FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE

Narra, Francisco Homes, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

3rd Year
Learning Module 1

Course: Research in Psychology 1

Semester: 2nd
Course Outcome #: 1
Lesson Number: 1
Topic: Research Design
Part One
Session 1 What to learn Asynchronous
I. Program Educational Objectives
Within three years after graduation, the graduates of Bachelor of Science in Psychology
shall:
1. Show the ability to continuously synthesize knowledge in solving problems for the
welfare of promoting mental health.
2. Perform work responsibly guided by the institution’s core values.
3. Engage in career advancement for professional development in the field of
Psychology.
4. Actualize ethical and professional standards as practitioners in the field of
Psychology.
II. Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the capability to discuss and analyze the major theories and concepts in
psychology (knowledge in psychology)
2. Demonstrate and apply the methods of psychological inquiry in building knowledge
on local culture and context (psychological research)
3. Demonstrate and apply psychological theories and methods in personal and
professional setting (application of psychology)
4. Demonstrate capability for self-reflection and independent learning in graduate
education or in a professional context (independent learning)
5. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors in research and practice in
Psychology (ethics)
6. Demonstrate harmonious interpersonal relationship with colleagues, clients and
others (interpersonal skills) in diverse cultural setting
7. Demonstrate the ability to conduct psychological assessments and evaluation
 8. Pursue lifelong learning for personal and professional growth through varied
experiential and field-based opportunities

III. Explanation of the Lesson

Directions: Read the explanation of the lesson. Organize notes to understand and
remember the contents by using graphic organizers, visual representations of your
choice such as matrix, diagrams, sketch, graphs, and others.

What is Research?
• is a process of systematically examining and explaining the observable.
• Is purposeful activity designed, planned and undertaken to investigate and
discover answer to questions and solutions to problems.

What is research for and what does it involve?

• Study and investigation specially to discover new facts.
• May be directed towards the confirmation of existing facts.
• Review of existing knowledge in a particular area together with the creation of a
new slant on this knowledge.
• Involve the creation of new perspective or existing knowledge and need not
presuppose the uncovering of new facts.

Classification of Research

1.General Purpose
A. Basic Pure Research
- primary concerned with establishing new knowledge
and refinement of theories.
- has no obvious practical applications.
- knowledge for knowledge sake

B. Applied
- concerned with establishing new knowledge as well as knowledge that can be applied in
practical settings without undue delay.
- a problem oriented directed towards solving some particular intellectual puzzle that has
practical implications.
2. Specific Purposes
A. Descriptive
- aims to systematically describe a problem, situation, phenomenon or illustrate attitudes
towards a problem or an issue.
 B. Exploratory
- explores areas about which very little information is available or probes of a particular
research study can be undertaken.
- attempts to generate some initial insights and understanding .
C. Explanatory
- concerned with explaining the why and how of the situation.
- goes beyond the descriptive elements to identify the causes lying behind the effects and
the nature of the relationships between the two variables.
D. Correlational
- Focused on establishing the relationship or determining whether a relationship exists
between two or more facets of a phenomenon.

3. According to Data
1. Quantitative
- leads to precise measurement and quantification
- often involves rigorous and controlled design
A. Survey Research
- designed to obtain information about the prevalence distribution and interaction of
variables within a population.
Ex. Political opinion polls

B. Secondary Analysis
- Involves the use of data gathered in a previous study to test new hypothesis or explore
new relationships in a typical study.

C. Meta Analysis
- Where findings from multiple studies on the same topic are combined by the use of
various statistical methods to establish their significance or validity.

D. Delphi Survey
- Several rounds of questionnaires are mailed to a panel
of experts. Feedbacks for previous questionnaires is provided with each questionnaires so
that experts’ opinions can converge to a consensus in subsequent rounds.

E. Evaluation Research
- Make use of scientific research methods and procedures to evaluate a program,
treatment, practice or policy

2. Qualitative Research
 - involves the investigation of phenomena typically in an in depth and holistic fashion
through the collection of rich narrative materials.

A. Ground Theory
- An opportunity to studying social psychological process and social structure which aims
to discover theoretical precepts grounded on the data.
- Observing how people solve problems in a social setting.

B. Phenomenological
- Proposes to understand the response of the participants to a given situation.

C. Ethnography
- Focuses on the culture of a group of people and relies on extensive fieldworks.

D. Historical Research
- A systematical attempt to establish facts and relationships about past events.

E. Case Studies
- Intensive investigations of a single entity on a small no. of entities, such as individuals,
groups or organizations.

F. Participatory Action Research

- To produce not just knowledge but action and consciousness among the community
regarding on what is going on with their lives.

4. According to Setting

1. Experimental Research
A. True Experimental Design
B. Quasi Experiment

2. Non- Experimental
A. Descriptive
B. Correlational

IV. Recorded Teaching

Directions: Watch the recorded teaching on What is Research

V. Read and learn more

o Read the Research Methods in Psychology retrieved from
https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/thescienceofhumanpotential/chapter/research-
methods-in-psychology/
 VI. Research Analysis
o Explore Google Scholar and read researches related to Psychology.

