Practical Research 1 Self-Learning Guide Prepared by Laarni L.

Cabanig

What is RESEARCH?

Research is an organized investigation and study of materials and sources to

create facts and reach new inferences. Research has come up with developing
appropriate solutions to improve the individual’s quality of life. Although it may take
place in a different setting and may use different methods, scientific research is
universally a systematic and objective search for reliable knowledge (Walker, 2010).

Subject Description: This course develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills Research is a verified approach of thinking and employing legalized
through qualitative research. instruments and steps to obtain a more adequate solution to a problem that is otherwise
impossible to address under ordinary means (Crawford, as cited by Alcantara & Espina,
Content Standard: The learner demonstrates understanding of the importance of
research in daily life; the characteristics, processes, and ethics of research; and the 1995).
kinds of research across fields.
In most cases, research helps society to answer the WHAT and HOW
Performance Standard: The learner is able to use appropriate kinds of research in questions. It must be a proper investigation and should reach a valid conclusion that
making decisions. would facilitate the finding of answers to the questions. Some of these questions are:
How can research affect society? What is the impact of the research to daily life?
Introduction
Nowadays society has many forms of problems that require solutions. These Research can be categorized into two:
solutions must be based on facts, valid investigations, experiences and not just on mere
Basic Research This is the type of research that is a purely
beliefs and suggestions. Indeed, to attain such knowledge and accuracy, a systematic
direct application but increasing the nature
procedure and well-planned research is required. of understanding about the problem. It
Research is a process of inquiring about the solution to the problem, collecting develops the scientific theories to be more
data, and logically evaluating information. To develop good research, one must understandable to the readers.

investigate reliable information. Applied Research It is a type of research that needs an answer
In this lesson, you will conduct research with a vision to seek information and to a specific question. It provides solutions
solution to a problem. You will look for an in-depth evaluation of everything that is and validation in order to apply to the real
setting.
needed in the research.
CHARACTERISTICS, PROCESSES, AND ETHICS IN RESEARCH
Learning Objectives: Prieto, et.al. (2017) stated that the following are the major characteristics of research:
After studying this chapter, you will be able to: 1. EMPIRICAL - is based on observations and experiments of theories.
2. SYSTEMATIC - follows orderly and sequential procedures, based on valid
a. define what is research (CS_RS11-IIIa-1);
procedures and principles.
b. give the importance of research in daily life (CS_RS11-IIIa-2); 3. CONTROLLED - In research, all variables, except those that are tested/
c. enumerate the characteristics, processes, and ethics of research (CS_RS11- IIIa-3); experimented on, are kept constant.
4. EMPLOYS HYPOTHESIS - refers to a search for facts, answers to
d. differentiate Quantitative from Qualitative Research (CS_RS11-IIIa-4); and
questions and solutions to problems.
e. provide examples of research in the area of interest (CS_RS11-IIIa-5). 5. ANALYTICAL - shows analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether
historical, descriptive, and or case study.
6. OBJECTIVE - it is unbiased and logical. All findings are logically based on
real-life situations.
7. ORIGINAL WORK - it requires its own examination and produces the data
needed to complete the study.
Practical Research 1 Self-Learning Guide Prepared by Laarni L. Cabanig

It is said that research can be done in different ways. It can be either a well- Responsible Avoid duplicating publications.
planned and methodical process that is based on keen observation and concrete and Publication
valid evaluation. Integration is the best way to evaluate the validity of a certain study. Responsible Mentoring Help to educate, mentor, and advise others.
Respect Colleagues Treat all peers fairly.
Prieto, et.al. (2017) also added that the following are involved in the Research Social Responsibility Strive to promote social good. Avoid social harm.
Processes: Non- Discrimination Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on
1. DEFINE RESEARCH PROBLEM: What is the problem? the basis of sex, races, ethnicity, and or others.
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: What evidence is already presented? Legality Be informed and obey relevant laws and institutional
3. FORMULATING HYPOTHESIS: How are we going to find/look for the answer to governmental policies.
questions being studied? Respect of Intellectual Be informed and obey relevant laws and institutional
4. RESEARCH DESIGN: Where will the study be shown and with what population? Property governmental policies.
5. COLLECTING DATA: Are we ready to gather the data? Where do we find the data? Human Subject Minimize risks that involve human lives, dignity, and
6. ANALYZING DATA: How do the data answer the research queries? privacy.
7. INTERPRET AND REPORT: What are the implications of the results?
KINDS OF RESEARCH:
According to Resnik, 2007, ethical norms are significant in conducting research
studies as explained in the following: QUANTITATIVE VERSUS QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
There are two categories of research methodology:
First, ethics promotes the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and credibility. It also fosters QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH - is a QUALITATIVE RESEARCH - is defined
values that are essential to collaborative work. positivist scientific method which refers as the “naturalistic method of research
to a general set of orderly discipline which deals with the concern of human
Second, ethical norms help individuals to be accountable in every act that the procedures to acquire information (Beck, difficulty by discovering it straightly.”
researcher/s undertake. 2004). (Beck, 2004)

