Grade 9 Quarter 2 Research

Kinds of Research Across Fields

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Kinds of Research Across Fields

There are different kinds of research that are being used in different fields or disciplines. If you
decide to use the quantitative method, you also have options to choose from: you can use the
descriptive method, the correlational study, a combination of descriptive and correlational, the
experimental method, the historical research, market research and many more.

Here is a brief overview of what these research methods are.

The Descriptive Method

Descriptive research describes the phenomena being studied. It addresses the “what”
question. Data are gathered and descriptive statistics are then used to analyze such data. Thus,
descriptive research considers one variable at a time (i.e., univariate analysis), and is typically
the entry-level type of research in a new area of inquiry. It typically describes what appears to
be happening and what the important variables seem to be.
The Correlational Research

Correlational research determines the relations among two or more variables. Data are gathered from multiple
variables and correlational statistical techniques are then applied to the data. Thus, correlational research is a bit
more complicated than descriptive research; after the important variable have been identified, the relations among
those variables are investigated. Correlational research investigates a range of factors, including the nature of the
relationship between two or more variables and the theoretical model that might be developed and tested to explain
these resulting correlations.

Correlation does not imply causation. Thus, correlational research can only enable the researcher to make
weak causal inferences at best. Correlational research can be bivariate, meaning two variables in which one
variable is known as an independent variable (or input variable) and the second variable as a dependent variable
(or outcome variable). Bivariate correlations provide information about both the strength of the relationship, from
no correlation to perfectly correlated.

The regression analysis may be used in predicting a single dependent variable or outcome. The relations
among the variables or predictors are used to develop a prediction model. The multivariate correlation determines
the correlation between multiple independent variables and a single dependent variable.
The Experimental Method

In experimental research, the researcher manipulates one or more independent or grouping variables, (e.g., by
comparing treatment conditions, such as an intervention group vs. a control group) and then observes the impact of
that manipulation on one or more dependent or outcome variables (e.g., student achievement or motivation). The
statistical method of analysis is typically some form of the analysis of variance. Experimental research includes (a)
true experiments (in which individuals are randomly assigned to conditions or groups, such as method of instruction
or counseling) and (b) quasi-experiments (in which individuals cannot be randomly assigned as they are already in a
condition or group, such as gender, socioeconomic status or classroom). The basic question to be posed in
experimental research concerns what extent a particular intervention causes a particular outcome. Thus,
experimental studies are those in which strong causal inferences are most likely to be drawn.

The Historical Research

The historical method is employed by researchers who are interested in reporting events and/or conditions
that occurred in the past. This is for the purpose of establishing facts in order to arrive at conclusions concerning
part events or predict future events.
The Market Research

Market research is any organized effort to gather information about target markets or customers. Market
research provides important information to identify and analyze customer satisfaction, the market need, market size
and competition. Market research, which includes social and opinion research, is the systematic gathering and
interpretation of information about individuals or organizations using statistical and analytical methods and
techniques of the applied social sciences to gain insight or support decision making.

Feasibility Study

A feasibility study is an analysis of the ability to complete a project successfully, taking into account legal,
economic, technical, scheduling, marketing, environmental and other factors. Rather than just diving into a project
and hoping for the best, a feasibility study allows project managers to investigate the possible negative and
positive outcomes of a project before investing too much time and money.
Which Fields Use Quantitative Research?

Quantitative research is the type of research that is widely used in the natural, mathematical and
social sciences.
Natural science is concerned with the description, prediction and understanding of natural
phenomena, based on observational and empirical evidence. Under natural science, we find life science
(or biological science) and physical science. Under physical science, we have physics, space science,
chemistry and Earth science.
The mathematical sciences are areas of study that includes mathematics as the main field or sub-
field like statistics, some areas of physics, biometrics, Computer science, computational science,
population genetics, operations research, cryptology, econometrics, theoretical physics, actuarial science
and much more.
Example of Fields/Discipline Using Quantitative Research

Example 1
In the business field, for example, quantitative research is used to populate statistics from a
high-volume sample size to gain statistically valid results in customer insight. Generally, quantitative
customer research incorporates a survey-based approach to gain feedback in relation to a population’s
ideas and opinions. Data from quantitative research – such as market size, demographics and user
preferences – provides important information for business decisions. (Demetrius & McClain, 2012)

Example 2
In finance, quantitative research into the stock markets is used to develop models to price
complex trades and develop algorithms, to exploit investment hypotheses, as seen in quantitative hedge
funds and Trading Strategy Indices.

Example 3
In Medicine, an experiment in which group x was given two tablets of aspirin a day and group y
was given two tablets of a placebo a day where each participant is randomly assigned to one ore other
of the groups. The numerical factors such as two tablets, percent of elements and the time of waiting
make the situations and results quantitative.
Example 4
In hospital service, a survey that concludes that the average patient has to wait two hours in the
waiting room of a certain doctor before being selected.

Example 5
For example, a researcher may want to determine the link between income and whether or not
families have health insurance. This is a question that asks “how many” and seeks to confirm a
hypothesis. The methods will be highly structured and consistent during data collection, most likely
using a questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The results will provide numerical data that can be
analyzed statistically as the researcher looks for a correlation between income and health insurance.
Quantitative methodology would best apply to this research problem. A quantitative approach allows
the researcher to examine the relationship between the two variables of income and health insurance.
The data can be used to look for cause and effect relationships and therefore, can be used to make
predictions. (Grand Canyon University, Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, 2017)
Activity 1: It’s a Match!

A. Directions: Read and analyze the following. Match Column A with Column B.

Column A Column B

1. This research design is an analysis of a. Experimental Method

the ability to complete a project
successfully. b. Feasibility Study

2. It describes the phenomena being c. Historical Research

studied.
d. Descriptive Method
3. In this kind of research, the
researcher manipulates one or more e. Correlational Research
variables and observe the impact on
other variables.

4. This design determines the relations

among two or more variables.
Activity 2: I Need to Understand

A. Directions: Decide on what type of research you would do to gather data to solve the following problems:

Situations/Problems Type of Research

1. if makahiya leaf has an antibiotic effect
2. if the customers are satisfied with the services of a food chain
3. which is a better teaching strategy, the case study method or the
demonstration method
4. labor demand analysis for the next five years
5. life among folks before the volcanic eruption around Mt. Pinatubo
6. if the color of lipstick determines a woman’s decision-making process
7. if garlic is better antibiotic than penicillin
8. if salaries and benefits contribute to job satisfaction
9. if smoking affects the level of anxiety
10. if the marketing strategies of schools contribute to the increase in
the number of enrollees
Activity 3: Pair Up!

A. Directions: Read the following research topics and answer by writing the field of inquiry/interest to which
it belongs to. Choose from the choices inside the box below.

A. Crime and Law C. Business E. Health and Medicine

B. Psychology D. Media and Communications

_____1. Exercise and Fitness

_____2. Franchising
_____3. Online Retailing
_____4. Drug Legalization
_____5. Social Media
_____6. Intelligence Tests