VII. Links
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8cU92nb6pk
Extract the key concepts from this video related to Research methodology.

VIII. Want to Ask Questions

Write questions about the lesson in the FORUM section of NEO, for online students.
Send your questions to your teacher, for the offline students.

Session 2 Learn More Synchronous

I. Motivation:

https://www.questionpro.com/blog/quantitative-research/

II. Articulation of Purpose and Objectives

Quantitative research is defined as a systematic investigation of phenomena by
gathering quantifiable data and performing statistical, mathematical, or computational
 techniques. Quantitative research collects information from existing and potential
customers using sampling methods and sending out online surveys, online polls,
questionnaires, etc., the results of which can be depicted in the form of numerical. After
careful understanding of these numbers to predict the future of a product or service
and make changes accordingly.

III. Development of the Lesson

Objective # 1: Describes the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of quantitative

research.
Quantitative research designs use numbers in stating generalizations about a given
problem or inquiry in contrast to qualitative research that hardly uses statistical treatment in
stating generalizations. These numbers are the results of objective scales of measurements
of the units of analysis called variables. Research findings are subjected to statistical
treatment to determine significant relationships or differences between variables, the results
of which are the bases for generalizations about phenomena.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
• Methods or procedures of data gathering include items like age, gender, educational
status, among others, that call for measurable characteristics of the population.
• Standardized instruments guide data collection, thus ensuring the accuracy, reliability,
and validity of data.
• Figures, tables or graphs showcase summarized data collected in order to show
trends, relationships or differences among variables. In sum, the charts and tables
allow you to see the evidence collected.
• A large population yields more reliable data, but principles of random sampling must be
strictly followed to prevent researcher’s bias.
• Quantitative methods can be repeated to verify findings in another setting, thus,
reinforcing validity of findings,
• Quantitative research puts emphasis on proof, rather than discovery,
Just like qualitative research, quantitative research has its own set of strengths as well as
weaknesses.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research
Strengths
• Quantitative research design is the most reliable and valid way of concluding results,
giving way to a new hypothesis or to disproving it.
• Because of a bigger number of the sample of a population, the results or
generalizations are more reliable and valid.
 • Quantitative experiments filter out external factors, if properly designed and so the
results gained can be seen, as real and unbiased.
Weaknesses
• Quantitative research can be costly, difficult and time consuming.
• Quantitative studies require extensive statistical treatment, requiring stringent
standards, more so with confirmation of results.
• Quantitative methods also trend to turn out only proved or unproven results, leaving
little room for uncertainty or grey areas.

Objective # 2: Illustrate the importance of quantitative research in the field of Psychology

Psychology is not an absolute science and is often referred to as a 'Social Science' or a 'Soft
Science.' This is because it deals with human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, and as we are
all aware, humans are not always predictable and reliable. Instead, we interact with our
environment in ways that alter how we behave, how we think, and how we feel. Change one
thing and the domino effect can change everything else. Nevertheless, research plays an
extremely important role in psychology. Research helps us understand what makes people
think, feel, and act in certain ways; allows us to categorize psychological disorders in order to
understand the symptoms and impact on the individual and society; helps us to understand how
intimate relationships, development, schools, family, peers, and religion affect us as individuals
and as a society; and helps us to develop effective treatments to improve the quality of life of
individuals and groups.

In this sense, psychological research is typically used for the following:

• Study development and external factors and the role they play on individuals' mental
health.
• Study people with specific psychological disorders, symptoms, or characteristics
• Develop tests to measure specific psychological phenomenon.
• Develop treatment approaches to improve individuals' mental health

Objective # 3: Differentiate kinds of variables and their uses.

Variables are among the fundamental concepts of research, alongside with measurement,
validity, reliability, cause and effect and theory. A variable specifically refers to a characteristic
or attribute of an individual or an organization that can be measured or observed and that
varies among the people or organization being studied.
 The Nature of Variables and Data
Generally speaking, data are classified as one of four types:
1. Nominal data represent categories that cannot be ordered in any particular
way.Examples biological sex( Male or Female), political affiliation, marital status etc.
2. Ordinal data represent categories that can be ordered from greatest to smallest.
Examples of ordinal variables include education level ( freshmen, sophomore, Grade
11, Grade 12, income brackets, etc.
3. Interval data have values that lie along an evenly dispersed range of numbers. Examples
of interval data include temperature, a person’s net worth etc.
4. Ratio data have values that lie along an evenly dispersed range of numbers where there
is absolute zero.
Several experts have lumped together the following as the major kinds of variables:
1. Independent Variables- those that probably cause, influence or affect outcomes. They are
sometimes called treatment, manipulated, antecedent or predictor variables.
2. Dependent Variables- those that depend on the independent variables; they are the
outcomes or results of the influence of the independent variables.
3. Intervening or mediating Variables- stand between the independent and dependent
variables and they show the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
4. Control Variables- special types of independent variables that are measured in the study
because they potentially influence the dependent variable. They may be the demographic
variables that need to be controlled so that the true influence of the independent variable
on the dependent variable can be determined.
5. Confounding Variables- those that are not actually measured or observed in a study. They
exist but their influence cannot be directly detected in a study. Researchers comment on the
influence of confounding variables after the study has been completed.

