ENG103-SHS-SG-WK2

FUTURE READY FUTURE SMART PROGRAM

STUDY GUIDE
Subject RESEARCH IN DAILY LIFE 2

Topic Major Approaches Used in Research

Level Grade 12

Week Week 2

School Year 1st Quarter/SY 2021-2022

I. Objectives

- Differentiate the major approaches used in research

- Understand the quantitative approach

II. Discussion

Today, we will be discussing the major approaches used in research. We will specifically
give focus on the quantitative approach for it is the approach used in Research in Daily Life
2.

Major Approaches Used in Research

The process by which you are going to investigate the variable of your interest or those that
you will test as a solution to a problem will depend on the approach that you will use. There
are three major approaches to doing research. These are qualitative, quantitative, and
mixed methods.

The qualitative approach aims to describe the characteristics, kind, and quality of a
subject while interpreting and attempting to understand an event. By using narrative
descriptions from in-depth interviews, the purpose of qualitative research is to share the
perspective that was obtained from the subjects. Qualitative variables are the data that are
obtained in this approach. The qualitative approach is mostly done in social sciences studies.
Examples include the lived experiences of male convicts, the emotions of people who
suffered from the loss of a loved one, and the perspective of a politician regarding morality.

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Advantages Disadvantages
It provides descriptions about the real Due to the nature of qualitative research,
experience of the people in the situation statistical procedures to measure kinds
being studied. Given the fact that the and qualities are not encouraged because
method being employed here is less you going to deal with verbal rather than
formal, the researcher can expound more numerical. Also, the fact that it is
on the responses of the participants. The dependent on the subjective view of the
participants can also therefore elaborate researcher in describing a situation leads
their answers. Through this, researchers to a certain level of bias, lacking
can have a rich explanation of abstract objectivity in the description. For
factors such as customs and traditions, example, in a restaurant, you might
family roles, and socioeconomic status for describe the hospitability of the
greater understanding. receptionist as poor, while others might
see it as great.
The quantitative approach tests hypotheses and makes predictions through measured
amounts, and ultimately describes an event by using numerical figures. Statistical analysis
is therefore applied to interpret the numbers obtained from the In this regard, the objectivity
of results is a guarantee. A detailed discussion on this approach will follow because this will
be the main type of approach that you will be encouraged to use.
Advantages Disadvantages
It uses the confirmatory scientific method
because it tests hypotheses. By
The focus of the study is limited only to
examining numbers taken from the data,
the object under investigation. Therefore,
a certain level of bias is removed.
the interpretation will be based only on
Because the variables under investigation
the findings derived from statistical data.
are operationally defined, the
Often, explanations and descriptions are
generalizability of findings is high. This
narrow.
means that the quantitative approach can
be applied to larger populations.
The mixed-method approach involves the collection and analysis of data using both
quantitative and qualitative approaches to be able to address the disadvantages of the two
approaches and provide a better understanding of the Qualitative approach provides a richer
explanation because the instrument allows elaborative answers but lacks objectivity due to
lack of numerical value. Using the quantitative method will strengthen the results obtained
from qualitative data.
Advantages Disadvantages

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recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the Good Samaritan Colleges.
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This method can make the description

easier because it has both subjective and Combining the two methods in a single
objective. It is beneficial to both study takes a lot of time for the study to
qualitative and quantitative studies be completed. Because it provides few
guidelines in applying both methods.
because its findings will increase the
validity and reliability of the variables
under investigation.
Types of Quantitative Research

Descriptive research involves the collection of data to either test a hypothesis or describe
the variables mentioned in the study. Data, which are typically numeric, are collected
through surveys, interviews, or observations. Most researches in science and technology,
engineering, and social sciences use this type of quantitative approach.

Example: If you want to describe the process of photosynthesis, you have to observe
the occurrence of the event, write your observations, and integrate the
data for description.

Correlational research attempts to determine the level of relation between two or more
quantifiable variables. The correlation between two variables does not mean that one
variable causes the other, but it can be used to predict their values.

Causal-comparative research attempts to establish cause-effect relationships among the

variables of the study. In this research, the independent variable usually involves a
demographic (e.g., gender, race, social status) in which the researcher has no control of.
He or she will test how the independent variable will cause a significant effect on the
dependent variable, which is the outcome of the study.

Example: Low percentage of jobless people (independent variable) reduces the

poverty rate of the country (dependent variable).

Experimental research is similar to causal-comparative research, in that it also measures

the effect of the independent variable (cause) to the dependent variable (effect), however,
the researcher can control the independent variables in the study, wherein the participants
are randomly assigned.

Example: The effect of different colors of light on the growth of mongo plants.

Quasi-experimental designs are an alternative to determine the causes and effects

between two variables that cannot be subjected to experimental control. Most of the time,
this design is used on a naturally given phenomenon and its effect on the people who are
experiencing the occurrence.

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Example: When you want to know the effect of a calamity on its victims.

References
Espinosa, Allen A. Practical Research 2. DIWA Learning System Inc., 2016.

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying,
recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the Good Samaritan Colleges.