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.