PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

Quarter 1- Module 2:
Qualitative Research and Its Importance
In Daily Life

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Practical Research 1 – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1– Module 2: Qualitative Research and Its Importance in Daily Life
First Edition, 2020

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 Practical Research 1
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Qualitative Research and Its Importance in Daily Life

This instructional material was collaboratively developed and reviewed by educators from
public and private schools, colleges, and or/universities. We encourage teachers and other
education stakeholders to email their feedback, comments, and recommendations to the
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 INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE
It is our desire that this module on Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research will
provide you with a general understanding of how to conduct practical qualitative research
and possibly even encourage you to undertake a study that may have been thinking about
doing. Research is a delightful way to discover valuable learning and skills. Through this
subject, you help develop your abilities in establishing connections, listening, writing, and
observing which the primary elements are needed in the qualitative research process. You
will find out how to conduct practical researches that you can apply in your specific track.
Often, when we find out that we are going to engage in research, we immediately worry and
put on a skeptical face. It is our goal to replace that worry with excitement, skepticism with
confidence. You will discover how much fun it is to do research as we eagerly learn new
things
and develop a new and better perspective about research.
The twenty-first century learning allows you to discover, to improvise, and to interact,
using research as a tool to expand your knowledge and skills. With this module on Practical
Research 1, we hope that you will be able to nurture yourself to be active, creative, and
collaborative researchers.

How to learn from this module

1. In order to achieve the objectives of this module, here’s a simple guide for you:
2. Read and follow instructions carefully.
3. Answer the pretest before going through the lessons.
4. Take note and record points for clarification.
5. Compare your answers against the key to answers found at the end of the module.
6. Do the activities and fully understand each lesson.
7. Answer the self-check to monitor what you learned in each lesson.
8. Answer the posttest after you have gone over all the lessons.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages

MODULE 2 IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM

Learning Objectives 1

Pretest 2
Lesson 1 The Value of Qualitative Research
Its Characteristics ,Strengths ,Weaknesses and Kinds
I. Definition of Qualitative Research 4
II. Purpose of Qualitative Research 5
III. Characteristics of Qualitative Research 5
IV. Strengths of Qualitative Research 5
V. Weaknesses of Qualitative Research 6
VI. Kinds of Qualitative Research 6
Post test 13

Pretest 16
Lesson 2 The Importance of Qualitative Research Across Fields of
Inquiry
Research in Different Areas of Knowledge 17
I. Basic Research Approaches in a Specific Area of 17
Discipline
II. Hard Sciences versus Soft Sciences 19
Post test 24

v
 What I need to Know

Introduction
What makes human race distinct from each other, specifically on its
uniqueness of traits, similarities and differences? In a way, qualitative research can
respond to such questions. According to Silverman (2013); Litchman (2013);
Walliman (2014); and Suter (2012), qualitative research is an act of inquiry or
investigation of real-life events. It is concerned with own experiences of a life event,
and the aim is to interpret what has been said in order to explain why it is said. This
is called natural setting.
Qualitative research is important practically because most things cannot just
be quantified: they need to be described. Appreciating the nature of life and
experience is vital than simply counting things .We need to understand the quality of
some things in order for them to have meaning.

This module will assist you in understanding….

Lesson 1 The Value of Qualitative Research

Its Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses and Kinds
Lesson 2 The Importance of Qualitative Research Across Fields of Inquiry

Learning Objectives
After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. describe the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses and kinds

of qualitative research; and
2. Illustrate the importance of qualitative research across fields.

1
 Lesson The Value of Qualitative Research
1 Its Characteristics,
Strengths, Weaknesses
and Kinds
The general purpose of qualitative research is to develop concepts which help
you to understand social phenomena in, wherever possible, natural rather than
experimental settings, to gain an understanding of the experiences, perceptions
and/or behaviours of individuals, and the meanings attached to them. The effective
applications of qualitative methods to other disciplines, including health and
education research have expanded. This module outlines the nature and potential
value of qualitative research features its various parameters.

What’s in?
(

In the previous module, you learned the nature of inquiry and research.
Inquiry and research encourage high levels of critical thinking in order to attain
appropriate methods and resources .As a researcher you have to follow the different
processes in research equipped with the etiquettes in conducting your study. Those
samples of research in areas of interest will help you guide to choose you topic or
research problem.

