SHS

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Quarter -1Module 5
Kinds of Research Across Fields

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 YOUR GUIDE

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. These kinds of research will be discussed in detail when you
reach your Practical Research 2.
However, 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

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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.
In social sciences, quantitative research is widely used in psychology, economics,
demography, sociology, marketing, community health, health and human development,
gender and political science.

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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)