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PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

COURSE CONTENT
I. Nature of Inquiry of Research
 Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses, and Kinds of Quantitative Research.
 Importance of Quantitative Research.
 Nature of variables

Deciding on suitable quantitative research in your areas of

interest

II. Identifying the inquiry and stating the problem

 Range of research topics in the area of inquiry.
 Value of research in the area of interest.
 Specificity and feasibility of the problem pose.

Formulate clearly the statement of the research problem.

III. Reviewing the Literature

 Criteria in selecting, citing and synthesizing related literature.
 Ethical standards in writing RRL.
 Formulation of conceptual framework
 Definition of terms as used in the study.

Present objectively written review of RRL.

IV. Understanding data and ways and ways to systematically collect data
 Quantitative research design
 Description of samples
 Instrument development
 Data collection and analysis
 Guidelines in writing RM

V. Finding answers through data collection

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 Data collection procedures and skills using varied instruments.
 Data processing, organizing and analysis

VI. Reporting and sharing findings

 Guidelines in making conclusions and recommendations.
 Techniques in listing references.
 The process of report writing.
 The selection criteria and process of best design.

THE NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH

The Nature of Inquiry

It is a common belief that no one has the monopoly of all the knowledge and information that exist
in the universe. To survive the growing demands of this age of information and technology in a
man’s day to day existence, INQUIRY is necessary.
INQUIRY
 It is defined as the “quest for truth, information or knowledge through questioning”
(How People Learn, 1999)
 The process of inquiry follows the developmental stage of a person, which proceeds from
“womb to tomb”
 Inquiry begins when a person is born. An infant starts to grasp his surroundings and gathers
information and data using the human senses. As the child grows up, the progression of
inquiry continues. An individual makes sense of the world around him by inquiring.
 Inquiry denotes participation that leads to acceptance. Involvement in the learning process
leads to the mastery of skills and attitudes which are necessary in the search for answers to
questions. It is important in the construction of new knowledge and resolution of problems
and issues.

IMPORTANCE OF INQUIRY
“Information Revolution”

 Data flood the internet, which makes information easily accessible and readily available to
researchers. However, these data and information could change every single minute. Thus,
memorization of facts is no longer encouraged at present.
 More than simply memorizing, an understanding on how data and information may be
explored and used productively is man’s greatest challenge today.
 The learners must go beyond information accumulation and move toward the application of
useful and relevant knowledge.
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For example: it is not enough that the government agencies collect the data of the disaster
stricken provinces of the typhoon. The information becomes an “aid” in itself.

Through the process of inquiry, individuals construct much of their understanding of the world.
It implies a “need or want to know” premise.
According to Exline (2004), “inquiry is not so much seeking the right answer – because often
there is none – but rather seeking appropriate resolutions to questions and issues. For
educators, inquiry implies emphasis on the development of inquiry skills and the nurturing of
inquiring attitudes or habits of mind that will enable individuals to continue the quest for
knowledge throughout life.”
No one can ever learn all the knowledge in the universe, but everyone can better develop their
skills and nurture the inquiring attitudes necessary to continue the generation and examination of
knowledge throughout their lives.

APPLICATION OF INQUIRY
 INQUIRY learning can be applied to all disciplines and all facets of life.
 Individuals have different perspectives in viewing the world. Such views could include
the artistic, scientific, historic, economic and other viewpoints. While disciplines should
interconnect with one another, inquiry learning includes the application of certain specific
“ground rules” that safeguard the integrity of the various disciplines and their world
views.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
Empirical Research - Collection of numerical data which are analyzed to derive generalization. It is
a systematic analysis of data and their relationships.
 Specifically refers to tests or experiments that yield quantifiable values to be analyzed.
 Provide information that may be used in decision making.
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 More objective as the accumulated data is submitted to statistical analysis.
 Gives answers to “what” and “how my/much” questions.
 This design is also employed to measure the incidence of various views of opinions in various
samples.
 Structured techniques such as online questionnaires, telephones or street interviews are used by the
researcher.
 Often, the approach is concerned with finding evidence to either support or contradict an idea or
hypothesis. A hypothesis proposes a predicted answer to a research question.

FOR EXAMPLE
- You might want to propose as a researcher that if young kids are exposed to internet games, it
will adversely effect their performance in school.

 Quantitative research came from a large sample.

 Respondents are selected by the researcher.

RESULTS
-Quantified
-Summarized
-Analyzed

 Results are communicated and presented as tables, graphical displays or summary statistics in
order to extract the necessary information.
 This will guide the decision – makers or authorities in planning their final course of action and
giving recommendations.

HOW QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH WORKS

There are three main assumptions in quantitative research:

1. Observing and explaining an occurrence.

2. Collecting information.
3. Analyzing the information.

Combination of these will result to a well – defined and well – researched findings

Observing and explaining an occurrence

 In explaining the researcher’s observations, the researcher may present them in the form of
either a question or a hypothesis. In the case of a hypothesis, the search for an explanation
is in the form of a statement to be proved or disproved, depending on the goals of his
research.

Collecting information
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 The collection of information is very significant. It is very much concerned with statistical
information also known as “Data”. Data collected must be in numbers and must be
analyzed using statistics.
 Data can be collected manually or through automation. The reliability between manual and
automated data collection may vary.
 Manual data collection is generally reliable for small data because the margin of error is
insignificant.
Other forms of manual data collection:
-The use of measuring instruments like a timer, scale and others.
-If more values are recorded, result is more prone to human error.
Automated Data Collection
- The most accurate type of quantitative research in which the human error factor is totally
omitted.
- Scientific research relies heavily on automated or computer – driven computations for accurate
or precise results. An automated system would connect the device directly to a computer and
save the values automatically without the need to record it manually.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
STRENGTH
DATA COLLECTION
-relatively faster and easier to do.
-could speedily generate accurate, precise and credible results.
DATA ANALYSIS
-is done through the use of statistical software which is proven to be more effective in validating
constructed hypothesis and theories
RESULTS
-more objective and are free from personal bias of the researcher.

SAMPLES
-randomly selected and are not in any way known or related to the researcher.

These factors make quantitative results more credible and reliable with the
people in authority.

The study is replicable and the instruments used may be re – used to further
researches in the different fields and context.
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WEAKNESSES
STATISTICAL ASPECTS
-too technical for average readers to comprehend.
-too much emphasis on statistical significance disregarding importance of the effects involved in
the study.
RESULT
-Result might be too abstract and may also be limited as they only provide numeric
interpretations rather than detailed narrative accounts of an individual’s insight.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ACROSS DISCIPLINE

- Medical Field - Information Technology
- Household census - Education
- Medical Field - Disaster Management
- Market Research
- Finance
 Medical Field
- In clinical research trials, some common quantitative limits include pathology, cardiology and
physical measurements. Blood levels contain a measurable amounts of white and red blood cells
and electrolytes.
- Rather than physically counting each sample, the data collection process is automated using a
computer.

 Household Census
- Conducted by the NSO in order to determine the number of residents in every household in the
entire Ph.
- Findings of this survey could generate a more detailed profile of the Filipino people, which
could possibly be used by the government in determining its national budget.
 Market Research
- To determine customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
- A survey on the customers’ preference of fast food or restaurants could be a way to determine
which among them is the most preferred by the public.
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- Same thing can be done with some products (of different brands but the same category) to
determine the consumers’ preference and the marketability of these products.
-The results of the study will help businessmen and entrepreneurs shape the future direction of
their businesses.
 Finance
- A comparative study of FOREX rates across countries can be made to determine which among
these countries has the soundest economy.
 Information Technology
- A comparative study of the results of an internet speed tests which are being conducted by the
NTC will prove which among the different internet providers in the Ph has the fastest and most
reliable internet connectivity
 Education
- A quantitative study of the students’ academic performance ratings may be a good indicator as
to which of the subjects/courses is most liked or disliked by the students.
- The students’ rankings based on their academic performance are also easily accessible through
the use of computer software.
 Disaster Management
- A quantitative survey of the disaster hit areas whose people are most at risk and most
vulnerable can provide government agencies a clearer picture of the extent of damage/s and the
needed funding to be used for their rehabilitation.

IN EVERY FACET OF HUMAN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IS VERY MUCH

EVIDENT
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH
“re” – do again
“search” – “to seek, explore, investigate”

RESEARCH
 Continuous and repetitious pursuit of knowledge in order to arrive at the truth.
 The very core of learning.
 Seeks to find the answers to the problems and generate new information for a better
understanding of the concepts under study.
Human history abounds with many problems.
 Political
 Social
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 Environmental
 Many aspects of life
PROBLEM
- Between individuals
- Groups
- Organization
For every problem, we seek for solution
 Solutions should not only be effective but also be acquired and used for improvement.
 Solutions must be based in knowledge. It requires a well – planned and systematic
procedure and should be continuously evaluated on its accuracy and usefulness.
Basic Research
Applied Research
BASIC RESEARCH
 Conducted solely to come up with a new knowledge or to have a fuller understanding of a
particular subject for its own sake.
 The goal of basic research is “to collect information about how nature and people are put
together. It’s not important that this knowledge can be used for anything concrete, the
most important thing is that we improve our understanding - Søren-Peter Olesen, the
director of the Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia at
the University of Copenhagen
 Basic research tends to focus more on "big picture" topics, such as increasing the
scientific knowledge base around a particular topic. 

Examples of Basic Research

 A critical analysis of product placement as an effective marketing strategy
 An investigation into the main elements of brands and branding
 A study of factors impacting each stage of product life cycle
APPLIED RESEARCH
 Applied research is done to find an application of the knowledge, whether it be old or
new.
 Applied research refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical
problems. 
 This type of research plays an important role in solving everyday problems that often
have an impact on life, work, health, and overall well-being.
 Applied research is used to find solutions to everyday problems, cure illness, and develop
innovative technologies.
Examples of Applied Research
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 Is mercury poisoning affecting intellectual disorders?
 What types of additives are acceptable and healthy for manufacturers to use in human
food products? 
 Researching which strategies work best to motivate workers
 Studying different keyboard designs to determine which is the most efficient and
ergonomic
 Investigating if background music in a work environment can contribute to greater
productivity
Applied research topics can cover a wide variety of subjects, all addressing practical problems. 
 Researchers also suggest that basic research and applied research are actually closely
intertwined. 
 Basic research often informs applied research, and applied research often helps basic
researchers refine their own theories.
 The information learned from basic research often builds the basis on which applied
research is formed.
AIMS AND GOALS OF RESEARCH
 Research aims to unfold the answers to questions.
The mass of data and information that we have today is a product of man’s constant search for
significant facts and continuous investigation through the years. These pieces of information may
not necessarily be updated; hence, it is the task of the researcher to acquire the most up – to –
date and relevant information.
PRODUCE NEW KNOWLEDGE OR INFORMATION.
Knowledge must be applied and must not remain stagnant. The application of knowledge could
yield other facts. Learning can only find meaning and becomes more relevant when it is used or
applied.
UTILIZE NEW KNOWLEDGE.
With the passing of time, an established fact or truth may be challenged or deconstructed.
Validation of an existing knowledge is necessary in order to render it credible and reliable.
VALIDATE EXISTING KNOWLEDGE.
Doing research challenges the investigator to exercise is own creativity and skills. Through
independent study, the researcher may contribute to the growing body of knowledge. His initial
failures and frustrations in doing research could provide opportunities for growth, and help
improve himself in the process.
IMPROVE THE INVESTIGATOR/RESEARCHER

Sources of RESEARCH TOPICS

 Research topic may arise if there exists a gap between needs and resources.
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 Exposure with the different literatures, the internet, and linkages with various
professional groups could intensify the research activity
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OTHER POSSIBLE RESEARCH AREAS

Dependent vs. Independent

Variables
What is a Variable?
 Simply, something that varies.
 Specifically, variables represent
persons or objects that can be
manipulated, controlled, or merely
measured for the sake of research.
 Variation: How much a variable
varies. Those with little variation
are called constants.
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