concept
Qualitative Research in
Lesson 4: Different Areas of Knowledge
Subject area
Research studies in various fields, such as
anthropology, business, communication,
education, engineering, law, and nursing,
often involve three basic research
approaches: positive or scientific,
naturalistic, and triangulation or mixed
method. The scientific approach
emphasizes measurable facts and allows
control over variables, while the naturalistic
approach emphasizes personal views and
attitudes.
Positive and Scientific Approach
conducting a positivist or scientific
research study, controlled data
collection through questionnaires or
structured interviews is necessary.
Quantitative data, expressed in
numerical or statistical forms, is used
in medical experiments to produce
new medicines.
Hard Sciences vs Soft Sciences
Research studies in soft sciences like
marketing focus on understanding human
thoughts and feelings to make informed
decisions. Basic and applied research are
useful for these areas. Quantitative and
qualitative research methods can be
combined in a triangulation or mixed method
approach. There is no clear dichotomy
between qualitative and quantitative
research methods, as they have a symbiotic
relationship. Knowledge, whether factual or
opinionated, is deduced from subjective
human experience.
Notes
naturalistic approach
The naturalistic approach collects
data from people's subjective traits in
natural settings, such as family homes,
playgrounds, workplaces, or schools,
focusing on their natural self-
management and interactions.
The naturalistic approach in social
sciences, including soft sciences like
Anthropology, Business, Education,
Economics, Law, and Politics, focuses on
qualitative data through unstructured
interviews and participant observations.
These subjective methods yield
opinionated data, which is essential for
determining universal social values and
defining ethical behavior. The data
collected from these methods serves as
the basis for determining ethical behavior
and fulfilling the quest for knowledge in
social sciences.
Humanities researchers focus on studying
human experiences in Fine Arts, Literature,
Music, Drama, Dance, and other artistically
inclined subjects, rather than solely on
man's social life. Researchers in these
subjects happen in these ff. categories:
Literature and Art Criticism
Researchers in Literature and Art Criticism
rely on interpretative and reflective thinking
to critically evaluate their study's object
using appropriate language and
organizational patterns.
Philosophical Research
Philosophical Research where the focus of
inquiry is on knowledge and principles
of being and on the manner human beings
conduct themselves on earth.
Historical Research
Historical Research where the investigation
centers on events and ideas that took place
in man's life at a particular period.
 concept

lesson 5: subject matter of inquiry or

research
SUBJECT MATTER OF THE INQUIRY OR RESEARCH
Research begins with a problem or topic,
requiring higher-order thinking strategies like
inferential, critical, integrative, and creative
thinking. A researchable topic is supported by
observable, factual, and logical evidence. Keep
in mind these points when selecting a research
topic.
Research topics to be avoided
Controversial topics, highly technical
subjects, hard-to-investigate subjects,
too broad subjects, too narrow subjects,
and vague subjects can hinder a well-
structured paper. Controversial topics
rely heavily on the writer's opinion and
may be biased. Highly technical subjects
require advanced study and experience,
while too broad or narrow subjects
require extensive research. Vague
subjects, such as titles with indefinite
adjectives, can decrease readers'
interest and curiosity.
Notes
Guidelines in choosing a research topic
1. Interest in the subject matter
Interest in a topic stems from background
knowledge and novelty, driving
determination to unravel mysteries. This
curiosity motivates full research,
investigation, and inquiry.
2. Availability of information
Research involves collecting evidence
from literature like books, journals, and
newspapers. Visit your library to check
availability of reading materials, including
their accuracy and updating, when
choosing a research topic. Let these
questions linger as you tour the library:
What are the copyright dates of the
materials? How old or new are they? How
expert or qualified the writers are in
coming out with such kind of reading
materials about your topic?
3. Timeliness and relevance of the topic
Relevant research is timely and relevant to
societal improvement, focusing on
contemporary revolutionary acts rather
than historical ones, as it yields results that
benefit society.

4. Limitations on the subject

Sources of research topics The teacher requires students to choose a
1. Mass media communication specific topic based on course
2. Books, Internet, peer-reviewed requirements, such as business,
journals, government publications psychology, or education, rather than
3. Professional periodicals having the freedom to choose a topic of
their own interest.
Forum, The Economist, Academia,
Business Circle, Law Review, etc. 5. Personal resources
4. General periodicals
5. Previous reading assignments in Assess your research abilities considering
your other subjects financial standing, health, mental
6. Work experience capacity, facilities, and time allotment
before making a final choice. Don't let
initial effort go to waste due to insufficient
funding.

Lesson 6: Qualitative Research
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The background of a study is the first
section of the paper and establishes the
context underlying the research. It contains
the rationale, the key problem statement,
and a brief overview of research questions
that are addressed in the rest of the paper.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study discuss
the purpose that the research will
serve to society, the country, the
government, the institution or agency
concerned, the curriculum planners
and developers, and the research
community
Hard Sciences vs Soft Sciences
The "Definitions of Terms" section in your
study ensures readers understand the
concepts discussed and their contextual
information. It also includes unique terms
within the scope of the study, ensuring
they are familiar and understandable to
the reader.
concept
Notes
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
Scope and Delimitation in a research
paper outline the study's content and
author's selection, adding credibility to the
research.
Scope
The scope of study in a research paper
outlines the subject being analyzed,
excluding other variables if they are not
included in parallel studies due to
practicality, interest, or relevance.
Delimination
The delimitation section of a study
outlines the scope, chosen aspects,
excluded aspects, chosen research
method, and applied theories to the data.
HOW TO WRITE SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
STEP 1: The study's scope can be expressed
through sample phrases such as "coverage
of this study", "consists of", "covers", or
"focuses on".
STEP 2: The research aims to analyze a
specific subject, but it has limitations such as
sample size, time frame, geographic area,
subjects, objectives, facilities, and focus
issues.
STEP 3: The study's delimitation can be
expressed through sample phrases such as
not covering, the researcher's limitations, or
the study's specific focus.
STEP 4: The study's scope, chosen aspects,
research method, theories, geographic
location, age, population size, and
constraints or weaknesses are all discussed,
along with the limitations and weaknesses
not within the researcher's control.