LESSON 1: NATURE AND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH

RESEARCH
= is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in
order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Two major research designs:
1. Quantitative
 generates numerical data or information that can be converted into
numbers.
2. Qualitative
 generates non-numerical data.
Comparison between the two:
Goal of the Research
Qualitative research- provides a complete, detailed description of the research
topic.
Quantitative research- focuses more in counting and classifying features and
constructing statistical models and figures to explain what is observed.
Data Gathering Instrument
The researcher serves as the primary data gathering instrument in Qualitative
Research. Here, the researcher employs various data-gathering strategies like:
 individual in-depth interviews
 structured and non-structured interviews
 focus groups
 narratives
 content or documentary analysis
 participant observation

Quantitative Research makes use of tools such as questionnaires, surveys and

other equipment to collect numerical or measurable data.
 Approach
 Qualitative Research seeks to understand human behavior and reasons
that govern such behavior. Researchers have the tendency to become
subjectively immersed in the subject matter.
 In Quantitative Research, researchers tend to remain objectively
separated from the subject matter.

KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:

1. Descriptive or survey design attempts to describe and explain
conditions of the present by using many subjects and questionnaires to
fully describe a phenomenon. There is no experimental manipulation,
and the researcher does not start with a hypothesis. The goal of
descriptive research is only to describe the person or object of the
study.
2. Correlational Research Design It attempts to explore relationships to
make predictions. It uses one set of subjects with two or more
variables for each. Data is collected by observation since it does not
consider the cause and effect.
3. Causal Comparative or Ex Post Facto Research Design
This research design attempts to explore a possible relationship
between previous events and present conditions. It uses what already
exists and looks backward to explain why. The term “Ex post facto”
which means after the fact, looks at the possible causes of an already
occurring phenomenon. Just like the first two, there is no experimental
manipulation in this design.
4. Quasi-Experimental Design
It is used to establish the cause-and-effect relationship of variables. It
has lesser validity due to the absence of random selection and
assignment of subjects. Here, the independent variable is identified
but not manipulated. The researcher does not modify pre-existing
groups of subjects. The group exposed to treatment (experimental) is
compared to the group unexposed to treatment (control).
 5. Experimental Research Design
This design is most appropriate in controlled settings such as
laboratories. The design assumes random assignment of subjects and
random assignment to groups (E and C). It attempts to explore cause
and affect relationships where causes can be manipulated to produce
different kinds of effects. Because of the requirement of random
assignment, this design can be difficult to execute in the real world
(non laboratory) setting.

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:

1. Large Sample Size
2. Objectivity
3. Concise Visual Presentation
4. Faster Data Analysis
5. Generalized Data
6. Fast and Easy Data Collection
7. Reliable Data
8. High Replicability

1. Large Sample Size

 To obtain more meaningful statistical result, the data must come from a
large sample size.
2. Objectivity
 Data gathering and analysis of results are done accurately, objectively, and
are unaffected by the researcher’s intuition and personal guesses.
3. Concise Visual Presentation
 Data is numerical which makes presentation through graphs, charts, and
tables possible and with better conveyance and interpretation.
4. Faster Data Analysis
 The use of a statistical tools gives way for a less time-consuming data
analysis.
5. Generalized Data
 Data taken from a sample can be applied to the population if sampling is
done accordingly, i.e., sufficient size and random samples were taken.
6. Fast and Easy Data Collection
Depending on the type of data needed, collection can be quick and easy.
Quantitative research uses standardized research instruments that allow
the researcher to collect data from a large sample size efficiently. For
instance, a single survey form can be administered simultaneously to
collect various measurable characteristics like age, gender, socio-economic
status, etc.
7. Reliable Data
Data is taken and analyzed objectively from a sample as a
representative of the population, making it more credible and reliable
for policymaking and decision making.
8. High Replicability
The Quantitative method can be repeated to verify findings enhancing its
validity, free from false or immature conclusions.

ADVANTAGES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:

1. Very objective
2. Numerical and quantifiable data can be used to predict outcomes.
3. Findings are generalizable to the population.
4. There is conclusive establishment of cause and effect.
5. Fast and easy data analysis using statistical software.
6. Fast and easy data gathering.
7. Quantitative research can be replicated or repeated.
8. Validity and reliability can be established.
 DISADVANTAGES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:
1. It lacks the necessary data to explore a problem or concept in depth.
2. It does not provide comprehensive explanation of human experiences.
3. Some information cannot be described by numerical data such as feelings,
and beliefs.
4. The research design is rigid and not very flexible.
5. The participants are limited to choose only from the given responses.
6. The respondents may tend to provide inaccurate responses.
7. A large sample size makes data collection more costly.