PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

QUARTER 1
Topics:
1. The Characteristics
2. Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative
Research
Learning Activity Sheets for Quarter 1
3. Kinds of Quantitative Research
4. The Variable
5. Writing the Background of the Study
6. Writing Review and Related Studies
Learning Competency/ies and Code:
The learner…
1. describes characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of quantitative research.
2. illustrates the importance of quantitative research across fields.
3. differentiates kinds of variables and their uses.
4. designs a research used in daily life.
5. writes a research title.
6. describes background of research.
7. states research questions.
8. indicates scope and delimitation of study.
9. presents written statement of the problem.
10. illustrates and explain the conceptual framework .
11. defines terms used in study.
12. lists research hypothesis (if appropriate).
13. presents written review of related literature and conceptual framework.

MEANING OF RESEARCH

Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection,

presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that lines an individual’s speculation with reality.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
2. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles.
3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether
historical, descriptive, experimental, and case study.
5. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
6. Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic
method and procedures.
7. Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

Qualities of a Good Researcher

1. Research-oriented, efficient, scientific, effective, active, resourceful, creative, honest,
economical, and religious

Characteristics of the Researcher

1. Intellectual Curiosity. A researcher undertakes a deep thinking and inquiry of the things, and
situations around him.
2. Prudence. The researcher is careful to conduct his research study at the right time and at the
right place wisely, efficiently, and economically.
3. Healthy Criticism. The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the results.
4. Intellectual Honesty. An intelligent researcher is honest to collect or gather data or facts in
order to arrive at honest results.
5. Intellectual Creativity – A productive and resourceful investigator always creates new
researches.

STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research is dependent on the creation of hypothesis followed by accurate analysis of

the statistics in order to understand and explain the research findings. It focuses more on the quantity of
things and their statistical patterns. Using the number it comes to an analysis so as to come to a
conclusion.

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Quantitative research method has proven to be beneficial in the following ways
 It provides an allowance on the formulation of statistically sound
 Quantitative data provides a macro view with all the required details and comparatively larger
samples.
 Larger sample sizes enable the conclusion to be generalized.
 Evaluation of the multiple data sets can be done at once and that too at a faster pace and
accurately.
 This method is called to be appropriate when there is a need of systematic and standardized
comparisons.
 The manual implementations of ideas can be automated completely which can save time.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Data

 Quantitative method reveals what and to what extent but often fails to answer more on why and
how.
 This type of research requires the model performance to be monitored on constant basis in order
to ensure its compliance with the original hypotheses.
 The impression of homogeneity in a sample may turn out to be fake in this method.
 This method involves limited number of Quants supply and also involves complex disciplines
which are hard to master.

KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

There are multiple kinds of primary quantitative research. They can be distinguished into the four
following distinctive methods, which are:

1. Survey Research
Survey Research is the most fundamental tool for all quantitative outcome research methodologies
and studies. Surveys used to ask questions to a sample of respondents, using various types such as
online polls, online surveys, paper questionnaires, web-intercept surveys, etc. Every small and big
organization intends to understand what their customers think about their products and services, how
well are new features faring in the market and other such details. By conducting survey research, an
organization can ask multiple survey questions, collect data from a pool of customers, and analyze this
collected data to produce numerical results. It is the first step towards collecting data for any research.

2. Correlational Research
A comparison between two entities is invariable. Correlation research is conducted to establish a
relationship between two closely-knit entities and how one impacts the other and what are the changes
that are eventually observed. This research method is carried out to give value to naturally occurring
relationships, and a minimum of two different groups are required to conduct this quantitative research
method successfully. Without assuming various aspects, a relationship between two groups or entities
must be established.
Example of Correlational Research Questions:
 The relationship between stress and depression.
 The equation between fame and money.
 The relation between activities in a third-grade class and its students.

3. Causal-comparative Research
This research method mainly depends on the factor of comparison. Also called quasi-experimental
research, this quantitative research method is used by researchers to conclude the cause-effect equation
between two or more variables, where one variable is dependent on the other independent variable. The
independent variable is established but not manipulated, and its impact on the dependent variable is
observed. These variables or groups must be formed as they exist in the natural set up. As the dependent
and independent variables will always exist in a group, it is advised that the conclusions are carefully
established by keeping all the factors in mind.

Example of Causal-Comparative Research Questions:

 The impact of drugs on a teenager.
 The effect of good education on a freshman.
 The effect of substantial food provision in the villages of Africa.

