MUNTINLUPA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-MAIN

Type C, NBP Reservation, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City

Notes #3
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH,
KINDS OF RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS

To come up with a good research, a good research design is needed. The type of research would
depend on the purpose of writing the research. It can be qualitative or quantitative.

Qualitative research is concerned with non-statistical methods of inquiry and analysis of social
phenomena. It draws on an inductive process in which themes and categories emerge through an analysis of
data collected by such techniques as interviews, observations, videotapes, and case studies. Samples are
usually small and are often purposively selected.

In contrast to qualitative research, in quantitative research, easily quantifiable categories are

typically generated before the study and statistical techniques are used to analyzed the data collected. Both
qualitative and quantitative research is designed to build knowledge; they can be used as complementary
strategies, usually referred to as mixed methods.

KINDS OF RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS

If you decide to use the quantitative method, you also have options to choose from: you can use the
descriptive method, the correlational study, a combination of the descriptive and correlational, the
experiment method, the historical research, market research, and many more. These kinds of research will
be discussed in full detail.

Descriptive Method
Descriptive research describes the phenomena being studied. It addresses the “what” question.
Data are gathered and descriptive statistics are then used to analyze such data. Thus, descriptive research
considers one variable at a time (i.e. univariate analysis), and it typically describes what appears to be
happening and what the important variables seem to be.

Correlational Research
Correlational research determines the relations among two or more variables. Data are gathered
from multiple variables and correlational statistical techniques are then applied to the data. Thus,
correlational research is a bit more complicated than descriptive research; after the important variables have
been identified, the relations among those variables are investigated. Correlational research investigates a
range of factors, including the nature of the relationship between two or more variables and the theoretical
model that might be developed and tested to explain these resulting correlations.
Correlations does not imply causation. Thus, correlational research can only enable the researcher to
make weak causal inferences at best. Correlational research can be bivariate, meaning two variables in
which one variable is known as an independent variable (or input variable) and the second variable as a
dependent variable (or outcome variable). Bivariate correlations provide information about both the strength
of the relationship, from nor correlation to perfectly correlated.
The regression analysis may be used in predicting a single dependent variable or outcome. The
relations among the variables or predictors are used to develop a prediction model.
The multivariate correlation determines the correlation between multiple independent variables and a
single depended variable.

Experimental Method
In experimental research, the researcher manipulates one or more independent or grouping variables
(e.g. by comparing treatment conditions, such as an intervention group vs. control group) and then observes
the impact of that manipulation on one or more dependent or outcome variables (e.g. student achievement or
motivation). The statistical method of analysis is typically some form of the analysis of variance.
Experimental research includes (a) true experiments (in which individuals are randomly assigned to
conditions or groups, such as method of instruction or counseling and (b) quasi-experiments (in which
individuals cannot randomly assigned as they are in a condition or group, such as gender, socioeconomic
status, or classroom). The basic question to be posed in experimental research concerns what extent a
particular intervention causes a particular outcome. Thus, experimental studies are those in which strong
causal inferences are most likely to be drawn.

Historical Method
The historical research is employed by researchers who are interested in reporting events and/or
conditions that occurred in the past. This is for the purpose of establishing facts in order to arrive at
conclusions concerning part events or predict future events.

Market Research
Market Research is any organized effort to gather information about target markets or customers.
Market research provides important information to identify and analyze customer satisfaction, the market
need, market size and competition. Market research which includes social and opinion research, is the
systematic gathering and interpretation of information about individuals or organizations using statistical
and analytical methods and techniques of the applied social sciences to gain insight or support decision
making.

Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is an analysis of the ability to complete a project successfully, taking into account
legal, economic, technical, scheduling, marketing, environmental, and other factors. Rather than just diving
into a project and hoping for the best, a feasibility study allows project manages to investigate the possible
negative and positive outcomes of a project before investing too much time and money.