PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Research Etymology deals with words and meanings.

Old French allow you to explore concepts and

experiences in more detail

re- expressing intensive force and cherchier - to search

 earliest use of word is in 1577

Latin

re- again and again investigationem - investigate

 To search or investigate exhaustively

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH - -refers to systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena via

statistical, mathematical, or numerical data or computational techniques

QUANTITATIVE VS. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

* deals with numbers and statistics *words and meanings

* systematically measure variables *explores concepts and experiences in more detail

and test hypotheses *gather in-depth insights on topics that are not well-
understood

PURPOSE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

 Attain greater knowledge and understanding of the social world.

 Uses quantitative methods to observe situations or events that affect people.

 Produces objective data that can be clearly communicated through statistics and numbers

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

 Generally the focus of quantitative research is on measuring social reality. Quantitative research
desires to find out quantities in something and to set up research numerically. Most likely
Quantitative research tends to be numerical or categorical. It aims to predict, establish facts, and
examine hypothesis that have been stated, through finding evidence. Normally it entails large
number of respondents and very much suitable for making generalizations and descriptions.
 Data gathering instruments include items that ask for quantifiable characteristics such as age,
number of children, educational status and economic status.
 Standardized pretest instrument direct data collection hence guaranteeing accuracy, reliability,
and validity of data.
 It involves observing the application of principle of random sampling to prevent researcher’s bias
in constructing the results.
 Data gathered are prepared using tables, graphs, figures, to show trends and relationship.
Researchers can duplicate the quantitative method to validate substantive findings.
CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

 Large sample size

 Contain measurable variables
 Structured research methods
 Use standardized research instruments
 Assume a normal population distribution
 Present data in tables, graphs or figures
 Use repeatable method
 Can predict outcomes
 Use measuring devices
 Generalization of outcome

STRENGTHS :

 Allows broader study

 Greater objectivity/ accuracy of result
 Research can be replicated and compared with similar studies
 Personal bias can be avoided
 Summarizes vast sources of information.

WEAKNESSES:

Data is more efficient and able to test hypothesis but fail to notice contextual point.
 Rigid process of discovery
 Require extensive statistical treatment
 Costly, time consuming
 Results offer less detail on behavior, attitudes and motivation.=

KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

The purpose of any scientific inquiry is to add to a body of knowledge that helps explain , predict or
control events of interest in the field.

1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
 is used to understand a phenomenon, a situation, or a population.

 does not involve manipulation of certain variables

 Observe or measure the variables to investigate them

 is used to obtain information concerning current status of phenomena.

 describes “what” exists with variables or conditions in a situation.

 The purpose of descriptive studies can be explained as describing, explaining, and validating
research findings.

 The most common methods of collecting descriptive research are case studies, observations and
surveys.
 1.1 Case Studies - students analyze a real problem within a specific context using various sources
of data

1.2 Observation Studies – the focus of observation studies is on particular factor of behavior and
it is quantified. Using rating scale eg. Likert Scale to evaluate the behavior in terms of specific factors or
reason. Defining the behavior being studied in a precise and solid manner. Divide observation period into
small clusters then record.

1.3 Survey

• defined as "the collection of information from a sample of individuals through their responses
to questions“

• allows for a variety of methods to recruit participants, collect data, and utilize various methods
of instrumentation

• most popular and common method to gather data

• can use multiple questions to a wide population

• can utilize an online survey software that automatically analyzes data.

Two Ways Of Conducting Survey

1. Cross – Sectional – used when you want to conduct research at a given point in time

2. Longitudinal – when you want to run surveys at various durations

Advantages:

 Allows gathering of data from a wider audience across multiple sources.

 Versatile in nature, allowing gathering data from various objectives across multiple industries

 Use structured questionnaires enabling you to gather standardized data

 Allows respondents anonymity, and confidentiality, encouraging honest responses

A phenomenon, in a scientific context, is something that is observed to occur or to exist. It is simply a

fact or event that can be observed with the senses, either directly or using equipment such as
microscopes or telescopes

VARIABLES, are any characteristics that can take on different values, such as height, weight,
temperature, test scores and others.

Advantages:

 Allows to gather detailed and nuanced understanding of the research obj

 ective.

 Easy to implement, as it involves surveys, observation and others

 Enables gathering of data that are generalizable to a large population

 EXAMPLE:

 Social Media Usage Patterns Among High School Students

 Study Of Mobile Phone Usage in a Public School Campus

 Survey Of Study Environments Among Senior High School Students

 Student Participation in School Clubs and Organizations

2. CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH

 A non-experimental research method done to find out what the affect of one on the other might
be and how that affects the relationship.

 used to identify a relationship between variables with no influence from any extraneous
variable.

 help recognize patterns and trends in the feedback gathered

EXAMPLE:

 Identifying relationship between weather (temperature) and ice cream sales.

 Examining the relationship between the number of hours students spend in studying and their
academic performance

 Exploring the relationship between students’ participation in extracurricular activities and their
levels of stress

DIRECTION/STRENGTH OF CORRELATION:

(1) POSITIVE – both variables change in the same direction

(2) NEGATIVE – variables change in opposite directions

(3) ZERO CORRELATION – there is no relationship between the variables

EXAMPLE:

Gather data on the advertising expenditure of a product and its corresponding sales data

Using Correlational Analysis, you can determine if there is a relationship between advertising spending
and sales performance

3. QUASI – EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH - also known as CAUSE-and-EFFECT

 aims to identify a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables (dependent and
independent)

 Involves subjects being assigned to groups based on non-random criteria

Researchers manipulate or measure Dependent and Independent variable

 Independent is the cause. Its value is independent of other variables in the study

Dependent is the effect. Its value is dependent on the changes in the independent variable

ADVANTAGES:

 allows to compare different groups / conditions and explore the cause-and-effect relationship

 occurs in real-world setting

 allows for a high ecological validity (can apply the findings and generalize to real-life situations
more practical and feasible

EXAMPLE:

Evaluate the effect of pricing promotion on the sales volume.

 - Select two stores that sell your products, one will implement a promotion while the other
maintains the regular price .. By comparing the sales volume data from both stores during the
promotion period, you can assess its effect

 Determining the effect of a classroom model on the academic performance of high school
mathematics students

 Assessing the impact of a school-wide physical activity program on the physical fitness level of
elementary school students

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH - also known as TRUE EXPERIMENT

 aims to measure the effect of one or more Independent Variables on one or more Dependent
Variables with the use of the Scientific Method

 this is done by manipulating the IVs to study its effects on the DV.

 involves conducting a set of procedures to test the hypothesis of the study.

 Subjects within experimental research are randomly assigned to groups

Experimental Research- reveals a cause and effect relationship by systematically manipulating one
parameter ( independent variable )It also establish an experimental proof of causation, the manipulation
of the independent variable and must be done in a manner that makes any other explanation for the
change in the dependent variable.

ADVANTAGES:

 the researcher has control over the extraneous variable which requires a high degree of internal
validity

 enables replication and verification of research outcomes leading to increased confidence in the
conclusion drawn.

 allows the researcher to manipulate the IV to assess its impact on the DV.
EXAMPLE:

 A company can test the impact of a new product compared to its older variation in the market.It can
randomly assign the older variation to a control group and the new product variation to an
experimental group

 The effect of a new math tutoring program on the math achievement of Junior High School students
assigned in a control and experimental group

 Effect of a New Study Technique on Exam Scores

 Impact of a School Nutrition Program on Student Concentration