4. Experimental Research
Also known as true experimentation, this research method is reliant on a theory. Experimental
research, as the name suggests, is usually based on one or more theories. This theory has not been
proven in the past and is merely a supposition. In experimental research, an analysis is done around
proving or disproving the statement. This research method is used in natural sciences. Traditional
research methods are more effective than modern techniques.

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Types of Research
1. Basic Research. This is also called as “fundamental research” or “pure research”. It seeks to
discover basic truths or principles.
Examples: Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law, Archimedes’ Principle, Hooke’s Law, Newton’s Law
2. Applied Research. This type of research involves seeking new applications of scientific
knowledge to the solution of a problem, such as a development of a new system or procedure,
new device, or new method in order to solve the problem.
3. Developmental Research. This is a decision-oriented research involving the application of the
steps of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to improve existing practices.

Classification of Research
1. Library Research. This is done in the library where answers to specific questions or problems
of the study are available.
2. Field Research. Here, research is conducted in a natural setting.
3. Laboratory Research. The research is conducted in artificial or controlled conditions by
isolating the study in a thoroughly specified and equipped area. The purposes are: (1) to test
hypotheses derived from theory, (2) to control variance under research conditions, and (3) to
discover the relations between the dependent and the independent.

THE VARIABLE

Meaning of Variable
A variable is defined as a quantity susceptible of fluctuation or change in value or magnitude under
different conditions.

Types of Variable
1. Independent Variable. This is the stimulus variable which is chosen by the researcher to
determine the relationship to an observed phenomenon.
2. Dependent Variable. This is the response variable which is observed and measured to
determine the effect of the independent variable.
3. Moderator Variable. This is a secondary or special type of independent variable chosen by the
researcher to determine if it changes or modifies the relationship between the independent and
dependent variables.
4. Control Variable. This is the variable that is controlled by the investigator in which the effects
can be neutralized by eliminating or removing the variable.
5. Intervening Variable. This is a variable which interferes with the independent and dependent
variables, but its effects can either strengthen or weaken the independent and dependent
variables.

WRITING A RESEARCH TITLE

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of the study. A good title contains the fewest possible
words needed to adequately describe the content and/or purpose of the research paper. It is not so easy
to put together a research proposal quantitative that relies on numbers alone to demonstrate a point one
way or another.

Examples:
 The relationship between unemployment and inflation rates
 The relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover
 The relationship between educational achievement and economic status
 The effect of education on obesity
 The link between videogames and school achievement

DESCRIBING THE BACKGROUND OF RESEARCH

 Present the issue, interest, or problem to address that could be relevant (current and trendy),
compelling (exciting and significant), and urgent (time-driven).
 It must have 4 paragraphs:
 1st Paragraph: Discuss the issue or problem concerning the dependent variable (DV).
Discuss its importance
 2nd Paragraph: Cite the importance of the independent variable (IV). Connect IV to DV.
 3rd Paragraph: Cite the problem of dependent variable in the local setting where the study
will be conducted.
 4th Paragraph: State the research gap and urgency of the study.
 Must be 1 – 2 pages only
 It must have at least 5 in-text citations.
 It must follow the APA referencing format (author, year

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 STATING RESEARCH QUESTIONS

 General Question (1st paragraph): The main reason why the study is carried out. It should
state the last specific question.
 Specific Questions (2nd paragraph): The specific questions cascaded from and will lead to the
achievement of the General Question. Presented in a numbered list.

INDICATING SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF STUDY

 1st Paragraph: State the general purpose of the study (the last research question) and the
variables being studied in the study.
Example: The main objective of the study is to determine whether study habits can
significantly predict the academic achievement of the students. Hence, the variables being
studied in this study are delimited to study habits and academic achievement only.
 2nd Paragraph: State the locale of the study where the data were collected or the entity to
which the data belong and the respondents selected to participate in the study. You may also
discuss the demographic characteristics of the respondents briefly if you purposively selected
your respondents in terms of their age, religion, monthly income, educational attainment, and
the things alike.
Example: The study was conducted at the college department of San Agustin Institute of
Technology among the 1st year to 4th year office administration students.
 3rd Paragraph: State the timeframe of the study of the period when the data were gathered
and the limitations of the study (the incapability of your research and the things that you were
not able to do or cannot do in your research).

ILLUSTRATING AND EXPLAINING THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

 It consists of theories or propositions (at most 3 to which the study is anchored upon or has
found its position or relations with.
 The theories of propositions must connect the IV and the DV.
 Theories and propositions that were created long time ago are accepted in this part. Meaning,
the recentness of the references and citations in the theoretical framework is not an issue.

