Reviewer for Practical Research 1

Module 1

The Nature and Importance of Research

In simple language, research means searching for knowledge. The Merriam- Webster online
dictionary expands this definition as a “careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge
about something.” Authors of research textbooks, meanwhile, distinguish research from other ways
of knowing or understanding the world (e.g., common sense, insight, divine inspiration, acceptance
of authoritative dictates) as  a “systematic inquiry that is designed to collect, analyse, and interpret
data to understand, describe, or predict phenomenon (Mertens, 2015). Still, some authors
emphasize that research is “the formal and disciplined application of scientific inquiry to the study of
problems” (Navarro and Santos, 2011).

The above definitions imply that research is very important in everyday life. Among its practical
applications are discovering medical breakthroughs, advancing technological developments, and
understanding and solving problems in education, business, economy, and society. In more specific
terms, the following are some of the importance of research:

1. Gather Relevant Information

The results of research(es) are used as a springboard in conduction more researches or in planning
new projects. For example, a research on the basic needs of the target customers can help
companies develop and market a new line of products.

2. Improve Quality of Life

Research undertakings are basically geared toward improving the quality of life. The major
breakthroughs in the field of communication, transportation, medicine, entertainment and food and
nutrition are all possible because of researches conducted. Through continuous research, these
breakthroughs are further improved to make people’s lives convenient comfortable.

3. Understand History

Understanding our history can help us better understand our current society and the behaviour of the
people. Research plays an important role not only in helping us trace our history, but also in
understanding and providing possible solutions to the pervading problems of our current society.

4. Personal and Professional Development

Research challenges us to become better individuals through the new ideas, perspective and skills
that we can get when doing research. Personally, you will gain more knowledge and thus widen your
perspective about life in general. Professionally, you will not only meet your academic or school
requirement but you will also advance to a more challenging and exciting world of learning.

 
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH

You have already learned how important research is in your daily life. Before you engage yourself in
this relevant and practical activity, you have to know first the characteristics of a good research.

1. Research is empirical. It uses facts data that are obtained through a thorough investigation.

2. Research is analytical. The researcher carefully analyses and interprets the gathered data
before arriving at a conclusion.
3. Research is systematic. It follows a certain method or procedure in order to obtain
objective results.
4. Research is cyclical. It begins with a problem to complete the cycle. This only means that
every step in the research process is vital to the success of the research.
5. Research is original. It is expected that any research output is a product of novel ideas and
shows originality.

RESEARCH PROCESS

As mentioned above, research is systematic and cyclical. This means that you need to follow a step-
by step process to successfully conduct a research study. As a beginning researcher, you may
follow these steps in the research process:

1. Define your topic. The very first step in conducting a research is choosing and defining your
topic. Remember that your chosen topic will directly affect the research process, so if you
want to lessen your time in gathering information, you have to choose your topic wisely.
2. Write your problem statement. Your problem statement is the statement that describes
what is to be tested during the entire research process or the general problem or question
that the research aims to answer.
3. Make an outline. The outline serves as the first draft of your paper. Start by writing down all
the relevant information you have gathered in line with your research topic. Then logically
organize your outline.
4. Develop a research strategy. Developing a strategy in conducting your research minimizes
the time and effort you will be putting on your paper. This will serve as your guide in setting
out your objectives and priorities.
5. Evaluate your sources. You must check the quality and credibility of the sources you will
use in the study. You may do this by considering the authority (author and publisher),
currency (date of publication), and purpose (intention of the author) of the material.
6. Write and revise your paper. Check the contents of your paper. Make sure that the
contents are in line with your chosen topic and problem statement.
7. Document your sources. Documentation of sources is important in any research for it
shows the credibility of the writer. This shows whether the ideas or information are taken
from another source or from the author himself or herself.

ETHICS IN RESEARCH

You may have encountered the word ethics several times. For example, you might have heard or be
familiar with the terms medical ethics, business ethics, teaching ethics, or classroom ethics. Ethics,
in simple words, are norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour. As an important human activity, research has also its own set of ethics. Research ethics
establishes the moral integrity of the researchers which is crucial as it ensures that the research
findings are valid and trustworthy.

The following is a general summary of some ethical principles that researchers must observed.

1. Honesty. Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honesty report data, results,
methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent
data.
2. Objectivity. Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation,
peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of
research where objectivity is expected or required. Avoid or minimize bias or self-deception.
3. Integrity. Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of
thought and action.
4. Carefulness. Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your
own work. Keep good records of research activities such as data collection, research design,
and correspondence with agencies.
5. Openness. Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property. Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual
property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give credit
where credit is due. Give proper acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to research.
Never plagiarize.
7. Confidentiality. Protect confidential communications and personal information of your
respondents.
8. Social Responsibility. Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms
through research, public education and advocacy.
9. Competence. Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise
through lifelong education and learning.
10. Legality. Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.
11. Animal Care. Show proper respect and care for animals when using then in research. Do
not conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.
12. Human Subject Protection. When conducting research on human subjects, minimize
harms and risk and maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy; take
special precautions with vulnerable populations; and strive to distribute the benefits and
burdens of research fairly.

