PRACTICAL RESEARCH

LESSON 1: NATURE OF RESEARCH feasible, etc. so that smooth conduct

AND INQUIRY of the study will be achieved.

WHAT IS RESEARCH? DATA COLLECTION APPROACH

● It is a systematic, controlled, empirical, Structured response category approach
and critical investigation of hypothetical - Choices are already given for the respondents
propositions about the presumed relations to choose from like that of a Likert Scale
among natural phenomena
(Kerlinger, 1973)
1. I am interested in SA A D SD
WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH solving number and
● systematic or step by step investigation of equations
observable phenomena by gathering
quantifiable data (numbers) and 2. I enjoy using SA A D SD
performing statistical, mathematical or calculators
computational techniques.
● results are in the form of numbers which
were gathered from selected respondents Legend:
through on line surveys, online polls, SA - Strongly Agree A - Agree D - Disagree
questionnaires, etc. SD - Strongly Disagree

CHARACTERISTICS Type of data collected

PURPOSE: Number and statistics-descriptive data are
➢ test of hypothesis given corresponding numerical values.
➢ look at cause and effect Ex. SEX:
➢ make predictions STRAND:
➢ to seek common, representative Male 1 ABM - 1 GAS - 2
features Female- 2 HUMSS - 3 STEM - 4
SAMPLES
Form of data collected
➔ Large and randomly selected samples
➔ Quantitative data are collected based
to produce generalizable results.
on precise measurements using
➔ The respondents are randomly
structures and validated data
selected (Equal chance of each
collection instruments
member of a population to be
➔ The data collected are in the form of
selected as one of the respondents)
numbers since textual descriptions
using the appropriate sampling
were given numerical values.
technique. Ex. 185 respondents were
➔ Ex. Out of 185 respondents, 92 are
randomly chosen to participate in the
females and 93 are males.
study
◆ 54 females strongly agree
CRITERIA TO IDENTIFY RESPONDENTS
that they enjoy using
➔ Only the representative or part of the
calculators,
entire population will participate in
◆ 21 said that they agree and
the study by determining the sample
◆ 17 answered that they
size.
disagree to enjoy using
➔ Ex. Out of 348 populations in Sitio A,
calculators.
only 185 respondents were randomly
Role of researcher
selected to represent the entire
➔ Their biases are not known to the
population in the conduct of the study.
The sample size was determined using participants in the study, and
the simple random technique participant characteristics are hidden
(fishbowl method). from the researcher.
➔ The researcher is not aware of who
DESIGN OF METHOD
will be the respondents of the study.
➔ Systematic- done in a step by step
He/ She is just aware of the group
manner
and number of respondents who will
➔ The conduct of the study is organized.
participate but not with the specific
Ex. Before performing the laboratory
individuals.
experiment, the researcher should see
Research Independence
to it that the problem is well defined,
➔ Uninvolved observer, results are
the hypothesis to be tested is clear,
objective
the related literature is available and
reliable, the materials needed are
Results
➔ Generalized findings that can be
applied to other application. Ex. The
result of the study conducted to 185
respondents can be true to 348 total
members of the population Source:
Arcinas, M. M., (2016). Applied
Research: An Introduction to
Quantitative Research Methods and
Report Writing. Quezon City: Phoenix
Publishing House Inc.p6-8
SUMMARIZED CHARACTERISTICS
OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
★ Replicability
○ Use of the same
instruments to different
subjects and venue
○ e.g research instrument used to
determine the attitude of STEM
students towards Math can be
used to ABM students to
measure also their attitude
towards Math
★ Empirical
○ Based on direct experience
or observation. The data
gathered are from actual
conduct of the study, not
from theory or logic.
○ e.g. Joy conducted a study on
STRENGTHS
the attitude of G11 ABM
students towards Math.
Whatever data will be gathered
by Joy will be used in analyzing,
finding the result, and drawing
conclusions.
★ Objective
○ Unbiased
○ e.g. During the distribution and
answering of the instrument, the
researcher should not influence
the respondents with his/her
personal feelings or opinions by
convincing the respondents to
answer what the researcher
wants.
★ Controlled
○ Variables being studied are
within the scope of the
study.
○ e.g. If Joy’s study is about the
attitude of ABM students
towards Math, she should focus
only on the attitude towards
Math. No need to include other
variables like difficulties
encountered, academic
performance and others.
★ Analytical
○ Utilize proven analytical
procedures.
○ e.g. In analyzing the data
gathered by Joy in her study,
she can use appropriate
statistical tools like mean, or
standard deviation in order to
come up with the correct
result/answer to the research
questions
★ Logical/Systematic
○ Done in an orderly manner
○ e.g. In conducting research, Joy
followed correct and reliable
procedure to come up with
precise and accurate result.
★ Critical
○ Exhibits careful and precise
judgment
○ e.g. After thorough analysis of
data gathered, Joy came up
with the result of the study. She
drew conclusion and made some
recommendations based on the
results and not from theory
★ Cyclical
○ Research starts with a
problem and ends in a
problem.
○ e.g At the beginning, Joy came
up with a research gap/
problem that she wanted to find
solution. After conducting the
experiment, finding the result,
drawing conclusion, and making
some recommendations,
another problem arises that
needed to be solved.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
(QUANTITATIVE)
1. It can be REPLICATED or repeated in
other contexts.
Conducting a previous study to the
present with the same methodology
but with different subjects or
respondents
2. It provides findings that are
GENERALIZABLE to large population.
The results do not only represent the
samples but also the population at a
larger scale.
3. It can establish CAUSALITY more
conclusively.
It looks at the connections between
variables (independent and
dependent) and establishes
unquestionable cause and effect
relationships.
Independent variable - cause
variable/being manipulated
Dependent variable - effect variable/
being measured.
4. It can MAKE PREDICTIONS based on
numerical, quantifiable data. It can
create forecasts based on the data
gathered expressed in numbers and
not from a theory.
a. Data analysis using statistical
software is faster. Analysis of
data can be done by using
computer software such as
SPSS or PASW. Data-gathering
techniques are typically less
demanding compared with
 those in qualitative research. KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE
Data gathering can be done
simultaneously to the selected RESEARCH
respondents of the study.
Common quantitative methods ➔ Survey Research
in data collection are used like ◆ most fundamental research tool
telephone interviews, online ◆ used to ask questions to a
surveys, etc. sample of respondents, using
5. It has a LOW DEGREE OF various types such as online
SUBJECTIVITY. polls, online surveys, paper
Respondents are randomly selected to questionnaires, web-intercept
avoid bias. The researcher should surveys, etc.
remain neutral as possible and ◆ an organization can ask
distanced from what he/she studies multiple survey questions,
so findings depend on the nature of collect data from a pool of
what was studied rather than on the customers and analyze this
personality, belief and values of the collected data to produce
researcher. numerical results
6. Its VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY CAN ◆ It is important that the people
BE MEASURED. questioned are sampled at
random. This allows for more
WEAKNESSES accurate findings across a
1. It cannot adequately provide in-depth greater spectrum of
information necessary for describing respondents.
and explaining a complex ➔ Descriptive Research
phenomenon. Since the questionnaire ◆ Used to determine the extent or
and responses are structured or given direction of attitudes or
already, no further explanation is behaviors
required to justify the chosen answer ◆ Gathers more information on
of the respondent.
certain characteristics within a
2. It lacks the ability to provide a
particular field of study
comprehensive textual description of
◆ Use of rating scales and other
human experiences. Quantitative
means to measure the variables
research focuses on collected data
as they occur
and findings that are in the form of
◆ Provides a picture of a situation
numbers about a specific
as it naturally happens
phenomenon from potential
respondents. ◆ May be used to develop
3. Numerical data may be insufficient in theories, identify problems with
analyzing intangible factors, such as a current practice, justify
gender roles, socioeconomic status, current practices, aid in making
and social norms of a given professional judgments or
population. Numbers are not enough determine what other
to analyze some factors especially practitioners in similar
those intangible or those which situations are doing
cannot be touched like feelings or Variables: Variables are
emotions. measured as they occur.
4. It has less flexibility in terms of study Experimental
design. Responses of participants are Manipulation: is not used.
strictly limited to what has been Data Collection Technique:
asked. These responses may not be Questionnaire, Observation
extensive in some cases. Responses
are based only on what is provided in
the questionnaire.
5. Self-reported data may not be very
accurate as respondents may have
the tendency to underestimate or
overestimate their skills and behavior
during self-assessment tasks. The
manner of gauging or appraising
themselves honestly and accurately is
hampered due to personal reasons.
Thus, respondents should be informed
of the high degree of confidentiality
of the information and the importance
of the information they divulged
 Sample Studies: ➢ The dependent and independent
★ Assessing Nurses’ Attitudes variables will always exist in a group
Toward Death and Caring for
Dying Patients in a For example, a researcher is interested in how
Comprehensive Cancer Center weight influences self-esteem levels in adults. So
(Lange, Thom, & Kline, 2008) the participants would be separated into
★ The Level of Academic differing groups (underweight, normal weight,
Achievement of Young Adults overweight) and their self- esteem levels
from Dysfunctional Families measured. This is an ex post facto because a
pre-existing characteristic (weight) was used to
➔ Correlational Research form the groups.
Goal: To determine the nature of
relationship between variables
Variables: Groups exposed
without looking into the cause.
to the presumed
cause are
Characteristics: Used to investigate compared with
the direction and magnitude of those who
relationships among variables in a are not exposed
particular population. to it.

Correlation, association, relationship.

Experimental is not used.
Manipulation:

Variables: Variables are Experimental Questionnaire

measured as Manipulation:
they occur.

Experimental is not used.

Manipulation: Sample Studies:
❖ Comparison of Personal,
Experimental Questionnaire, Social and Academic
Manipulation: Observation, Variables Related to
Tests University Drop-out rate
and Persistence (Bernardo,
et al., 2016)
❖ Effects of Instagram on the
Sample Studies: Visual Literacy of Teenager
❖ The Relationship Between
Service Quality and Customer
satisfaction in the
Telecommunication Industry: ➔ Quasi-experimental Research
Evidence from Nigeria (Ojo, ◆ Respondents are not randomly
2010) assigned; Intact (established)
❖ Relationship Between School groups are used.
Stressors and Personality of ◆ Provides limited conclusiveness in
Senior High School Students establishing causal relationship
between variables
◆ Match-paired is a form of
➔ Ex post facto quasi-experimental assignment of
(Causal-comparative Research) subjects.
◆ Mainly depends on the factor of
comparison
Variables: At least one variable
◆ The independent variable is is manipulated to
established but not determine the effect
manipulated and its impact on of the manipulation.
the dependent variable is
observed.
Experimental Limited use
◆ Conducted irrespective of the
Manipulation:
type of relation that exists
between two or more variables
Experimental Questionnaire
➢ Variables or groups must be formed Manipulation:
as they exist in the natural set up.
Sample Study:
❖ The Impact of Smoking Bans on
Smoking and Consumer Behavior:
Quasiexperimental Evidence from
Switzerland (Boes, Marti, & Maclean,
2014)

➔ Experiment Research
◆ Also known as true
experimentation
◆ this research method is reliant
on a theory/ies.
◆ Analysis is done around proving
or disproving the statement.
This research method is used in
natural sciences. There can be
multiple theories in
experimental research. A theory
is a statement which can be
verified or refuted.
◆ Intact groups are not used;
Individual subjects are
randomly assigned to the
treatment and control groups.
◆ The random assignment of
individual subject provides
more conclusiveness as to the
causal relationships between
the variables.

Sample Studies:
❖ Effects of Mobile Technology Use on
Walking (Perlmutters, et al., 2014)
❖ Problem-based Learning Approach
Effect in the Performance of
Learners in Biology 1
 FIELD OR BROADER TOPIC EXAMPLES
DISCIPLINE OF INTEREST

Traffic Management Awareness, Knowledge Drivers’ awareness of traffic rules and regulations to be observed; and
Science and Attitudes knowledge on recent policy and guidelines in acquiring driver;s license, traffic
rules, and regulations, etc.

Psychology Mental and Emotional Ease the management of individuals with mental and emotional health issues
Health Conditions due to development of new strategies and programs

Business Management Job Performance, Job Employers have close monitoring of the job performance of their employees;
Satisfaction and Employees have the idea if their clients/customers are satisfied with their
Decision-making performance in their respective jobs; and Owners and employers can make
better decisions on how to improve their services.

Education Impact on learning New trends and developments in the education system were introduced; K-12
Curriculum was materialized; Blended learning modular approach, online
learning, etc. were recommended for the “new normal”; and use of internet,
multi-media and facilitated learning were introduced.

Marketing Salability of the product Survey provides feedback for improvements in the products; New marketing
strategies and modes of advertising the products are introduced and
practiced to reach the target market; and awareness of entrepreneurs and
consumers on the latest trends of products.

Political Science Survey on the winability Through conducting survey to a sample, political analysts have the
of presidential idea/determine who among the candidates have the chance of winning the
candidates election race; and They will find strategies/tactics on how to win the election

Demography Trend analysis Determine trends in human population such as statistics in births, deaths,
income, or the incidence of disease

Sociology Impact analysis Communities are aware of the social problems such as poverty, insurgency,
religious faith, economic development and others.

Social Inquiry Probing questions that Allows to explore and study social arrangements, human behavior, and forms
are of social nature of social, political, and economic organization

Arts Methods to enhance Artists are updated of the latest trends in arts; They have developed new
one’s creativity strategies to hone one’s talent/skill in arts and to improve one’s creativity;
and novel and unique creative works were introduced.

ICT Trends and tendencies Improvement in the mode of communicating; and Introduction and use of
in the use of updated gadgets and other forms of technology.
information technology

Agriculture & Fisheries Influence of global Development of new strains of rice, corn and other agricultural products to
trends in agriculture withstand abrupt changes in climate and weather; and introduction of ways to
improve agricultural and fisheries products to sustain global demands.

Science (Medicine) Development of new Use of latest technology (ex. CT scan, ultrasound) in the detection of disease;
medicines, treatment development of new medicines and vaccines and vaccines to combat diseases;
and approaches to development of new medicines and vaccines to combat diseases; and use of
address health laser in performing surgical procedures instead of incision.
problems

Sports Relationship between Conduct of physical check - - up before allowing an athlete to join the
one’s health and athletic game/s; and improved policies and guidelines in different sports were
performance developed.
KINDS OF VARIABLES AND THEIR USES
VARIABLE
➔ Any element or entity which can be
measured for quantity or quality.
➔ In conducting a research study, it is
important to identify the variables or
factors that affect the study.
QUANTITATIVE VARIABLES
➔ A variable is defined as a quantity
susceptible of fluctuation or change in
value or magnitude under different
conditions.
➔ Can be measured numerically.
➔ A “target measurement” or “outcome”
of your problem statement.
Two Types of Quantitative Variables:
Discrete variables – can be counted; denoted by
positive whole numbers and not described in
ranges.
Ex.: frequency of behavior and group
sizes; number of children in the family;
number of absences in the workplace;
number of tardiness in the class.
Continuous variables – measured in ranges; can
be denoted by non-whole numbers; can have
positive or negative values; can be expressed in
fractions.
1. Interval variables
The difference between two points on a
scale is the same. Can have a negative
value.
i. Ex. Test scores in range,
temperature in Fahrenheit
2. Ratio
variables are a special type of continuous
variable; can’t have a
negative value. Zero means none of that
variable.
i. Ex.: age, height, weight,
distance, and test scores.
QUALITATIVE VARIABLES
Referred to as categorical variables despite
lacking numerical values, these variables can still
be used in quantitative research by assigning
values to specific categories or groups (e.g.,
blood type, color)
Three types of categorical variables:
1. Dichotomous(binary) variables
- are those that have two distinct
categories or values.
- e.g. “yes/no question”.
2. Nominal variables
- are those variables with more than two
categories.
- e.g.: hair color, marital status, blood
type, mode of transportation, source of
income, and citizenship.
3. Ordinal variables
- are variables that exhibit the
characteristics of both quantitative
and qualitative types;
i. has values that can be ranked or ordered;
ii. These values can be numerical or can be
arranged into specific non-numerical classes.
Ex.: frequency is described as rare, seldom,
sometimes, almost always, or always; values of
ratings are denoted as A+, A, B+, or B; and high,
medium, & low.
Levels of Measurement:
1. Nominal Scale – denotes qualitative
attributes of the variables. There are no
numbers associated with these variables
because they are categories or
classification. Ex. Religion, favorite movie,
and brand of shirt
2. Ordinal Scale - refers to the order or rank
of a measurement. It is best used when
measuring non-numerical concepts like
happiness or satisfaction. However, ordinal
scales are limited in the sense that the
difference between each measurement
cannot be quantified. Ex. size of shirt and
level of depression
3. Interval Scale - are numerical scales in
which the exact difference between two
values is known. It is often used to account
for the differences between each value.
Researchers often times construct or
devise equal-interval scales of
measurement for opinions and attitudes.
This is done so that data obtained from
equal – interval scales can be subjected to
statistical procedures such as calculating
means and standard deviations. Ex. Test
scores in range and age in range
4. Ratio Scale - has the properties of
nominal, ordinal, and interval scales. It
also possesses a true zero scale. A true
zero is the point where none of the
qualities being measured exists. Ratio
scales can be meaningfully added,
subtracted, multiplied, and divided. A wide
array of statistical procedures can be
applied to ratio data such as the
calculation of mean, median, and
standard. Ex. height, weight, and distance
VARIABLES classification according to purpose
or role ……evident in Experimental Research
1. Independent Variable
- This is the stimulus variable
which is chosen by the
researcher to determine the
relationship to an observed
phenomenon. The variable
consider to affect the dependent
variable (cause).
2. Dependent Variable
 - This is the response variable can influence the results of an
which is observed and experiment. Know these variables in
measured to determine the the study to lessen its effect.
effect of the independent
variable. The variable 5. Confounding Variable.
examined for changes (effect). - It is a special type of extraneous
NOTE: in non-experimental variable that the researcher fails to
research kinds of control and threatens the validity of an
quantitative research refrain experiment’s procedure. It might have
from using the terms: IV and a relationship with the DV not the IV.
DV.
Example: A study on the
effects of using Microsoft
DESIGNING RESEARCH USEFUL IN EVERY L
Word on the writing Keen observation of any topic that captures your
performance of the students. interest is a potential source of a researchable
Independent Variable: Use topic. Below are some instances that can give
of Microsoft Word you an idea that something is researchable:
Dependent Variable: Writing 1. No solutions are available to answer the
Performance of Students research gap or the problem assessed.
Example: A drug that can kill a virus.
OTHER TYPES OF VARIABLES
1. Moderator Variable. 2. Tentative solutions are available but not yet
- This is a secondary or special type of tested and not known by the practitioner.
independent variable chosen by the Example: Effective therapy for the complete
researcher to determine if it changes treatment of cancer
or modifies the relationship between 3. Answers, solutions, or results are seemingly
the independent and dependent not tested or are factually contradictory.
variables. Example: Contradiction on the use of
2. Control Variable. anti-malaria drug as possible treatment to
- This is the variable that is controlled by COVID-19 disease.
the investigator in which the effects 4. A phenomenon exists which requires
can be neutralized by eliminating or explanation.
removing the variable. Example: Effect of quarantine to the mental
3. Intervening Variable. health of people
- This is a variable which interferes with 5. There are several possible and plausible
the independent and dependent explanations for the existence of an undesirable
variables, but its effects can either condition.
strengthen or weaken the independent Example: COVID-19 modes of transmission
and dependent variables.
4. Extraneous Variable.
- It is not categorized as IV or DV in a
study. It is the undesired variable that

Barrientos –Tan (1997) identified different criteria for choosing a research problem:
These factors are detailed guide in zeroing your topic to the final details. It will help you consider if the topic
of choice is within the bound of realizing it without possible compromise or major error that can lead to possible
threats to its validity.

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION

1. Novelty Newness of the topic and its variables that will inspire a
researcher

2. Availability of subjects/respondents Choose participants who are within your reach.

3. Ethical considerations Activities and undertakings are all legally and morally
right.

4. Time Factor The study will be pursued in a given time frame

 5. Costs and returns Funding (expense) which can be affected by sample size
and distance of data collection

6. Availability and adequacy of facilities of Devices such as computers, internet connection, etc.
equipments

SOURCES OF A RESEARCHABLE TOPIC

SOURCES DESCRIPTION

1. Trend ● Prevalent topic in the present time

2. Phenomena ● Problems encountered by organizations, agencies,

community, etc.

3. Personal experience ● Researcher’s direct encountered

4. Social issues ● Society’s current problems such as economic,

political, and others

5. Interest ● Excites your curiosity of attention as a researcher

6. Peer Consultation/Brainstorming ● Interaction of team in research

7. Research Gap ● Missing information or inconsistency, discrepancy

in previous research studies

8. Experts in the field ● Persons with broad and deep competence of the
topic

9. Problem that needs solution ● Facts or situation the currently existing of

happenings that need a solution explanation

10. Literature review ● Summary, recommendations, and suggestions of

scholarly articles and journals