Third, ensure that researchers are held accountable to the public. Mostly, it is concerned with numbers and It is concerned with the experiences,
measurement. understanding and words of the
Lastly, an ethical norm in research also needs public awareness. This can be individual.
evaluated by the researcher before conducting the study because this may help a
certain population in an area once the study is completed. KINDS OF RESEARCH ACROSS DISCIPLINE:

Ethical Codes and Policies for Research, Resnik, 2007 The following are some examples of titles and abstract studies in different
strands in Senior High School.
Given the importance of ethics in the conduct of a research, you will follow
codes and policies for research: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Honesty Maintain all communication. Data should not be faked. Why Does the Use of Social Network Site (SNS) Make Users Happy? A Qualitative
Objectivity Avoid biases in experimental designs, data analysis, Analysis
interpretation, expert testimony, and other aspects of
research. Dogan, Ugur; Uysal, Humeyra; Sidekli, Sabri International Journal of Educational
Integrity Keep your promises and agreements. Methodology, v4 n3 p109-124 2018
Carefulness Avoid careless errors and negligence.
Openness Share data, results, ideas and tools. Be open to criticism This study investigated the reasons why the usage of Social Network Sites
and new ideas (SNS) makes users happy. To this end, the study was conducted with as a qualitative
Confidentiality Protect confidential communication. research method. The phenomenological design, which is a qualitative research
method, was utilized for determining why SNS usage cause happiness and having a
Practical Research 1 Self-Learning Guide
better understanding of how SNS users describe SNSs and what they feel about it. The
study group was composed of 137 university students (60 males and 77 females)
attending the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Literature, and
Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at a university in the southwestern
of Turkey. A structured, open-ended interview was used as the data collection
instrument. The contributors were asked the question "Why does SNS usage cause
happiness?" and their answers were retrieved. The answers were encoded and entered
to the NVivo software to conduct analyses. Based on the most frequent answers of the
participants, three different experts were consulted, and seven themes were created
accordingly. These seven themes include Need for Stroke, Self-Concealment, Ease of
Interaction, Ease of Accessing and Disseminating Information, Ease of Shopping,
Leisure Activity, and Fear of Missing Out. Subcategories were also created for these
seven themes. It was concluded that the theme of FoMO is nourished by all other
themes.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Black Undergraduate Women and Their Sense of Belonging in STEM at Predominantly
White Institutions
Dortch, Deniece; Patel, Chirag NASPA Journal About Women in Higher Education, v10
n2 p202-215 2017
Because little work exists on the sense of belonging focusing on just Black
undergraduate women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM),
especially at highly selective predominantly white institutions (PWIs), this study takes
a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of Black
undergraduate women in STEM by exploring how racial and gendered micro-
aggressions influence how three African American women majoring in the sciences
experience sense of belonging at PWIs. A phenomenological inductive analysis was
used to compile the research findings, which indicated that racial and gender
discrimination, isolation, marginalization, and alienation resulting from micro-
aggressions occurred. Implications for inclusive practices are discussed .
Prepared by Laarni L. Cabanig
Subject Description: This course develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
through qualitative research.
Content Standard: The learner demonstrates understanding of the value of qualitative
research; its kinds, characteristics, uses, strengths, and weaknesses; and the
importance of qualitative research across fields of inquiry
Performance Standard: The learner is able to use appropriate kinds of research in
making decisions.
Conducting qualitative research is as significant as the necessities of human
existence. It paves way to understanding the current issues and natural phenomena
that greatly contribute to the lives of the people.
As a researcher, it is imperative to realize the importance of qualitative
research in everyday life for this will serve as sustenance to finish the course of the
study. Further, this will truly inspire anyone to pursue the fulfillment of research in the
context of providing answers to questions and set a trend to the rest of the researchers.
This lesson will brace you with knowledge on kinds, characteristics, uses,
strengths, and weaknesses of qualitative research. These topics are necessary as you
get closer to choosing the field of research you will focus on.
Every day of our lives is a challenge. We face so many questions that
sometimes cannot be answered by merely asking our neighbors or even the experts
we know. As a result, we attempt to investigate about these problems ourselves. In this
scenario, our knowledge in research is very important.
Among the steps we take is asking ourselves, “Why do I need to pursue the
answers to these questions? Well, for that matter, you must realize that research plays