Module 2
 QUALITATIVE VERSUS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Inside the classroom, the teacher made a remark, “you got 75 passing mark!” the teacher also
commented that “your classmate seems uninterested to study the lessons.”

There are two different observations the teacher described in her remark. These are “75 passing
mark” and “your classmate seems uninterested to study.” These two are examples of quantitative
and qualitative observations, respectively. Quantitative observations are usually characterized by a
numerical measure such as the passing mark of 75. Qualitative observation, meanwhile, describes a
certain phenomenon or event and can be observed through the senses. Usually, qualitative data are
in words such as the statement made by the teacher that the student seems uninterested to study
the lessons.

Research can be conducted in different ways for different purposes. Thus, you can classify a
research according to how it was conducted. (i.e., technique or data collection strategy) or why it
was conducted (i.e, use or purpose of the research). This module will focus on the types of research
according to technique.

Every researcher needs data for his or her research. Since research is a systematic, a researcher
employs one or more techniques to gather data for the study. These techniques can be classified
into two broad categories- quantitative and qualitative methods.

Quantitative techniques (from the root word quantity) collect data in the form of numbers (i.e.,
quantitative observation). Some examples of quantitative data are the height, weight, and age of a
person; the daily, monthly, or annual income of an employee; and your grades in your academic
subjects. Qualitative techniques (from the root word quality), on the other hand, collect data in the
form of words or statements (i.e., qualitative observations.) Researches that use the quantitative
techniques are broadly classified as quantitative researches while researches that use the qualitative
techniques are classified as qualitative researches.

 
Table 1.1 Characteristic of Qualitative and Quantitative Researches

QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
Subjective Objective
Research questions answer what and why Research question answer how many or strength
of relationship of difference
Literature review may be done as the study Literature review is usually done before the study
progresses
Develops theory Tests theory
Interpretive Measurable
Reports rich narrative, individual interpretation Reports statistical analysis
Basic element of analysis is words/ideas Basic element of analysis is numbers
Researcher is part of the process Researcher is separate
Participant Subjects
Context dependent Context free
Reasoning is dialectic and inductive Reasoning is logistic and deductive
Describes meaning, discovery Establishes relationship and causation

As shown in Table 1.1, qualitative research usually describes meaning based on the subjective data
through interviews and observations. The analysis in this kind of research is also based on the
context of the subjects. This is the reason why qualitative research helps to develop a theory. On the
other hand, quantitative research is more objective. The data collected are usually numerical and
based on the assumptions of the hypothesis. Quantitative research is more structured and is thus
useful in testing theory.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative research is more subjective than a quantitative research. This usually involves gathering,
analysing, and interpreting data based on observations made about the participants of the study.
These data can be in the form of ideas, actions, symbols, metaphors derived usually from in-depth
observations and interviews. Qualitative research aims to interpret meanings, descriptions and
symbols. The researchers ask the participants to respond to some questions and further probe the
answers by giving follow-up question to get a thorough response to a certain question. There is no
definite number of participants that qualitative research requires.

Below are some examples of qualitative research topics:

1. Students’ images of chemistry

2. Gender and cultural gaps in the classroom
3. Science practices of the Mangyan tribe

Looking at these examples of qualitative research topics, you may infer that the data that can be
gathered will not be numerical data but symbols and verbal descriptions. These set of data can be
best collected through interviews and observations. Take for the example the topic “Science
practices of the Mangyan Tribe.” These practices can only be known if the researcher observes the
tribe on location. Observing their daily activities on the actual place and interviewing the people of
the Mangyan tribe are the best techniques to help you collect data about the science practices of the
Mangyan tribe.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

In quantitative research, research questions are usually geared toward measuring hypothesis using
statistical tools. Quantitative research is more objective than a qualitative research. The methods are
also predetermined and structured. Good statistical treatments are important in deciding possible
outcomes or conclusions for the success of the research. Quantitative research follows a certain
sample size in the use of the subjects or respondents of the study.

The following are some of the examples of quantitative research topics:

1. Predictors of science performance

2. Growth performance of organic fertilizer
3. Population rate in Metro Manila in the next 20 years

Looking at these examples, you may say that the kind of data that can be generated is numerical.
The primary data is obtained from an experiment or from an existing document. Like for instance,
population rate, you may get the data from the available statistics and predict the rate in the next 20
years using a statistical formula. Likewise, a numerical data can be obtained if you are aiming to find
the growth performance of organic fertilizer by taking the length of the leaves or the stem of
“experimented” plants.

