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PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Quarter 1 - Module 4
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
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Practical Research 1
Quarter 1 – Module 4 – Quantitative and Qualitative Research

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Jenny M. Buenconsejo
Editor: Rolando Montealegre
Illustrator: Jason C. Borabo
Layout Artist: Atty. Catherine B. Panti
Reviewers: Lany M. Abainza and MASBATE CITY DIVISION
(headed by Jeanette M. Romblon)
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MODULE 4
Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Hello! In today’s lesson we are going to identify and understand the

differences between the Quantitative and Qualitative research designs.

It is important for a student-researcher like you to know which of these

approaches is the most appropriate for your study by learning the
fundamental characteristics of each design.

Are you ready? Let’s start!

Specifically, after finishing this module, you should be able to differentiate qualitative
from quantitative research.

YOUR READINESS CHECK

Let us first try identifying which of the following characteristics belong to Quantitative
and Qualitative research.

Directions: Read and analyze each item. Write QL if it is a characteristic of Qualitative

Research and QN for Quantitative. Write your answers on your notebook.

______1. This design seeks to confirm a hypothesis about some phenomena – What? and
How many?
______2. It is a systematic subjective approach to describe life experiences and give them
meaning.
______3. This research is highly structured and uses statistical tools to gather and interpret
data.
______4. It seeks to explore, explain and understand some phenomena – What? and Why?
______5. This design asks close ended questions and examine cause and effect
relationships.

Hey there! Were you able to identify most of the items above? If yes,
. then that’s great! But if not, there’s no need to worry. I will guide and
help you throughout this lesson and provide you with other tasks to
sharpen your knowledge.

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YOUR VOCABULARY BUILDER

Directions: For this task, you may want to have your word list ready with you. Look at the
following terms below which you may encounter in this lesson. See what they mean using your
dictionary. Write them on your notebook.

1. holistic - __________________________________________
2. statistical - __________________________________________
3. hypothesis - __________________________________________
4. deductive - __________________________________________
5. narrative - __________________________________________

Good job! You are now ready to learn more about the concepts and
characteristics of the different research designs used in a study.
Good luck!

YOUR INITIAL TASKS

A. Directions: Look at the illustration. Can you tell which situation follows the qualitative and
which one falls under the quantitative approach? And why.
IMAGE A IMAGE B

SOURCE: Matt Lavoie, A Crash Course in UX Design Research,

https://uxdesign.cc/a-crash-course-in-ux-design-research

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1. Image A is ______________________ design because, ___________________________
______________________________________________________________________.

2. Image B is ______________________ design because, ___________________________

______________________________________________________________________.

Now, by analyzing your given answers, did you consider how the
questions were asked in each panel? Do you think that these
questions fall under a certain research design?
Let’s find out.

YOUR GUIDE

To come up with a good research, a good research design is needed. The type of
research would depend on the purpose of writing the research.
There are two broad categories of research methodology: qualitative and
quantitative research. The research method
determines the approach the researcher
takes in identifying relevant data for the
research and collecting and analyzing the
information gathered in the research.
Choosing either a quantitative or qualitative
approach will affect the components of the
research. For instance, a researcher may
choose to undertake a scientific research. If
he or she takes a qualitative approach, the
goal of the study will be to discuss and
analyze the underlying concepts and
theories related to the research topic. If the
researcher chooses a quantitative approach,
he or she will use statistical data to provide
an explanation of the phenomenon.Now, let
us understand the two main categories of
research design.
SOURCE: http://lightbulbcartoon.com/Research

Polit and Beck (2004) define quantitative

What is QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH? research as “the traditional positivist
scientific method which refers to a general

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set of orderly, disciplined procedures to acquire information.” In their book, Nursing Research
Principles and Methods, they explain that the research method utilizes deductive reasoning to
generate predictions that are tested in the real world. It is systematic since the researcher
progresses logically through a series of steps, according to a pre specified plan of action.
Quantitative research is “explaining phenomenon by collecting numerical data that are
analyzed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics).” (Aliaga and
Gunderson, 2005; Skills YouNeed.com, 2017)
This design is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or
data that can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions,
behaviors and other defined variables – and generalize results from a larger sample
population.
In addition, quantitative approach uses measurable data to formulate facts and
uncover patterns in research. The quantitative data collection methods are much more
structured than Qualitative data collection methods.
Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys – online surveys,
paper surveys, mobile surveys and kiosk surveys, face-to-face interviews, telephone
interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, online polls and systematic
observations. (Wyse, 2011)
However, this design has its disadvantages as well. Quantitative is considered to be
limiting when it comes to studying the complex and diverse minds of human beings. This is
because this approach can only explain a small fraction of the human experience (e.g.,
behavioral impulses and varying personal preferences). In quantitative research, these human
complexities are usually controlled or removed entirely instead of being analyzed. The
inflexible and narrow vision of quantitative research tends to present the human experience in
a restricted manner.

