1. What is the meaning of the word philosophical framework relative to social research?

The philosophical framework can be defined as the application of the concept or ideas of
the world which focuses on the life and its purpose. Unconsciously, sometimes this framework is
being applied because all of us came from different cultures and places and we adopted
differently in different areas and ideas. Researchers or scientist presumptions or the first
principles in conducting their research is also the philosophical framework. It could be his or her
religion, beliefs or practices acquired through his or her past experiences maybe from birth, in
attending school, teachings from families, the environment he or she lives in and the like.
Essentially, the philosophical framework is the epistemology or the theory or knowledge of the
researcher. It can be used to develop, enhance, or improve the idea of the research that he or she
would like to take on. In qualitative research, it is useful to understand well the theories and
principles of this framework as it is a highlight in philosophical assumptions.

2. What is the three philosophical frameworks in the social research and explain each.

The following are the three philosophical framework in the social research: positivism,
social constructionism, and interpretivism.

What is positivism? Positivism is basically the understanding of things based on a factual

knowledge and observations that usually identified by a quantitative approach where the
researcher prepares materials that could be extremely useful in collecting data to be interpreted in
the end of the research. Materials such as questionnaires which composed of a series of questions
critical in understanding more the participant relevant to the research goal, survey forms which
may lead to accurate interpretation of individual or group experiences in social studies.

What is social constructionism? just like interpretivism, it criticizes positivism, too. It is,
however, based on the social-cultural context and interaction that relates and collects the point of
view of individuals to other existing ideas where knowledge is shared and built up. Through this
mutual understanding and judgement is assured for social development and the status quo. Also,
by practicing this theory, each individual or group could reject or accept another ideas and
beliefs.

What is Interpretivism? Interpretivism is a theory which is really connected to

constructivism. This theory concentrates on interviews and observation on individual involve in
social reality to collect data and usually adheres quality than quantity which means it is based on
a subjective way of approach.

3. How to create theoretical framework?

The creation of the theoretical framework begins in constructing thoughts and ideas of
specific studies wanted to be explored. As discussed, it is necessary to understand what is
already known so far and what needs to be further explored to contribute in the existing body of
knowledge. By reading enough information regarding to the chosen field of study, the researcher
could discover more of what he or she really wanted to know and to contribute to what is already
known. By doing this, the researcher is already creating his or her conceptual framework as he or
she is creating concepts of the study. While the keyword created will lead the researcher to his
theoretical framework.

The theoretical framework discusses the review of related studies related to the chosen
area or study. To create a good review of related literature and studies, the researcher should
follow the following: relevant sources such as books and journals, save this source and then read
understand and create the literature review.

4. Explain the difference between the qualitative and quantitative data.

Quantitative data from the word quantity, is the data that focus on things which can be
quantified. It can be counted and usually presented in number form. Since it can be presented in
number form, it is precise, calculable, and definitely measurable. It is essential in performing
statistical and probabilistic analysis. The best sample for quantitative data are height, weight and
physical body measurement. While on the other hand, a qualitative data is the data which is
immeasurable, completely opposite of quantitative data. This data comprises non-numeric data
which is complex and cannot be easily translated in number form. Data such as anger, happiness,
loneliness, love, envy, and other human emotion are best characterized as qualitative data. This is
not readily available to be interpreted in number form.

5. What is methodological pyramid?

The methodological pyramid comprises the hierarchy of different methodologies,

philosophies, and techniques that could be used by the researcher in his search for information.
At the top of the pyramid, is the data collection method and techniques that can be used by the
researcher in his or her data collection and gathering through observations, handing out
questionnaires, observing focus groups, conducting interviews, photographs, vignettes,
biography, internet research, etc. For the second level of the pyramid is the research
methodologies, it pertains to the design of the study. This is where techniques and methods are to
be identify and consider to be use in the collection of data for the interpretation and analysis of
research, such as survey, experimental design, action research, etc. For the bottom part, is the
fundamental philosophies which pertains to understanding, view and perspective to the
surroundings, phenomenons and social experiences such as social constructionism, positivism,
interpretivism, etc.

6. Explain and outline the five basic elements of a research process.

The basic elements are the following ; methodology, epistemology, methods, ontology
and theoretical perspective.

Methodology – is the approach prepared or the design created by the researcher to conduct a
research.

Epistemology – is the principle behind the theoretical perspective of the research which basically
results to the creation of the methodology.

Methods - is literally the method on which the researcher necessary for the researcher to
practically obtain his or her objective in conducting his or her study.
Ontology - is the theory combined with the theoretical viewpoint and thus the essence of the
creation of methodology.

Theoretical perspective - Is the philosophic context within which the technique is used is
informed and grounded.

7. Give at least three philosophical frameworks usually used in social research and explain.

The philosophical frameworks in social research are basically the philosophical view and
perspective to the surroundings, phenomenons,and social experiences. It demonstrates the overall
understanding of the reality and truth in this world. The three examples of philosophical
frameworks are discussed as following:

Feminism is the view and understanding in society that seek to remove the imbalance and
uneven distribution of rights, opportunities, privileges, capacity between genders or sex. Its main
focus is to promote equal treatment between men and women and believed that women should
also be given the same amount of respect,trust and positions that are usually being assigned to
men especially in the social,political and economic aspects.

Functionalism focus in the study of the existing social structure in a society that plays an
important role or function in the long term survival of culture and society. This also pertains to
the elements of the society such as roles,standard and institutions, etc. that believed to serve a
practical purpose and functions for the society to continue and exist in harmony.

Structuralism is the study that focus in analysis of the synchronic and systematized relationship
and interaction of social structure and its components. This retains a common nature to be
interpreted as a symbol network. It is created and reproduced in society through symbolic system
including numerous systems, financial frameworks, specific methods and methods of doing
tasks. This is also the perspective of cognitive development and behavioral genetics that aims to
analyze a given area as a dynamic network of interconnected parts.
8. Explicate the statement “concept are the building block of theory”.

There are statistical definitions consisting of a concept or theory. It develops from

different ideas and from the combination or harmonization of different ideas. The method for
development of conceptual theory is not a straightforward linear method. The investigator is
integrated into the concepts forming the knowledge base. Then, the researcher generate new
ideas, strengthen their existing concepts, and grow the collection of information through their
active participation in concepts and theory. Thus, the interconnected ideas and concepts are the
instruments through which theory is created.

9. What is the process of developing theory and concisely explain.

The process of developing theory starts in the generated and conceptualized idea. More
often at first, the idea expresses too broad topic that makes the focus of the study difficult to
distinguish. Through evaluation and review of links in related studies and literature, the idea will
be narrowed down and refined into a clear, specific, and concise statement. Established research
questions are also essential in refining the idea as it helps to expose the gap and flaws of the
chosen idea or concept to further analyzed and determined how a particular aspect of system or
process is structured. Hence, enabled us to identify the problem and choose appropriate methods
to draw conclusions about the theory which consisted of concept and principles. So, generally, as
being part of the research process, developing theory involves a flow or cycle which is consisted
of frameworks that must be managed and orderly followed carefully without skipping the first
one as they are all connected with each other.These frameworks are conceptual frawework,and
theoretical framework where theory is being developed, then followed by methodological and
analytical framework where theory is being analyzed and backed up from scientific basis of
investigation to turn the theory into a new factual knowledge and information as an output and
primary objective of the entire research process.
10. Why is it important to involve the literature before making a choice about the center of
the study?

Literature review proves that a researcher’s area of study has a strong background and
support from existing research of the past. It could avoid duplicity, promote originality and
simply provide the differences and similarities of ideas, topics and theories. By establishing links
of the existing views, theories, and different circumstances, situations or events of the past and
the present, the researcher could find what is lacking that needs further study and exploration.

Reviewing relevant literature gives the researcher a sight for flaws in an existing paper
which may not possible to be resolved in the past given maybe by data gathering difficulties and
the lack of information validation. Literature review could also direct the researcher for more
profound ideas that may lead to new relevant discoveries.
 ANSWERS TO END CHAPTER 5 QUESTIONS

1. How to elaborate idea and explain extensively the good question in refining ideas?

To start a research process, an idea or thought must first be presented. These are the ideas
that might catch the interest of the researcher while doing his/her daily activities such as web
browsing, watching tv or news, playing games,or even while riding his/her way to home and
many more. More often at first, the idea express too broad or too narrow topic that makesthe
focus of the study difficult to distinguish. This is when the thorough elaboration is essential, by
establishing research questions which opens to answers that draw lines between inconsiderable
extent and areas that are necessary to be focus and studied until the idea turns into testable
hypothesis. Then, with further evaluation and literature background review, this idea will now be
crafted into a more concise statement that as good as the research objective.

The research questions can be deemed good and useful if it poses intellectual
debate,recommendation, and criticism which helps expose the gap and flaws of the chosen topic
that if not address and defended carefully it may lead to failure and major replacement of the
chosen topic which really makes it as one of the most important part of the research as it largely
contributes to the detail of all the research process and aspects.

