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Practical
Research 1
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Understanding Qualitative
Approach in Research
Practical Research 1 – Grade 11
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 1 – Module 2: Understanding Qualitative Approach in Research
First Edition, 2020

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the Understanding Qualitative Approach in Research. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow
the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module consists one (1), namely:

• Lesson 1 – Understanding Qualitative Approach in Research

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. understand qualitative approach in research through a concept map;
2. discuss the kinds of qualitative research; and
3. identify the strengths and weaknesses of a qualitative approach.

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 What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Encircle the letter of your answer.

1. The following are the reasons why qualitative study should be conducted
EXCEPT___________?

A. because it deepens the understanding of a certain phenomenon.

B. because it discusses someone’s culture that includes traditions, beliefs,
language, etc.
C. because it gives emphasis on the stories that the participants experienced.
D. because it allows the researcher to analyze data using numerical inputs.

2. Which of the following is TRUE about qualitative researchers?

A. Numerical data are necessary in presenting, analyzing and interpreting data.

B. Values are integral part of the research process.
C. Facts stand independent of the knower and can be known in a distorted way.
D. The proper design of research investigations will lead to accurate conclusions
about the nature of the world.

3. Why should researchers use qualitative research methods?

A. It is because natural science models shouldn’t be applied as studies of social life.

B. It is because they want to get richer data on their subject in order to understand
the HOWs and WHYs.
C. It is because some researchers see qualitative research as a way to have an in-
depth understanding about a certain topic being studied.
D. all of the above

4. Which of the following is NOT a general feature that characterizes qualitative

research?

A. Inflexible Design B. Naturalistic Inquiry

C. Holistic Perspective D. Personal Contact and Insight

5. What is the true meaning of the word accuracy in research?

A. It must take place in an organized or orderly manner.

B. It must deal with opinions arising from assumptions.
C. Its topic must be instrumental in improving society or in solving problems.
D. It must give correct data: footnotes, notes, and bibliographical entry should be
honestly and appropriately documented.

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 Lesson
Understanding Qualitative
1 Approach in Research
Lesson 1 introduces the key concepts of a qualitative approach in research:
its definition, kinds of qualitative studies and the strengths and weaknesses of this
approach.

What’s In

Share your Experiences!

Instructions: Answer the following questions based on your experiences in the past.
Write your answers on the blank provided.

1. What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative researches?

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2. Why do we need to consider ethical principles in doing researches?

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Notes to the Teacher

All activities need your expertise and supervision.
Please, take time to have consultations along the
research process.

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 What’s New

There are two (2) approaches in conducting research studies. These are
quantitative and qualitative approaches in research. If a researcher would like to
conduct an in-depth investigation of a particular situation or phenomenon that
cannot be answered by mere numbers and/or frequencies, qualitative approach is
the most suitable research design a researcher can use.

“Research is to see what

everybody else has seen, and to
think what nobody else has thought.”
-Albert Szen-Gyorgyi-
1. What does the author mean about the statement?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

What is It

Qualitative Approach in Research

Qualitative research tends to focus on how people or groups have different
views of looking at reality (Neville, 2007). Examples of these are the current events
happening in our country. It takes account of the complex situations in the real
world. We have different cultures that we have to be knowledgeable about so that we
will not commit the mistake of offending our counterparts.
Furthermore, it studies behavior in natural settings. Behavior will differ
depending on different situations happening around us. It focuses on experiences or
on data that cannot be adequately expressed numerically. Again, you cannot
compute the problems or happy moments you have been through in life numerically.
In addition, it concentrates on description and interpretation. For example, the
different features, specifications and upgrades of both the LG and Samsung smart
TVs will depend upon their own descriptions and it is up to the person’s decision on
how s/he will go about it. And, it uses a flexible research process because the method
would depend to the type of qualitative research design a research would use in
his/her study.
Qualitative methods have good and bad sides that a researcher should be
knowledgeable about. It produces more in-depth, comprehensive information.
Moreover, it uses subjective information and participant observation to describe the
context, or natural setting, of the variables under consideration.
However, the subjectivity of the inquiry leads to difficulties in establishing
reliability and validity of approaches and information. Also, it is very difficult to detect

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researcher bias because of its subjectivity. Another advantage of q qualitative
approach in research is that it seeks a wide understanding of the entire situation.
Thus, complex cases are examined with high attention to detail. But, the
results are small and not necessarily representative of the population and cannot be
used as a basis for generalization.

What’s More

Activity 1.1 Let’s Discuss More!

Instructions: Discuss the following common kinds of qualitative research
substantially.

Kinds of Qualitative
Descriptions
Research

Grounded Theory

Phenomenological
Study

Ethnographic Study

Case Study

Historical Study

Discourse Analysis

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 What I Have Learned

Activity 1.2 Let’s Identify the Strengths and Weaknesses!

Instructions: Based on the article you have read above, identify the strengths and
weaknesses of a qualitative research by filling the table below.

Strengths Weaknesses

Activity 1.3 Let’s Make a Concept Map!

Instructions: Based on the article above, make a concept map that would define,
describe and illustrate qualitative approach in research. Then, compose a short
discussion of the concept map to summarize its content.

Qualitative
Approach in
Research

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 What I Can Do

Activity 1.4 Let’s Apply This!

Instructions: Answer the following questions based on what you have understood
in the above article.
1. How does studying behavior consider a qualitative study?
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2. How do cultures and experiences affect the findings of a qualitative study?

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Assessment

Instructions. Write TRUE if the statement if correct, and FALSE if otherwise. Write
your answer on the space provided.
________________1. Studying human behaviors requires quantitative data for
discussion and analysis to make the study more systematize.
_________________2. Qualitative approach in research focuses on experiences or on
data that cannot be adequately expressed numerically.
_________________3. The subjectivity of the inquiry in Qualitative study leads to
difficulties in establishing reliability and validity of approaches and information.
Thus, the gathered data should undergo a thorough process for it be saturated.
_________________4. Since Qualitative researches may study culture, the researcher
should be aware of the words he/she is using to avoid discrimination or any offensive
information.
_________________5. Qualitative studies can be used as a basis for generalization
since you can select a fewer number of participants in the study.

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 Additional Activities

Activity 1.5 Let’s Read and Learn from the Experts!

Instructions: Look for a qualitative research study from any credible references. Read
and comprehend the content. Then, answer the following:

1. Who is/are the author/s of the study that you have selected?

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2. What type of qualitative research did the researcher use in the study? Why did the
researcher use that type of study?

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3. What are the findings and/or results of that research study?

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References
Neville, C. (2007). Introduction to research and research methods. Retrieved
from, http://www.brad.ac.uk/management/media/
management/els/Introduction-to-Research-and-Research-Methods.pdf
University of Bradford, School of Management.

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