METHODS USED IN QUALITATIVE AND QUANTATIVE RESEARCH

Basically, one of the major differences between a qualitative and quantitative research is the
methods that are employed. As you have learned, quantitative methods are more structured
following a specific procedure, whereas qualitative methods are less structured and use in-depth
interviews and observations. The researcher in a qualitative research is usually immersed in the
setting, while in the quantitative; the researcher is separated from the process.

Table 1.2 Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies

Quantitative Methodologies Qualitative Methodologies

Preference for precisely describing procedure
Data reduced to numerical scores
Preference for random sampling for obtaining
meaningful samples
Preference for statistical summary of results
Willingness to manipulate aspects, situations, or
Preference for narrative/literary descriptions of
procedures
Preference for narrative descriptions
Preference for expert informant samples
Preference for narrative summary of results
Unwillingness to tamper with naturally occurring
conditions in studying complex phenomena phenomena
 

As shown in Table 1.2, one of the significant differences in the quantitative and qualitative methods
is the use of language. Note that the data that you can collect through quantitative methods are
numerical scores, while the qualitative methods involve verbal and narrative descriptions. This
means that the manner of writing and presenting data in quantitative and qualitative methods is
different. Likewise, the variables studied in a quantitative method can be manipulated or
experimented depending on the nature of the research problem. In qualitative methods, the subjects
cannot be manipulated because you study them based on their natural setting.

Module 3

A Closer Look to Qualitative Research

In the previous modules, you have learned that qualitative research is an empirical process of
solving problems using data obtained from in-depth observation and interviews from a group of
people or set of documents. Fraenkel and Wallen (2010) defined qualitative research as studies
that investigate the quality of relationship, activities, situations or materials. The setting of the
research is a direct source of information in which the researcher has a big role in the entire
research process, it is subjective which is highly dependent on the participant’s point of view.
Qualitative research does not rely on numbers but rather on ideas or meanings that will be
interpreted in order to form generalizations and possible constructs and theory.

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Bogan and Biklen (2007) cited in the book of Fraenkel and Wallen (2010) outlined the main features
of qualitative research. These are the following:

1. The researcher has an important role in qualitative research. The researcher goes

directly to the place where the study is being conducted. As a qualitative researcher, you will
have to spend time in the actual location interviewing, observing, and taking down notes
about the participants of the study. Usually, a researcher uses paper and pen and/or audio
and voice taping equipment. The data collected are primarily from the scene and are verified
through interviews. This is done by the researcher in order to feel and experience the actual
activities and situations the participants are doing in the actual location. However, you have
to take note that the participants should be protected and treated with respect during the
entire procedure.
2. Qualitative data are gathered and presented in a form of words, descriptions, pictures,
or meanings, and not in numbers. This is basically the difference between qualitative and
quantitative research. As a qualitative researcher, you have to be a keen observer. You have
to take note of every detail-even the gestures and facial expressions of the participants
especially during interviews. You can collect data like notes, photographs, anecdotes,
comments, or anything that can help you better understand the participants.
3. Qualitative researcher is concerned with the process involved. As a qualitative
researcher, you are concerned with the interaction of your participants with each other or to
the situations they are in. These interactions convey meanings and symbols which can be
 interpreted into words or ideas. It is your duty as a qualitative researcher to take note of
these clearly so as to get substantial information.
4. Inductive reasoning is used in analysing qualitative data. As a qualitative researcher,
you are not expected to formulate hypothesis at the start of your study. Hypotheses are
defined and formulated as the study progresses. This means that you are constructing
concepts and meanings based on your interpretation at the end of the study.
5. Qualitative researcher is concerned with meanings and interpretations. As a qualitative
researcher, you are aiming to determine the perceptions and thoughts of the participants and
giving reasons to these meanings through interviews and observations.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative research has numerous strengths when conducted properly. However, it is also has its
own share of limitations as a research strategy. The following are some of the strengths and
limitations of a qualitative research:

Strengths of Qualitative Research

1. In a qualitative research, issues can be examined in detail and in depth.

2. Interviews are not restricted to specific questions and can be guided/redirected by the
researcher in real time.
3. The research framework and direction can be quickly revised as new information emerges.
4. The data based on human experience that is obtained is powerful and sometimes more
compelling than quantitative data.
5. Subtleties and complexities about the research subjects and/or topic are discovered that are
often missed by more positivistic enquiries.
6. Data usually are collected from a few cases or individuals so findings cannot be generalized
to a larger population. Findings can however be transferable to another setting.