What is QUALITATIVE RESEARCH?

Qualitative research is concerned with non-

statistical methods of inquiry and analysis of
social phenomena. It draws on an inductive
process in which themes and categories
emerge through an analysis of data collected
by such techniques as interviews,
observations, videotapes and case studies.
Samples are usually small and are often
purposively selected.
SOURCE: Rohin Otieno, Determining the Balance of
Quantitative and Qualitative Data: The use of Mixed
Methods, Pulse /Linked In

This design seeks to answer questions about why and how people behave in the way that
they do. It provides in-depth information about human behavior (SkillsYouNeed.com, 2017). It
is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons,
opinions and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or

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hypotheses for potential quantitative research. It is also used to uncover trends in thought and
opinions, and dive deeper into the problem.
Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured
techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual
interviews and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small and respondents
are selected to fulfill a given quota. (Wyse, 2011)
Qualitative research is an inductive, subjective process of inquiry done in a natural
setting in order to build a complex, holistic picture, described in words, including the detailed
views of the informants are reported in informal, personal language. (Tabinas, 2014)

Comparison Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Qualitative
a systematic subjective approach
used to describe life experiences
and give them meaning.
Definition
To gain insight; explore the depth,
Goals richness and complexity inherent
in the phenomenon.
Quantitative
a formal, objective, systematic
process for obtaining
information about the world.
A method used to describe, test
relationships and examine
cause and effect relationships.
To test relationships, describe,
examine cause and effect
relations.

Seeks to explore, explain and Seeks to confirm a hypothesis

understand some phenomena – about some phenomena –
What? and Why? What? and How many?
Characteristics Soft Science Hard Science
Focus: complex and broad Focus: concise and narrow

Holistic Reductionist
Subjective Objective
Dialectic, inductive reasoning Logistic, deductive reasoning

Basis of knowing: meaning and Basis of knowing: cause and

discovery effect, relationships

Develops theory (Theory

Emergent)
Shared interpretation
Methods: less structured; Data
gathered through interviews,
observations, content analysis,
etc.
Communication and observation
Tests theory (Theory Testing)
Control
Highly structured methods:
Data gathered through the use
of tools, equipment,
questionnaires, etc.
Instruments

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Asks open-ended questions in an
effort to explore
Data provided as a narrative,
pictures, or objects
Basic element of analysis: words
Individual interpretation
Results may be presented
subjectively – may reveal biases,
values or experiences that impact
how the results are interpreted
Uniqueness
Asks closed-ended questions
that give quantifiable answers
Data is in the form of numbers
and statistical results
Basic element of analysis:
numbers
Statistical analysis
Results are documented using
objective language
Generalization

Congratulations! You now learned the very important concepts of the

qualitative and quantitative research designs. Let us try to sharpen
your knowledge for better comprehension.

YOUR DISCOVERY TASKS

Activity 1: Am I Right?
Directions: For this task, read and comprehend each statement. Write YES if it is correct and
change the underlined word/s if not. Write your answers on your notebook.
_________1. Quantitative research uses non-statistical methods to gather and interpret data.
_________2. Qualitative research asks close-ended questions in interviews.
_________3. Qualitative research aims to explore and explain a phenomenon in study.
_________4. Quantitative design’s goal is to test and confirm a hypothesis in the research.
_________5. Qualitative research is concise and broad compared to quantitative research.

Activity 2: What Am I?
Directions: Study the table below and try to fill in the missing characteristics of qualitative and
quantitative research based on their counterparts. Write your answers on your notebook.

QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE

1. subjective

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deductive reasoning 2.

3. theory emergent

closed-ended questions 4.

5. uniqueness

reductionist 6.

numbers 7.

8. seeks to confirm a hypothesis

Highly structured 9.

10. meaning and discovery

Activity 3: Mixed Up
Directions: Rearrange the jumbled letters to identify the missing term in the following
statements. Write your answers on your notebook.