a big role in the lives of the people-your family, friends, and neighbors.
Learning Objectives:
After studying this module, you are expected to:
• describe the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative
research (CS_RS11- IIIb-1);
• identify the kinds of qualitative research (CS_RS11-IIIb-1);
• familiarize the qualitative research in different fields (CS_RS11-IIIb-
2); and
• determine the importance of qualitative research in different fields
(CS_RS11-IIIb 2).
Practical Research 1 Self-Learning Guide
Source: https://www.google.com/search?q
REFLECT:
Observe and reflect on the pictures above. What questions can we possibly raise?
What do you think are the causes behind these problems?
Could these be prevented if only people are educated well?
As a learner and a future nation-builder, how can you address these problems?
Each day, we encounter problems, may these be personal, those of others,
groups, organizations, among others. Unwittingly, we construct questions in our head
based on what we encounter every day in various facets of life – social, economic,
political, psychological, even cultural and historical.
If you pay attention to the problems around you and these bothers you, then
there’s a researcher inside you. Unleash the spirit and start the quest!
Qualitative Research is an inquiry process of understanding a
social or human problem based on building a complex holistic picture
formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants and conducted
in a natural setting (Creswell, 1994).
The intent of qualitative research is to understand a particular situation,
event, role, group or interaction (Locke, Spirduso, & Silverman, 1987). Franenkel
& Wallen (1990) stress that researchers are interested in understanding how
things occur.
Qualitative research, by its very nature, is essentially a descriptive
analysis and follows the inductive process of reasoning. It is interpretive, follows a
non-linear research path and speaks a language of “cases and contexts”. Cases
that arise from daily life are closely examined.
Prepared by Laarni L. Cabanig
KINDS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Below are the kinds of qualitative research that you may venture on. Your
choice of conducting a qualitative research study depends on your interest, on the
issues and concerns need to be addressed in the community, and on your curiosity as
an individual.
Phenomenology- It is the study of how people give meaning to their experiences, like
the death of loved ones, care for the people, and friendliness of the people.
Ethnography- It is understanding of how a particular cultural group goes about their
daily lives which includes their organizational set-up, internal operations, and lifestyle.
Grounded theory- This occurs when a researcher discovers a new theory based on
the data collected. It is a research methodology for discovering theory in a substantive
area.
Case study-This study involves an investigation of a person, group, organization, or
situation for a long period of time to explain why such things occur to the subject under
study. Some examples of this type of study are the fields of social care, nursing,
psychology, rehabilitation centers, education, etc.
Content and Discourse Analysis- This method requires the examination or analysis
of the substance or content of the communication that takes place through letters,
books, journals, photos, video recordings, short message services, online messages,
emails, audio-visual materials, etc.
Historical Analysis- This is the study of primary documents to explain the connection
of past events to the present time. An example of this is explaining the happenings
during the Marcos regime.
CHARACTERISTICS AND USES OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
• Qualitative research takes place in a natural setting like home, school,
institution, or community. Researchers gain actual experiences of the
research participants.
• It focuses on participants’ perceptions and experiences (Franenkel and
Wallen, 1988 in Creswell, 2013)
• Researchers are sensitive to participants’ needs and participants are actively
engaged in the process.
• Data are collected through observation, interviews, documents, e-mails,
blogs, videos, etc.
• It may result in changes in research questions after new discoveries occur. ∙
It develops from a specific to a general understanding of concepts.
Practical Research 1 Self-Learning Guide
• It is a process of describing a situation, analyzing data for themes or
categories, and making interpretations or drawing conclusions.
• It may be subjected to the researcher’s personal interpretation.
• The researchers, as a primary instrument in data collection, view social
phenomena and situations holistically.
STRENGTHS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
1. Issues can be analyzed through detailed and deep examination.
2. Interviews are not being delimited to specific questions and can be guided/redirected
by the researcher along the process.
3. The research framework and direction can be easily revised as new information
emerges.
4. The obtained data from human experience is powerful and sometimes more
interesting than quantitative data.
5. Data usually are collected from a few cases or individuals so findings cannot be
generalized to a larger population. Findings can however be transferable to another
setting.
WEAKNESSES OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