IV. 6 Facets of Understanding Questions

Explanation: What do you think is the difference between qualitative research and quantitative
research?
Interpretation: To have a rich understanding of every aspect of your research means to
approach it in a ____________ way.
Application: As a student, what is easier for you to use, qualitative research or quantitative
research? Why?
Perspective: How do you see yourself as a researcher in the field of Psychology
Empathy: If you would be doing a research, what would it be and why?
Self-Knowledge: Do you think it is advisable to use the quantitative research approach in your
research paper or not?

V. Explanation Application Reflection (EAR)

 Explanation: Describe and compare a variety of quantitative (e.g., surveys,
correlations, experiments) and qualitative (e.g., interviews, narratives, focus groups)
research methods.
Application: As a researcher, you would like to know the factors that contribute to an
eating disorder. Will the approach be qualitative or quantitative? Why?
Reflection: What connections can you make to your lesson today from any previous
research lessons or experiences you had?

VI. Formative Assessment

Session 3 Assess My Learning Asynchronous

I. Formative Assessment
Directions: Read each item carefully and choose the best answer..
1. It provides a quantitative or numeric description of trends, attitudes, or opinions of a
population by studying a sample of the population.
A. Survey design
B. Experimental Design
C. Survey Method
2. This type of research variable refers to OTHER FACTORS operating in a real – life
situation and may affect changes in the dependent variable.
A. Extraneous Variable
B. Dependent Variable
C. Independent Variable
3. In the study “Effects of Counseling in Marital Problems” counseling service is the
independent variable while marriage problems is the ________ .
A. Dependent Variable
B. Independent Variable
C. Unknown Variable
4. "Students taught first aid by programmed instruction will achieve at a higher level
than those taught first aid by the traditional method." The independent variable in this
hypothesis is:
A. students
B. level of achievement
C. programmed instruction
D. method of instruction

5. In the example in question 4, the dependent variable is:

A. students
B. level of achievement
C. programmed instruction
D. method of instruction

II. Learning Assessment

 Directions: Read each item carefully and choose the best answer.

1. What sort of data is income?

A. Ratio
B. Interval
C. Ordinal
D. Nominal
2. What sort of variable is dress size?
A. Ratio
B. Nominal
C. Ordinal
D. Dependent
3. What is meant by the term "grounded theory"?
A. Theories should be tested by rigorous scientific experiments.
B. As a social researcher, it is important to keep your feet on the ground.
C. Theories should be grounded in political values and biases.
D. Theoretical ideas and concepts should emerge from the data.
4. Which of the following is NOT a method of quantitative research?
A. Grounded Theory Research
B. Correlational Research
C. Quasi-Experimental Research
D. Experimental Research
5. Which of the following is a qualitative research design where lived experiences of
individuals are examined in their "life-world"?
A. Ethnography
B. Case study
C. Phenomenology
D. Grounded theory
6. Which of the following qualitative methods focuses on description and interpretation of
cultural behavior?
A. Phenomenology
B. Grounded theory
C. Ethnography
D. Symbolic interactionism
7. The tendency in qualitative research to derive a complex array of data from a variety of
sources, using variety of methods is termed as:
A. Triangulation
B. Bricolage
C. Cross-tabulation
D. Confirmability
8. An Independent variable can be defined as ___________.
A. Extraneous variable.
B. Confounding variable.
 C. the cause
D. the outcome
9. Which of the following is not an example of a categorical variable?
A. Gender: Male/female.
B. Age: 18-20 year/21-25 year/over 25 years.
C. Height in cm.
D. Taste of a specific brand of coffee: like/don’t like
10. Which of the following is an example of an interval scale?
A. Rating of TV programme: good/average/ poor.
B. Attitudinal score between 0-100.
C. Temperature in Fahrenheit.
D. Smoker: Yes/No

III. Verification of attainment of the objectives, with at least 80% quality and quantity
standards through the item analysis of the NEO LMS
Part Two
1. Recorded Teaching
2. Power Point Presentation
References:
Textbook
• Baraceros. E.,(2016). Practical Research.Rex Book Store.
• Yap-Aizon, J.G., Research Made Easy.

Other References
• Prieto, N.G., Naval, V. C. , & Carey,T. G. (2017). Practical Research 2. LoriMar
Publishing
• Dela Cruz, N. (2011). A Guide to Thesis Writing. Mega-Jesta Prints, Inc.
• https://allpsych.com/psychology101/intro/research_methods

Prepared by:

Engr. Roberto R. Lizardo

Checked by:

Maria Luisa P. Valderama, Coordinator Psychology Department

Approved by:
Echel Simon-Antero, Ph. D, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research
Estrella O. Simon, Ph. D, President FCPC