1. A quantitative design is a deductive and objective process of inquiry which uses

mathematical procedures to make ___________________ and reported in formal language.

S L T A E G A I I N Z O N E R

2. Qualitative research is primarily ________________ research.

O A T P E Y R L X O R

3. Quantitative design asks objective questions that give ______________ answers.

U T I E N Q A I A L B F

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4. Qualitative data collection methods vary using ________________or _______________

techniques.

T D N E U C R T U U S R

5. (Please refer to statement 4 to answer this)

I S M E - E C D U T R U S R T

Excellent job! You were able to complete all the activities

provided to sharpen your comprehension in this lesson.

LET’S SUM IT UP

1. There are two main types of research design – Qualitative Research and Quantitative
Research.
2. Quantitative research is a systematic approach in studying a phenomenon which utilizes
highly structured statistical methods to gather and analyze the data. It has an objective
perspective in data collection and seeks to confirm a hypothesis. This research is widely used
in the different branches of science (natural science, physical science, Earth science, social
science, etc.). In addition, Quantitative approach uses a large number of samples and
generate results that represent the population.

3. Qualitative research focus on the “What” and “Why” of a phenomenon. It seeks to explore,
explain and give meaning to human behavior and experiences and how beings perceive the
world. This design uses a small number of samples and highlights the uniqueness and
richness of data gathered from the population.

4. Researchers must be able to choose and use the appropriate approach in his/her study in
order to arrive at valid results. Quantitative and Qualitative research methods possess specific
characteristics suited to study a certain phenomenon, therefore, making the data collection,
interpretation and analysis more manageable and factual.

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YOUR FINAL TASKS

A. Directions: Read the following examples and decide whether the statement can be studied
using Quantitative or Qualitative research. Write QN for Quantitative and QL for Qualitative.
Write your answers on your notebook.

_______1. Maria wanted to find out the why some children frequently misbehaves.
_______2. Drinking two tablets of paracetamol is more effective than one.
_______3. A business owner wants to know if his company is performing well compared to
his competitors.
_______4. Coping mechanisms when losing a loved one
_______5. How much water is absorbed by different brands of tissue?

B. Directions: From what you learned in the discussion, cite the difference between
quantitative from qualitative research. Write your answer on your notebook.

YOUR REINFORCER

Directions: On a drawing paper, draw an object which you think best describe/represent the
two research designs you’ve learned – Qualitative and Quantitative. You may use coloring
materials to highlight certain aspects of your illustration. Have fun!

QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE

YOUR REFLECTION/S

What are the new things I’ve learned today? How can I apply them in daily life? Write them in
3-4 sentences on your notebook.

Outstanding! I knew you could it! You are now ready for the
next adventure. See you again next time!

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REFERENCES:
Cristobal, A. P. & Cristobal M. C. D. (2017). Practical research for senior high school.
Quezon City, Manila: C & E Publishing, Inc.

Jerusalem, V. L., Garcia, M. D. R., Palencia, J. M. & Palencia, M. M. (2017). Practical

Research 1: Basics of qualitative research. Sampaloc, Manila: Fastbooks

Matira, M. D. (2016). Practical research for the 21 st Century Learners. Sampaloc, Manila: St.
Augustine Publications, Inc.

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ANSWER KEY

Your Discovery Tasks Your Reinforcer

Activity 1: Am I Right? Rubric:

1. statistical 5 points - Creativity
2. open-ended 7 points - Relevance
3. Yes 3 points – Originality/Neatness
4. Yes Total: 15 points
5. complex

Activity 2: What Am I?
1. objective
2. inductive reasoning
3. theory testing/testing hypothesis
4. open-ended questions
5. generalization
6. holistic
7. words/narrative
8. seeks to confirm a hypothesis
9. less structured
10. cause and effect, relationships

Activity 3: Mixed Up

1. Generalization
2. Exploratory
3. Quantifiable
4. Unstructured
5. Semi-Structured

YOUR FINAL TASKS

A.
1. QL
2. QN
3. QN
4. QL
5. QN

B. Rubric

15 pts. – Full Accomplishment

Students were able to cite differences/comparison between Quantitative and
Qualitative Research in a clear and consistent manner.
10 pts. – Substantial Accomplishment
Students were able to cite differences/comparison between Quantitative and
Qualitative Research in a somewhat consistent manner.
5 pts. – Little to Partial Accomplishment
Students have pronounced difficulty or were barely able to write their answers.

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