DEFINING TERMS USED IN STUDY

 Define key terms operationally, and not conceptually or theoretically. These key terms are
usually the variables (but not limited to) involved in the study.
 If you need to define terms other than the variables, make sure that these terms are difficult
technical jargons that the readers must understand. In other words, there is no need to define
simple and self-explanatory terms.

LISTING RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS (if appropriate)

 It states a negative statement to support the researcher’s findings that there is no relationship
between two variables.

PRESENTING WRITTEN REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 The RRL is the barometer of the extent materials collected, read, analysed or referenced
(Amorado, 2013).
 It is the combination of the varied and diverse ideas, forces, and factors into a coherent and
substantial body of literature about a particular topic (Pan, 2004).
 A balance between the researcher’s ideas and concepts, and the existing literature properly
referenced by attribution or citation.
 Observes coherence by using appropriate transitional devices.
 Every paragraph must contain in-text citations. Citations should follow the author-year system.
For example, (Gonzales, 2004).
 As much as possible, the RRL must be paraphrased and not copy pasted.
 Sources may be taken from print and online journals, magazines, newspapers, and books,
including Google Scholar and databases like Proquest, Academia, ERIC and the like.

EXERCISES/ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1: Identification. Identify what is asked. Write your answer on the space provided after the
sentence (2 points each).

1. A farmer applies different fertilizer to his cotton crops, to see which will make his plants grow the
highest. What is the IV? _______________________________

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2. A farmer applies different fertilizer to his cotton crops, to see which will make his plants grow the
highest. What is the dependent variable? _______________________________
3. I use different types of weed killers on my lawn to see which one kills the most weeds. What is the
DV? _______________________________
4. I use different types of weed killers on my lawn to see which one kills the most weeds. What is the
IV? _______________________________
5. In a study about headaches, doctors gave patients Alieve, Tylenol, Advil, and Excedrin, to see which
medication would relieve the headache pain the fastest. The doctors timed how long it took the
medication to work. What is the IV? _______________________________
6. In a study about headaches, doctors gave patients Alieve, Tylenol, Advil, and Excedrin, to see which
medication would relieve the headache pain the fastest. The doctors timed how long it took the
medication to work. What is the DV? _______________________________
7. To test the safety of a car, crash tests will test different types of cars in collision situations. They want
to determine in which car the crash test dummy receives the least amount of damage. What is the
DV? _______________________________
8. To test the safety of a car, crash tests will test different types of cars in collision situations. They want
to determine in which car the crash test dummy receives the least amount of damage. What is the
IV? _______________________________
9. A scientist wanted to determine the color flower that bees are most attracted to. She placed different
colors of the same type of flower near each other and counted the number of bees that visited each
flower color. What is the IV? _______________________________
10. A scientist wanted to determine the color flower that bees are most attracted to. She placed different
colors of the same type of flower near each other and counted the number of bees that visited each
flower color. What is the DV? _______________________________
11. Scientists wanted to determine the levels of pollution that a fish could withstand. They placed fish in
tanks with differing pollution levels and timed how long they could live under those conditions. What
is the IV? _______________________________
12. Scientists wanted to determine the levels of pollution that a fish could withstand. They placed fish in
tanks with differing pollution levels and timed how long they could live under those conditions. What
is the DV? _______________________________
13. How many independent variables can you have in an experiment? ______
14. How many dependent variable can you have in an experiment? ______

Activity 2. True or False. Underline your answer. (2 points each).

15. The independent variable is the one you measure. True or False
16. The independent variable is the variable that you change. True or False
17. The dependent variable is the variable that you measure. True or False
18. The dependent variable is the variable that you change. True or False
19. A moderating variable can be qualitative or quantitative. True or False
20. An intervening variable is also hypothetical variable. True or False

Other activities will be given during the meeting specifically on Research Proposal Writing.
Guide Questions (when necessary)
Core Values/Values Integration: Honesty, Patience, Perseverance, and Accuracy
Rubrics for Scoring (when necessary):
Answer Key/Model:
REFERENCES:
Amorado, R.V., Boholano, H.B., Talili, I.N. (2017. Quantitative research: A practical approach. Malabon
City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Baraceros, E.L. (2017). Practical research 2. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Enago Academy. (2021). How to develop a good research hypothesis. Retrieved from:
https://www.enago.com/academy/how-to-develop-a-good-research-hypothesis/

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