What’s New?

I. Definition of Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research is a scientific method of observation to gather non-numerical

data. It refers to the meanings, concepts, characteristics, metaphors, symbols and
description of phenomena, and not to their counts or measures.
II. Purpose of Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research promotes a deep, holistic understanding of a particular

phenomenon.

III. Characteristics of Qualitative Research

1. Human understanding and interpretation in data analysis

2. Active, powerful and forceful in data gathering and rephrasing interview questions

3. Multiple research approaches and methods that allows you to plan your study

and being multi-method research

4. Specificity to generalization on specific ideas will lead to generalizations

or conclusions.

5. Contextualization - context or situation of individual’s life

6. Diversified data in real-life situations on collecting data in a natural setting

7. Abounds with words and visuals that presents people’s view in a picture,

video, drawing or graphs.

8. Internal analysis on examining the data yielded by the internal traits of the

subject persons.

IV. Strengths of Qualitative Research

1. It adopts a naturalistic approach to its subject matter.

2. Promotes a full understanding of human behavior/personality traits in their

natural setting.

3. It is instrumental for positive societal changes.

4. It engenders respect for people’s individuality.

5. it’s a way of understanding & interpreting social interactions.

6. Increases researcher’s interests in the study.

7. Offers multiple ways of acquiring and examining knowledge about something.

V. Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

1. It involves a lot of researcher’s subjectivity in data analysis.

2. It is hard to know the validity/reliability of the data.

3. It is open-ended questions yield “data overload” that requires long-time analysis.

4. It is time-consuming.

5. It involves several processes, whose results greatly depend on the

researcher’s views or interpretations.

VI. Kinds of Qualitative Research2

1. Case Study - Long time study of a person, group, organization or situation

and an empirical inquiry that investigates current phenomenon.
Example: “Teenage Pregnancy in the Public High Schools”

2. Ethnography- a study of a particular cultural group.

Example: “Cultural Awareness and Integration of Peace Education in the
Indigenous Peoples (IP) Communities”
.
3. Phenomenology- “live-experienced” of a
phenomenon. Example: “Life without Gadget”

4. Content and Discourse Analysis-

 Content Analysis- is a research technique that analyzes the modes of
communication such as letters, e-mails etc.

 Discourse Analysis- is the study of social life, understood through

analysis of language it includes face-to-face talk, non-verbal
interaction, images and symbols.

Materials for Discourse Analysis include books, newspapers, periodicals,

brochures and advertisements.

Example: “A Discourse Analysis on the Impact of Modern Technologies on

Communication”

5. Historical Analysis- is a qualitative method where there is an examining of

past events to draw conclusions and make predictions about the future.

Example: “The Impact of Ferdinand Marcos’ Speech”

 6. Grounded Theory- takes place when there is a discovery of new theory which
underlies your study at the time of data collection and analysis.
Example: “The Story Behind the Migration of Christians from Visayas and
Luzon to Mindanao”

7. Narrative Report - designed to present things or events that have happened in

the past through a logical progression of the relevant information. The main
purpose of a narrative report is to present a factual depiction of what has
occurred.

Example: “Vocabulary Building of Students through Proper Solid Waste

Management”

8. Biography- is the study of an individual’s life and struggles and how they
reflect cultural themes of the society. It deals with an interesting story found in
documents and archival materials. It is concerned with the reconstruction of
life histories and the constitution of meaning based on biographical narratives
and documents.

 Five common types of biography are

(1) Scholarly Chronicles -focus on the historical portrayal of an individual life.
e.g. “Biography of Gloria M. Arroyo, the First Woman President of the
Philippines”
(2) Intellectual Biography- narrative of a life through the conceptual analysis of
the subject’s motives and beliefs within the world of ideas.
e.g. “Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal”
(3) Life History Writing- recording of life memories, experiences, whether
one’s or another’s.
e.g. “The Hardships of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s)”.
(4) Memoir Biography- stylistic presentation of the biographer’s reflections
and insights in relation to the factual account of life.
e.g. “The Experiences of Stranded Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic”
(5) Narrative Biography-a nonfiction account of life experiences of a person.

9. Action Research- is a classroom-based or school-based research seeks

transformative change through the process of taking action and doing
research, which are linked together by critical reflection. This type of research
is commonly conducted by the teachers to give solutions to the existing
problems to improve students’ academic performance and positive attitudes.

2
For more information on these kinds of qualitative research, see Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative
Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint] available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt
 What’s more?

On the table below, draft your proposed topics for a research paper. The first
column is for the topic, second for the purpose and third for the type of qualitative
research to be used. Give five topics.

Topic Purpose Type of Qualitative Reserach

Example:
Post Traumatic To determine the Phenomenological
Experiences of the experiences of those
COVID-19 Survivors survivors in the
COVID-19
phenomena.
1.

2.

3.
 What I have learned

Explain the concepts you have learned by answering the following questions.

1. What comes to your mind when you hear qualitative research?

.
2. Pretend you are the subject of a phenomenological study, how will the
researcher obtain data from you?

3. Name the type of qualitative research best suited for the following topics.
a. Grade 11 Science Textbook _ _
b. Filipino COVID-19 Front liners in Europe _______
c. Travails of SHS Graduates in Public Schools _
d. The Ifugao Wedding Practices
e. Relatives of COVID-19 Victims_

What I can do

Contemplate on the matters you see in your surroundings, your house,

appliances and gadgets, school, your friends, etc. Ponder over these things, think of
a good topic you can research on qualitatively. Write a short descriptive paragraph
on your chosen topic applying what you have learned about qualitative research.
Write in a separate sheet of paper.
REFERENCES

Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint

slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Baraceros, E.L. (2016).Practical Research 1. Ist ed. Rex Book Store. Manila

Buenseco, D.B, Dacanay, D.E., Manalo, G.A. (2016).Department of Education

Practical Research 1. Teachers Guide .Ist ed. Lexicon Press, Inc. Pasig City.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application. Rev.ed.Rex Book Store

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School. Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.

Lichtman, M. (2013).Qualitative Research in Education (3 rd ed).US SAGE

Publication. USA

Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint]

available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt

Silverman, L. (2013).Doing Qualitative Research..(5 th Ed).SAGE Publication.USA.

Suter, W. (2012) Qualitative Data, Analysis, and Design. 2nd Edition. DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483384443.n12.

Walliman, N. (2014).Research Methods: The Basics. (9 th ed) SAGE Publishing.USA.

 Lesson The Importance of Qualitative
2 Research Across Fields of
Inquiry
Qualitative research is an emerging area of inquiry that graces through
disciplines and subject matter. However it's also essential to recognize that
qualitative research is a method generally used in the social sciences searching
social interactions, schemes and processes. It delivers a detailed appreciation of the
ways people come to understand and achieve their daily life in particular situations.

What’s in?
(

In the previous lesson, you learned to describe the nature and characteristics
of qualitative research with its kinds, strength and weaknesses. Qualitative research
is capable to give rich information about the respondents, be it humans or animals.
Despite having such strength, its weakness is perceived on its approach being not
applicable to some research objectives. The kinds of qualitative research will help
you discover facts and information about the object of your interest and working with
others. The lessons you had learned will guide you to appreciate the importance of
qualitative research across fields of inquiry.

What’s New?

Research in Different Areas of Knowledge

Research studies happen in any field of knowledge:

Anthropology, Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Law and Nursing.

A. Basic Research Approaches in a Specific Area of Discipline

1. Scientific or Positive Approach

eals with empirical data instead of personal views, feelings or attitudes.
control of variables or factors affecting the study (Laursen 2010).
records findings quantitatively.
resents structured interviews, questionnaires and observational checklists.
2. Naturalistic Approach
 A people-oriented approach focusing on discovering the real concept
or meaning behind people’s lifestyles and social relations.
 Present things qualitatively through verbal language. Using words as
unit of analysis.
 Bases determining universal social values to define ethical and
unethical that society ought to know, not only for the benefit of
individual and community but also for the satisfaction of man’s quest
for knowledge.” (Sarandakos 2013; Ransome 2013)

Example: Talking to ethnic groups or people with other culture in a natural

setting. In this case, the researcher uses unstructured interviews and the
participants’ answer/response is not scripted.

3. Triangulation/ Mixed Method

 Allows a combination or a mixture of research designs, data collection
and data analysis techniques.
 Enhance the validity and reliability of qualitative research design.
 Enhances accuracy of interpretation.
 Has an opportunity to view every angle of the research from different
perspectives.

(3) Main Methods of Data Collection

a. Interactive interviewing- people asked to verbally described their

experiences of phenomenon.

b. Written descriptions by participant- people asked to write descriptions of

their experiences of phenomenon.

c. Observation- descriptive observations of verbal and non-verbal behavior.

In the field of Humanities, researchers ought to focus not to man’s social life
but instead studies it’s meanings, significance and visualizations of man’s
experiences in the field of Fine Arts, Literature, Music, Drama, Dance and
other artistically inclined subjects.

Humanistic Categories
1. Literature and Art Criticism
Focus on language depends on interpretative and reflective thinking.
 2. Philosophical Research
The focus of inquiry is on knowledge and principles of being and on the
manner human beings conduct themselves on Earth.

3. Historical Research
Investigation centers on events and ideas that took place in man’s life at a
particular period.

II. Hard Sciences versus Soft Sciences 3

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Hard Sciences Soft Sciences

Studies natural data driven Studies human behavior in a
phenomenon. scientific manner.
Objective Subjective
Tests Theory Develops Theory
Numbers Words
Cause and Effect Relationship Knowing meaning & discovery
Statistical Analysis and Researcher’s interpretation
Generalizations
Examples: Examples:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology, Psychology, Political

Astronomy, Earth Science Science, Economics,
Anthropology, History

 Qualitative and Quantitative Research can go together in a research

approach.
 There is a symbiotic relationship between these two research methods,
in which they reinforce or strengthen each other.
 Moreover, any form of knowledge, factual or opinionated and any
statistical or verbal expression of this knowledge are deduced from
human experience that is subjective. (Hollway 2013; Letherby 2013)

3
For more information on these hard sciences versus soft sciences, see Palasan, E.B (2018).
Qualitative Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint] available online with
http://www.slideshare.net.ppt.
 1. How do you inquire data in a certain field of study? Write your top three
methods when collecting data and describe each.

What’s more?

As a continuation on Lesson 1 of this Module from the table you have drawn
which listed your own three topics for a qualitative research , purpose and type to
use
, add a fourth column as what approach of research you will use, and the fifth column
your choice of data collection. Copy your answers from the previous table to
complete column 1 to 3.
Topic Purpose Type of Research Data
Qualitative Approach Collection
Research Choice

Sample:
Post To determine the Triangulation Written
Traumatic experiences of Phenomenological or mixed description/
Experiences of those survivors Interview
the COVID-19 in the COVID-19
Survivors phenomena.

1.

2.

3.
 What I have learned

Given the following Research topics, name the specific subject on each topic
and give the importance on researching such topic in a person’s day to day life. The
first one is done for you.

1. Nutrient Contents of Spices and Herbs

2. Juan dela Cruz: A Filipino Inventor
3. Parents Views About The New Normal Education
4. Bacteria in a Food
5. SHS Learners Study Habits
6. The Nature of Corona Virus Disease

Topics Subject Importance of the Research

1 Spices and Herbs To know its nutrient content use as medicine

6
 What I can do

What are your views to the qualitative research across fields of inquiry? Is
research important? Why? Present your answers in various viewpoints in
terms of:

Sample: Health issues: Through qualitative research, we understand

how HIV patient go through bodily changes, etc.

1. Social:_

2. Economical

3. Political:
REFERENCES

Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint

slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Baraceros, E.L. (2016).Practical Research 1. Ist ed. Rex Book Store. Manila

Buenseco, D.B, Dacanay, D.E., Manalo, G.A. (2016).Department of Education

Practical Research 1. Teachers Guide .Ist ed. Lexicon Press, Inc. Pasig City.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application. Rev.ed.Rex Book Store

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School. Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.

Hollway, W. (2013).Doing Qualitative Research Differently. (2 nd ed.).SAGE Pub.USA

Letherby, G. (2013).Methodological Innovations. (1st ed) SAGE Journals.USA

Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint]

available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt

Rancome, P (2013).Ethics and Values in Social Research.

https://www.macmillanihe.com/page/detail/

Accessed in June 2020

https://quizlet.com/256714214/unit-ii-lesson-4-qualitative-research-in-different-areas-
of-knowledge-flash-cards/