Limitations of Qualitative Research

1. Research quality is heavily dependent on the individual sills of the research and more easily
influenced by the researcher’s personal biases and idiosyncrasies.
2. Rigor is more difficult to maintain, assess, and demonstrate.
3. The volume of data makes analysis and interpretation time consuming.
4. It is sometimes not as well understood and accepted as quantitative research within the
scientific community.
5. The researcher’s presence during data gathering, which is often unavoidable in qualitative
research, can affect the subjects’ responses.
6. Issues of anonymity and confidentiality can present problems when presenting findings.
7. Findings can be more difficult and time consuming to characterize in a visual way.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH APPROCHES

Basically, the goal of qualitative research is to provide answers as to why and how people come to
make certain decisions. There are several different approaches to undertaking qualitative research.
Below are five of the most common qualitative research approaches:
 1. Ethnography. The ethnographic approach to qualitative research is basically derived from
anthropology. In this approach, the ethnographer studies the entire culture of a particular
group. Although ethnography was initially concerned with geographic location and ethnicity,
the definition has expanded to include pretty much any organization of group; thus,
ethnographic research is no longer limited to ethnic groups. The most common ethnographic
approach is participant observation, in which the researcher becomes immersed in the
culture under study as an active participant, taking extensive notes about observations and
impressions.
2. Phenomenology.This qualitative research approach explores the world of the participants
by gaining thoughts, insights, and perceptions to a particular phenomenon. The researcher
tries to investigate an individual’s thoughts and perceptions and find the common ground to
every experience. This is what we called essence in which every researcher wants to identify
and describe. In phenomenology, the participants relive their experiences in order to obtain
the very essence of these thoughts and perceptions. Some of the possible topics that can be
studied using phenomenology are the experience of athletes who played in the national and
international events, student-artists who joined art competitions, students who volunteer in
relief operations, and probably teachers who are teaching in remote areas.
3. Narrative research. This is a qualitative research that narrates the life experiences of an
individual told to the researcher or from available document or material. Narrative research
highlights special events in the individual’s life. This could either be biography or
autobiography. In biography, the researchers narrate the experiences of other person, while
in autobiography, the written account of the individual who is the subject of the study.
4. Grounded theory. This qualitative research approach aims to generate a theory from the
data which are analysed and interpreted inductively. The theory that can be generated does
not start from the beginning but only surfaced after all the data have been analysed
inductively. This is the result of thorough interviews and observations. Some of the topics
that can be used grounded theory study are the system of disciplines of skilled workers and
how coaches maintain discipline among his team players.
5. Case study. This qualitative research approach presents a detailed analysis of a specific
case. Usually, a case is an individual, or one group of people or one school. The researcher
focuses only on one particular case. For example, you can perform a case study on a
student who excels both in math and science, or, on student who is poor in reading and yet a
black belter in taekwondo.

Module 4

Importance of and Steps in Doing Qualitative Research

In educational research, qualitative research is essential in generating tentative explanations and

describing events and phenomena. It is also helps in understanding local context and studying processes
and theories in education.

Qualitative research methods are becoming popular in medical and allied health fields nowadays, while
it is still debatable how qualitative research can help address clinical qualitative approaches. For
example, qualitative research may be able to explain, or at least capture, the perspectives of the clients
on healthcare which will enable healthcare providers to understand the clients’ attitude on healthcare
services. Additionally, the outcomes of qualitative studies cab give a better understanding of the
healthcare providers’ and patients’ experiences which can further improve healthcare delivery.

In the behavioural and social sciences, qualitative research involves the understanding of attitudes and
behaviour of groups of people. Ultimately, qualitative approaches in these fields of study can solicit
understanding and meaning to the complex human experiences and processes.

Qualitative research is also important in natural sciences. It is basically qualitative data that are gathered
first in any scientific investigation through observation. From these observations, you can infer
predictions as basis for interpretations.

As an empirical process, qualitative research follows a system of procedures. By having a systematic

procedure, biases in data collection errors in analysis are minimized.

You are now ready to conduct qualitative research. But before that, let’s find out the steps in qualitative
research. Fraenkel and Wallen (2010) enumerated the following steps:

1. Identification of the phenomenon to be studied. The first task of a research who will use
qualitative methods is to identify the phenomenon to be studied. The Merriam-Webster
dictionary defines phenomenon as “something that can be observed and studied and that
typically is unusual or difficult to understand or explain fully.” Tardiness and bullying among
students are examples of phenomena.
2. Identification of the participants in the study. In qualitative research, hypothesis is not usually
formulated at the beginning of the study. Hypothesis emerges from the data collected. This can
be discarded, modified or refined as the study progresses.
3. Data collection. Manipulation of data is not observed in qualitative research. Researcher studies
the participants in their setting as they are. The collection of data is a continuous process until
data is sufficient, and relevant information is obtained.
4. Data analysis. Inductive reasoning is used in the collected data. While some analysis involves
numbers, only simple statistics such as mean or percentage can be used in qualitative research.
Data analysis in qualitative research involves more of descriptions.
5. Interpretations and conclusions. This is the last step in qualitative research. Interpretation is
crucial in this process and this is done continuously all throughout the study.