1.Research quality is heavily dependent on the researcher’s skills and may be
influenced by the researcher's outlooks.
2. The volume of data makes analysis and interpretation time-consuming.
3. It is sometimes hard to prove.
4. The researcher's presence during data gathering, which is often unavoidable in
qualitative
research, can affect the subjects' attitudes towards the process.
5. Issues of anonymity and confidentiality can bring/result in problems when presenting
findings.
6. Findings can be more difficult and take time to visualize.
Schools, hospitals, social media, and media (radio and television) are among the
beneficiaries of qualitative research. These institutions have contributed largely to
sustain a
society.
Qualitative research has been found to be an effective method in finding answers to
phenomena in the context of different disciplines like education, technical
communication, and
business, social and behavioral sciences advertising, and social work. Further, the
latest
developments of these disciplines are relatively contributed by qualitative study.
Prepared by Laarni L. Cabanig
IMPORTANCE OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ACROSS DIFFERENT FIELDS
Qualitative To better understand research in education, Green and Bloome
Research in (1997) gave a distinction between Ethnography of education and
Education Ethnography in education.
Ethnography of education seeks to understand what counts as
education for members of a particular group while ethnography in
education studies about social and cultural dynamics of a school or
classroom. An example is how teaching styles match the learning
styles of students.
They concluded that ethnographic practice-like any set of social
and cultural practices are ways that people in a certain place react to
each other to pursue an agenda: including research agenda,
educational agenda, and social, cultural, and instructional change
agenda. An example of this study is how students react to the
evaluation of their academic performance.
Qualitative research is important as it navigates towards the
improvement of performance in education.
Qualitative Qualitative research can also be used in studying the effective
Research in use of technology in the workplace to ensure a smooth flow of
Technical communication. This can be conducted using focus groups.
Communication Technical communications under study can be in the forms of e-
mail, fax messaging, video and voice conferencing, intranet and
extranet, jargon, and graphics.
The advancement in technical communication is a product of
exploration using qualitative research.
Qualitative According to Braun and Clarke (2013), the qualitative research
Research in paradigm in psychology has been emerging since the second half of
Psychology the nineteenth century.
Psychology has been strongly shaped by the behavioral and
cognitive traditions within which psychology should seek to understand
and determine an observable, objective psychological reality. An
example of this is, psychologists seek to understand why some
students lack the motivation to go to school and why some students
resort to bullying and the like.
Understanding the psychological processes and how they affect
society is the contribution of qualitative research.
Qualitative Morrison et al. say that great advertising comes along from an
Research in understanding of consumer’s wants and needs. Further, they say that
Advertising qualitative research approaches, or methods useful in advertising have
been used by advertising researchers.
The stated connection of understanding the connection between
advertising and consumers’ preferences can be explained through
qualitative research.
Qualitative Conducting research under social work means studying people’s
Research in Social experiences especially what they found traumatic and painful. This can
Work be done by analyzing interview data and narratives which has four
broad categories:
1. Knowledge-direct remembering and reliving, with complete details of
the events
Practical Research 1 Self-Learning Guide Prepared by Laarni L. Cabanig

2. Awareness of mental process: awareness of emotions and of

cognitive processes
3. Awareness of identity- awareness of values and the construction of
personal characteristics of each partner and of the couple as a unit
4. Alienation-refusal to observe, reflect or remember

Qualitative Historically, qualitative research in marketing is influenced by

Research in social research and has embedded projective devices within the
Marketing approach of in-depth interview.
The more modern qualitative marketing studies use the grounded
theory approach. For example, Flint, Woodruff, and Guardial (2002, as
cited in Belk, 20016) studied customers at different levels in US
automobile manufacturing.
Thus, by thorough investigation through research, marketing
strategies are improved for better return of investment.

Qualitative Business establishments use methods like participant observation,

Research in content analysis focus groups, narrative interviews, and “hidden”
International methods such as archival research (Marschan, Pekkari & Welch,
Business 2004).
In this manner, business establishments can collect reliable
information and come to a decision of improving their ways and
processes.

References:

Baraceros, Esther L. 2016. Practical Research 1. First Edition. Sampaloc, Metro

Manila: Rex Book Store
Naval, Victoria C. et.al. 2017. Practical Research for Senior High School. Cubao,
Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing House