should likewise refrain from selective, misleading, or ambiguous
reporting.
9. Responsible mentoring
The researcher should teach responsible conduct of research and share professional knowledge and
skills especially to new or less-experienced researchers.
10. Respect for colleagues
The researcher should show courtesy to his/her colleagues by treating them equally and fairly.
11. Social responsibility
The researcher should promote social good by working for the best interests and benefits of the
environment and society as a whole.
12. Non-discrimination
The researcher should not discriminate based on sex, race, ethnicity, or any factor relating to scientific
competence and integrity. Thus, research should be open to all people or entities who will participate in
research.
13. Competence
The researcher should possess necessary knowledge and skills in conducting a study. He/she should
be equipped with a sense of professionalism and expertise to ensure competent results.
14. Legality
The researcher should know and abide by relevant laws, institutional and government policies
concerning the legal conduct of research.
15. Human Subject Protection
The researcher should protect human lives by preventing and minimizing harms and risks. He/she
should always uphold the human dignity, privacy, and autonomy of human subjects to be used in the
study.

Rights of Research Participants

In every aspect of life, rights and responsibilities are inseparably linked to one another. This means that
both the researcher and the participant have necessary obligations to perform as a prerequisite of their
privileges in conducting research. According to Trochim (2006), Smith (2003) and Polit (2006), the following are
some of the rights of research participants, as cited by Cristobal & Cristobal (2017):
1. Voluntary participation
The research participants must be given the privilege to exercise their free will whether to participate or
not. They have the right to refuse involvement in the study. Thus, any person should not be forced to take part
in any research undertaking.
2. Informed consent

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 The research participants must be provided with sufficient information about the procedures and risks
involved in the research. It serves as an initial guide on why and how the study will be conducted. Hence, the
researcher must ensure that they fully understood and agreed upon the study.
3. Risk of harm
The research participants must be protected from any type of harm whether it may be physical,
psychological, social, or economic. The researcher must avoid, prevent, or minimize threats especially when
they are exposed and engaged in invasive and risky procedures.
4. Confidentiality
The research participants must be assured of their privacy particularly on personal information. The
researcher must secure that all information disclosed by them will not be used without authorized access.
5. Anonymity
The research participants must remain anonymous or unidentified throughout the study even to the
researchers themselves. They have the right to keep their identities secret as they participate especially in
case-sensitive studies.

ASSESSMENT
Identify whether the following actions follow the ethical codes and policies for research. Write GO if you think it
is ethical, and STOP if it is unethical. Write your answers on your notebook.

__________ 1. Securing the safety of research participants

__________ 2. Rejecting criticisms from others
__________ 3. Exposing personal identity of respondents
__________ 4. Carrying out inconsistent actions
__________ 5. Treating all peers equally
__________ 6. Duplicating other publications
__________ 7. Obeying relevant laws
__________ 8. Keeping agreements
__________ 9. Searching from credible online sources of information

__________ 10. Falsifying reported data and results

Lesson
Quantitative and Qualitative
1
6
Research
In the previous lessons, you were oriented with the characteristics, processes, and ethics of research.
Aside from them, you also need to know the two broad categories of research. They can be identified by the
type of methodology used such as quantitative and qualitative.
The research method determines the way on how the researcher will identify, collect, and analyze
relevant data for his/her research. As a student-researcher, choosing either qualitative or quantitative research
will affect the components of your study. Hence, you need to recognize the similarities and differences between
them.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research (Cristobal & Cristobal, 2017)

There are two broad categories of research methodology: quantitative research and qualitative research.
The method to be used in conducting a research will determine the approach the researcher takes in identifying
relevant data, and collecting and analyzing the information gathered in the research. Choosing either a
quantitative or qualitative approach will affect the components of the research.

For instance, a researcher may decide to undertake a scientific research. If he/she takes a quantitative
approach, he/she will use statistical data to provide an explanation of the phenomenon. On the other hand, if
the researcher chooses qualitative approach, the goal of the study will be to discuss and analyze the underlying
concepts and theories related to the research topic.
For you to easily understand the similarities and differences between the two research methods here is
a short definition of terms that you have to be familiar with.
• contact time – the period when the researcher interacts with the research subjects or participants to
obtain relevant information

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 • hypothesis – a statement usually predicting the relationship between variables that can be tested by
scientific research
• outlier – a statistical observation in a set of data that is inconsistent with the majority of the data
• output replicability – capable of repetition, imitation or reproduction
• research instrument – a measurement tool designed to obtain, measure and analyze data from
research subjects around the research topic
• sample size – the number of subjects to be taken from the target population of the study
• trend – an assumed development in the future that will have a long-term and lasting effect; prevailing
style or preference
• validity – the functional quality of research instrument on obtaining data and producing results based on
the purpose of the study
• variable – any characteristic that can have different values or traits that may vary across research
participants

Now, study the following table cited by Cristobal & Cristobal (2017) from the Social Science Research
Extension Institute (SSREI), University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio (2009).

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Aims to characterize trends and Involves processes, feelings, and

patterns motives (the why’s and the how’s)
and produces in-depth and
holistic data
Usually starts with either a theory Usually concerned with
or hypothesis about the generating hypothesis from data
relationship between two or more rather than testing a hypothesis
variables
Uses structured research Uses either unstructured or semi-
instruments like questionnaires structured instruments
or schedules

Uses large sample sizes that are Uses small sample sizes chosen
representatives of the population purposely

Has high output replicability Has high validity

Used to gain greater Used to gain greater

understanding of group understanding of individual
similarities differences in terms of feelings,
motives, and experiences

Uses structured processes Uses more flexible processes

Methods include census, survey, Methods include field research,

experiment, and secondary case study, and secondary
analysis analysis

Generally, quantitative and qualitative research differs on the type of data they produce. The former dwells on
the collection of numerical data analyzed by statistical analysis, while the latter deals with descriptive, in-depth
and holistic data analyzed by summarizing, categorizing and interpreting. On this note, you need to use
quantitative research if you want to confirm or test a theory or hypothesis and use qualitative research if you
want to understand concepts, thoughts and experiences.
Here is a simple example on how you can apply two methods differently on the same research question, “How
satisfied are students with their studies?”

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 In quantitative research,
you may survey 250
students at your school and
ask them a question, “On a
scale from 1-5, how satisfied
are you with your studies?”
Then, you can perform
statistical analysis on the data and
draw conclusions
such as: “On average,
students rated their studies 4.1”.

In qualitative research, you may conduct

in-depth interviews with 15 students and ask
them open-ended questions such as: “How
satisfied are you with your studies?”, “What is
the most positive aspect of your study
program?”, and “What can be done to
improve the study program?” Based on
their answers, you can ask follow-up
questions to clarify things. Furthermore, you
can transcribe all interviews and try to find
patterns and commonalities.

Do you want to know more?

Read and analyze the following table from “What is Qualitative Research” by Alasuutari (2011) to be deeply
acquainted with quantitative and qualitative research based on different categories.

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 Category Quantitative Qualitative

Question Who, What, When, How, What, Why

Domains Where

Common 150 to 200+ 10 to 15

Sample Size

Contact 10 to 20 minutes 45 to 240 minutes

Time each

Validity Must be true of most Must be true of each

of the data or case or ideographic
nomothetic (law- (case-oriented)
oriented)

Variables Define relationships Describe

and establish general relationship and
case establish meaning
structures and
Here are some contexts examples of
research conducted by
Abdullah (2019; 2020) to give
you a glimpse on how the two
Outliers Unique positions lost Valuable descriptive
methodologies can be applied
in different to the weight of the cases with unique studies.
Qualitative average access to average Research 1:
K-Pop cases Apocalypse:
Invading Filipino
Cultures
This Examples Surveys, numerical Interviews, literature study aimed to
explore why counts, statistical content reviews, real Filipino
cultures are analyses, world observations, invaded by the
K-Pop mania. mathematical case studies, In this
research, the researcher
modeling ethnographies
used survey and descriptive
method to determine the
reasons and venues of where Filipinos would usually find out about K-pop. Their answers would then help
the researcher gather data on the awareness of the respondents regarding K-pop and how it has
penetrated their life and culture.
Qualitative Research 2:
Livelihood Aspirations and Life Struggles of Badjao People
This study aimed to discover the livelihood aspirations and life struggles of Badjao people in the 21st
century generation. In this ethnographic research, the researcher employed participant-observation with a
combination of unstructured interviews as tools in acquiring data. This involved the use of behavioral analysis
and recording of the information gained from participating and observing on daily interactions. Through face-to-
face discussions, the respondents’ subjective and detailed personal story can be told. This further granted
access to deep knowledge and explanations, and helped in grasping the subjects’ perspective on their
livelihood aspirations and life struggles.

Quantitative Research 1:
• K-Pop Comparative Assessment on the Full Implementation of Senior High School Curriculum
among Private and Public Schools
This study aimed to investigate the impact of the respondents’ expectations and apprehensions on the
effectiveness of the full implementation of SHS curriculum. Comparative assessment of the program was
conducted between private and public schools with students, parents, teachers and principals as respondents.
To give comprehensive analysis, interpretation and implication of data, weighted mean, t-test, ANOVA and
Pearson r were employed.

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Quantitative Research 2:
• Use of Supplemental Learning Materials in Improving Students’ Academic and Attitudes
in Pre-Calculus
This study aimed to determine the effect of simplified supplemental learning materials in improving students’
achievement and attitudes towards Pre-calculus. Quasi-experimental research design was employed with 70
students as subjects of the study. Mean Percentage Score (MPS), weighted mean and t-test were applied to
describe data and make good inferences about the experimentation. The researcher used the gathered
statistical data to analyze and interpret the achievement and attitudes of students on using the supplemental
learning materials in Pre-Calculus.

ASSESSMENT
Read and analyze the following concepts. Then, categorize them into what type of research method they belong
to. Use the given table below and accomplish it on your paper.
1. The researcher is an objective observer.
2. There is one concrete reality being governed by unchanging natural laws that can explain any given
phenomenon.
3. The researcher is part of the context and intrinsically linked to the findings.
4. Concerns of bias are not part of research because the researcher is transparent.
5. There is one true reality regardless of context.
6. A phenomenon can be understood by studying its component parts.
7. Conditions must be carefully controlled to prevent unwanted influences.
8. Reality is context-specific.
9. A phenomenon can be understood only when studied as a whole.
10. Reality is socially and experientially constructed – resulting in multiple realities of a phenomenon.

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Lesson
7 Description and Importance of Qualitative Research

You probably hear a claim that the opposite of number is word. This perhaps can help you easily
differentiate quantitative and qualitative types of research. It is said that number best represents quantitative
research while word best represents qualitative research. However, as a student-researcher, you should
consider that these concepts do not confine alone with just simply remembering key words such as “number” for
quantitative research and “word” for qualitative research. Now, you may be wondering and may ask, “What
makes a study a quantitative or a qualitative research?” “Are there several considerations that I should know
regarding researches?” “Should I explore more on familiarizing them as two distinct types of research?”
Since you are now taking Practical Research 1 course, this further deals on a qualitative type of
research. You must be equipped first with full understanding of essential concepts that describe qualitative
research before conducting such type of investigation. Hence, in this module, you will explore qualitative
research by recognizing its characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, kinds, and importance across different
fields. Remember that having an in-depth understanding of these concepts will make your qualitative research
journey be guided and later be successful.

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research can be easily characterized by carefully observing how some research elements such as:
research design, data collection procedure, and data analysis have been put into considerations. As cited from
Spalding University Library (2020), these three key elements will guide the researcher to properly conduct a
qualitative research study. To further understand this kind of research, its characteristics are presented as
follows:

1. Qualitative research is naturalistic. A study to be conducted by the researcher should be based on real-life
situations. Likewise, the researcher should also unfold the study in a natural manner, that is, the findings are
derived from the analysis of authentic data gathered from the participants. Such a concept makes qualitative
research known for its non-controlling characteristic.

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2. Qualitative research is purposeful. In conducting a qualitative type of study, the researcher should select the
participants in a purposive manner, that is, they will be selected because they either have easy access to the
information needed or simply have the knowledge to provide a great deal of information needed to the study. Hence,
these participants are called “information rich” in the context of research.
This type of participant selection will validate the concept that qualitative study focuses on rich insights
regarding the phenomenon rather than on mere numerical data simply obtained from surveys and
questionnaires.
3. Qualitative research is detailed. A thick description of gathered data from the participants makes this type
of study a detailed one. It is important that the researcher should capture the direct quotations of the responses
of the participant/s from the conducted interview or observation.
4. Qualitative research requires engagement and neutrality. Direct contact with the people, situation, and
phenomenon under investigation should be established by the researcher. Immersing oneself would enable the
researcher to acquire personal experiences and insights which are essential to better understand the
phenomenon. Further, the researcher should also be neutral in the responses and observations he/she may get
while engaging with the participant/s. The researcher should likewise show openness, sensitivity, and respect.
5. Qualitative research follows an inductive procedure. As the researcher immerses himself/herself in the
phenomenon under investigation, specific details and data will be gathered from the target participant/s. These
data then can be used to discover emerging patterns and themes. Following an inductive procedure, the
researcher will start from exploring the phenomenon and will end to confirming findings of the works.
6. Qualitative research is viewed in a holistic perspective. A study in a qualitative type cannot be simply
done in a linear and cause and effect relationship approach. Rather, it requires the researcher to view the whole
phenomenon under investigation in a complex system, that is, different variables can either cause or effect the
phenomenon.

Strengths and Weakness of Qualitative Research

It is known that a qualitative type of research focuses more on explaining why subjects under investigation think
and behave in certain ways. With such purpose, it can be observed that there are corresponding strengths and
weaknesses a qualitative research may have once it is employed by the researcher. As cited from University of
Denmark Library (2020), this type of research has its strengths and weaknesses presented as follows:

Strengths:
1. Qualitative research complements quantitative data. Interview and observation are the common
instruments used in the conduct of a qualitative study. Such instruments can provide qualitative data that can be
utilized as a support for any quantitative data appearing in a study, hence, a more reliable result will be
ensured.
2. Qualitative research provides more detailed information to explain complex issues. Since this type of
research study requires the researcher to immerse himself/herself in the phenomenon under investigation,
direct experiences can be acquired. Similarly, considering “information rich” participant/s, as well as utilizing
interview and observation as qualitative research instruments, may enable the researcher to gather more
accurate data needed in explaining a complex phenomenon.
3. Qualitative research is cost efficient. Small number of participants is usually considered in qualitative
research. Hence, less resource will be needed to accomplish the study. Likewise, interview schedule and
observation checklist as qualitative research tools demand the researcher to spend less resources unlike
questionnaires as a primary tool utilized in quantitative research.

Weaknesses:
1. Qualitative research cannot generalize the findings to the study population. The use of a small number
of participants in qualitative research may result in limited responses. Thus, findings of the study might not be
possibly generalized to a larger population. Replication of the study is often suggested.
2. Qualitative research is more difficult to analyze. Unlike quantitative research which deals with numeric
data and can be interpreted through statistical formula, qualitative research presents non-numeric data which
are all based on the subjective responses of the participants. If data are not critically analyzed and carefully
interpreted, results may become biased and even less credible.
3. Qualitative research is time consuming. Though qualitative research utilizes a small number of
participants, this, however, demands the researcher to spend more time in dealing and engaging with them.
Similarly, the analysis and interpretation phase of the study also requires the researcher to take more time in
observing the emerging patterns and themes derived from participants’ provided data.

Kinds of Qualitative Research

In conducting a qualitative type of research on different fields such as business, education, medicine, etc., there
are six (6) widely used qualitative research kinds namely: (1) phenomenological; (2) ethnographic; (3) grounded
theory; (4) case study; (5) historical; and (6) narrative.

1. Phenomenological. This kind of qualitative research focuses on subjective lived experiences of the
participants in order to understand phenomenon. Here, the researcher is concerned with the feelings of the
participants regarding a particular event or activity, hence, the uniqueness of their lived situations can be
described. Interview is the common instrument used for its data collection with the suggested sample size
ranging from 5 to 25.

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Examples:
• A researcher aims to determine the challenges and coping mechanisms of senior high school working
students in the second district of Bataan.
• A researcher aims to explain the lived experiences of the COVID-19 survivors in the province of Bataan.
2. Ethnographic. It is a kind of qualitative research which concentrates on the study of a group of people in a
particular environment. To characterize behaviors, cultures, challenges, and possible occurring themes, the
researcher is required to engage himself/herself with the participants through immersion in an extended period
of time. Observation, along with the use of interview and survey, is an essential instrument for this type of study.
Examples:
• A researcher seeks to determine the cultural practices and healthcare beliefs of the ethnic group living in
Bataan province.
• A researcher seeks to characterize the survival strategies of families in an urban poor community.
3. Grounded Theory. This kind of qualitative research intends to explain a phenomenon through developing a
theory. In comparison with phenomenological study that primarily describes lived experiences, grounded theory aims
to provide explanation and theory behind those lived experiences. Interview and supporting documents are the
commonly used data collection instrument for its participants approximately ranging from 20 to 30 or until data
achieve saturation.
Examples:
• A researcher attempts to conceptualize the breast cancer survivorship process among Bataeños.
• A researcher attempts to generate a theory of defense mechanisms of students who experience school
bullying.
4. Case Study. It is a qualitative research kind which allows the researcher to have an intensive analysis of the
phenomenon. The aim of this study is to accurately describe the case through an in-depth examination of a
single person or single institution. With this, thorough interview, observation, and documentation are all utilized
as multiple data collection instruments.
Examples:
• A researcher aims to explain the causes of the reading difficulty of a grade 5 struggling reader.
• A researcher aims to describe the language challenges of hearing-impaired students in a SPED class.
5. Historical. This qualitative research kind is concerned with the identification, evaluation, and synthesis of
past event data. Further, it aims to understand present patterns and to anticipate future choices through clearly
relating the past event data which are obtained from sources such as documents, relics and artifacts, and oral
reports.
Examples:
• A researcher attempts to explore the nature and context of the political leadership of Bataan governors.
• A researcher seeks to explore the development in the courtship letter writing style among Bataeños.
6. Narrative. Life accounts of individuals based on their personal experiences are typically obtained and analyzed in
the conduct of this kind of qualitative research. The primary objective of the study is to extract meaningful context
based on the documented experiences. Unlike phenomenological research which focuses on describing and
explaining a phenomenon through the lived experiences of the participants, narrative research focuses merely on the
nature of the story told by the participants. Hence, phenomenological research may use narrative, but narrative
research does not necessarily need phenomenological. Discourse analysis is one of the commonly and widely
employed approaches of narrative research.
Examples:
• A researcher seeks to characterize the struggles faced by student-athletes.
• A researcher seeks to describe the daily teaching experiences of millennial teachers in the Schools
Division of Bataan.

Importance of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is known for providing meaning to understand an existing phenomenon. With this,
the perspectives, expressions, and activities of the participants play a vital role to unveiling the local context
across different fields.
The development in any fields such as in education, business, medical and health allied services, etc. is
made possible by means of qualitative research.
For example, the researcher may study the experiences of individuals and their access to health care by
determining their perspectives. These solicited responses reflecting their experiences, attitudes, and
circumstances may help the researcher to understand the phenomenon, hence, suggestions for improvement
and development can be sought.
Now that you have already explored qualitative research through its characteristics, strengths,
weaknesses, kinds, and importance, it is no doubt that you have already acquired important details needed for
pursuing the conduct of such study leading to a successful result.

ASSESSMENT
Read each statement carefully. Choose the letter that corresponds to the best answer. Write your answers on
your paper.
1. How can qualitative research be done in a naturalistic manner?
A. It should control the data.
B. It should manipulate the data.
C. It should focus on artificial responses.

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 D. It should solicit responses from real-life situations.
2. How can a researcher select participants in a purposive manner?
A. Select the participants randomly.
B. Select the participants by means of “draw lots.”
C. Select the participants who can pass the set criteria.
D. Select the participants based on mere convenience of the researcher.
3. Which of the following does not characterize a qualitative research?
A. The research follows an inductive procedure.
B. The research focuses on personal experiences and insights.
C. The research considers a thick description of the gathered data.
D. The research is done using a linear and cause and effect relationship approach.

4. Why does the use of small number of participants become a weakness of a qualitative research?
A. It cannot be a source of data.
B. It requires more resources; hence, it is not cost-efficient.
C. It cannot provide detailed information of the phenomenon to be investigated.
D. It cannot provide sufficient information of the phenomenon to be investigated.
5. What is the strength of qualitative research?
A. Qualitative research is time consuming.
B. Qualitative research is more difficult to analyze.
C. Qualitative research cannot generalize the findings to the study population.
D. Qualitative research provides more detailed information to explain complex issues.
6. What is the objective of a phenomenological research?
A. to develop a theory
B. to understand the past events
C. to characterize the culture of the subjects
D. to explore the lived experiences of the subjects
7. Which of the following qualitative researches requires an in-depth examination of an individual subject?
A. narrative B. historical C. case study D. grounded theory
8. Which of the following researches requires an immersion?
A. historical B. ethnographic C. grounded theory D. phenomenological
9. What kind of qualitative research can be best done when the researcher seeks to conceptualize the
survivorship process of COVID-19 patients?
A. historical B. ethnographic C. grounded theory D. phenomenological
10. Which of the following fields can qualitative research be beneficial?
A. business B. medicine C. education D. all of the above

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 Credits to: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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