2. Explain the process and the factors to consider when developing research question.

In able to construct a well-structured research project, several factors must be profoundly

managed. Particularly, one of these factors is the development of a research question which
usually start from choosing of general topic that genuinely intrigues the researcher and would
like to know more about. Then, by doing preliminary research, the general topic can be narrowed
down by separating what has already been studied and what areas need further exploration.
Considering your audience must be also kept in mind when narrowing down the topic as it is
important to determine the particular audience or readers that will share interest not only with the
questions you are about to develop but also with the benefit it can offer. Once the topic is concise
and specific enough, you can now start asking questions which should not be convenient and fad
but rather argumentative and has strong intellectual backup. A good research question must
possess the following attributes;

Can be replied by gathering and breaking down information. In writing research questions, It is
consider essential if it can be responded through breaking down of informations and facts that
are derived from the theoretical fundaments of the propose research and must be supported by
enough scientific evidence in the chosen field of knowledge. In short, a non-researchable
research question must always be avoided which includes seeking of individual thoughts,
qualities ,inquiry of ethics, and religious confidence.Example of this non-researchable question is
“Do the relationship between the school youngsters and their guardians associated with ethical
commitments?”, which clearly cannot be replied by scientific investigation and factual
information.

Expects the likelihood of various results or suppositions. A good research question must also
expect various answers as any credible source can give identical details or information while
some provide less similarity. There is no true way out of it to get a conclusion. However, this
inquiry could be the beginning of a study, not a written survey or a project proposal, requiring
the introduction of separate opinions to include new experiences and ideas.

It must be Restricted. A good research question must be restricted to the chosen field of
knowledge to avoid excessively expansive answers. It must also be specific and complex enough
to be responded by the appropriate method of investigation without doubt and hesitation.

It must be Clear. A research question can be considered as good if it is conveying a clear and
exact inquiry that can be easily understand the purpose and intent of the question by its readers
and audience without needing additional clarification and explanation. Being clear can also be
correlated with broad-restricted attributes of a good inquiry as it both avoid response from
assorted range of views and comprehensions.

It must be in Private inquiry. A good research question must present a private and solitary
inquiry and should not be composed of a multi-part question. This is to avoid too extensive and
lengthy statements when providing response for a single question due to various inquiries
involve. Thus, a research question must be clear, concise and specific.
It must be based on sound assumptions. At some point when generating questions, the
researcher might tend to comprehend and include things for example, as an advantage or
disadvantage. But on the other hand, some readers and certain specialist perceive it differently
that might contradict the researcher’s assumptions. So, in order to avoid these circumstances, all
assumptions that are present in a research question must embodied soundness and upheld by
factual knowledge and data.

3. Define and differentiate the three common research methodologies.

It is essential for a researcher to know and compare the different research methods and
approaches as each of them has different purposes and levels of validity. It is basically the
methods and procedures that a researcher will be going to utilize for the research. An extensive
and thorough review of the related literature and studies will be beneficial as it gives the
researcher a sight for flaws in an existing research maybe due to data gathering difficulties and
the lack of information validation which can be avoided and address immediately. Aside from
that, the researcher could easily find what is lacking in the methods that needs further
development and utilization. Choosing the appropriate and efficient research methods will
influence the whole study as it will offer a systematic way to obtain, produce and analyze data
that will provide answers and solutions to the problem statement and research questions that
serves as additional contribution to the existing knowledge. The three common methodologies
are discussed as following;

Interview- it is the most common and widely used methodology in obtaining qualitative data.
This is achieved through planning of a direct conversation between the researcher and the
respondent. Before the interview takes place, the interviewer typically prepares a set of questions
needed to be asked that must be relevant to obtain the desired information needed for the study.
The respondents must be carefully selected and has voluntarily accepted the interview as well as
must be informed and comprehended the nature of the study ,objective, and other necessary
details to avoid an unanticipated problem. With a good practice of interview ethics as well as an
efficient way of documenting the entire process will lead to a smooth flow of the interview
process.
Observation - is a type of methodology which can obtain both qualitative and quantitative data
or information. This are basically achieved through monitoring and observation of the
participant's actions or behaviour with limited interaction to avoid manipulation of data. The
common draw backs to this type of methods is having ethical issues as it is highly subjective and
dependable to the interpretation and understanding of the researcher to what have been observed.

Document Analysis- It is another type of methodology which includes collecting information

from current records without needing to interact with individuals and participants. The records
suitable for research includes journal stories, newsletters, policy reports, minutes of sessions,
poems, books, videos and photos. This is commonly employed mainly by historians and social
scientists.

4. Discuss briefly the importance of questions in relation to literature for research project.

Research questions do plays a significant role in conducting research as it helps to

provide focus, recommendation, and guide in conducting a research particularly for example, in
related literature, where it helps the researcher to form the basis of the study hypothesis and
objectives by raising queries that seek for in-depth knowledge about the chosen subject or topic
which will potentially affect the whole research process as it drives how the research starts and
how will end up. Questions are also fundamental on the uncovering of discovery as it helps
expose the gap and flaws of the existing literature to provide what is lacking and the need for
further study. Thus, generation of good research questions are highly associated with proper
utilization and understanding of related literature which possess important factors and attributes
such as being derive from the theoretical fundaments of the research, has enough support from
scientific evidence, are broad-restricted to the chosen field of knowledge, are conveying clear,
specific non-multipart question and all assumptions embodies soundness as well.