Nature of Inquiry and

Research
GERALD PANO
SHS TEACHER
Introduction-What is research?

 Research is asking questions and looking for answers

to these questions

 Coined from the French word “cerchier” which

means “seek”, “re” means “repeat”

 To repeat looking for something

Introduction

 Signifies finding the truth again about ideas and

problems which were in existence before in different
perspectives
 Research is widely recognized as an important tool
for solving man’s various problems and in making life
more colorful and convenient
 Research is a day –to-day activity of gathering
information
What is quantitative research?

 An objective, systematic empirical investigation of

observable phenomena through the use of
computational techniques

 Highlights numerical analysis of data hoping that the

numbers yield unbiased results that can generalized
to some larger population and explain a particular
observation.
What is quantitative research?

 Quantitative research design use numbers in stating

generalizations about a given problem or inquiry in
contrast to qualitative research that hardly uses
statistical treatment in stating generalizations.
 Research findings are subjected to statistical
treatment to determine significant relationships or
differences between variables, the results of which
are the bases for generalization about phenomena.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research

 Objective. Seeks accurate measurement and

analysis of target concepts. It is not based on mere
intuitions and guesses. Data are gathered before
proposing a conclusion or solution to a problem.
 Clearly defined research questions. The researchers
know in advance what they are looking for. RQ are
well-defined for which objective answers are sought.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research

 Structured research instruments. Data are normally

gathered using structured research tools to collect
measurable characteristics of the population
(demographics)
 Numerical data. In the form of numbers and statistics,
often organized and presented using tables, charts,
graphs and figures that consolidate large numbers of
data to show trends, relationships, or differences
among variables.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research

 Large sample size. More reliable data analysis

using the normal population distribution
curve. It requires a large sample size,
depending on how the characteristics of the
population vary. Random sampling is
recommended in determining the sample size
to avoid researcher’s bias in interpreting the
results.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research

 Replication. Can be repeated to verify or

confirm the correctness of the results in another
setting. This strengthens the validity of the
findings thus eliminating the possibility of spurious
conclusions.
 Futureoutcomes. By using complex
mathematical calculations and with the aid of
computers, if-then scenarios may be formulated
thus predicting future results.
Strengths of Quantitative Research

 Objective.(provides numerical data; can’t

easily be misinterpreted)

 Use
of Statistics.(facilitates sophisticated
analyses and allows to comprehend large
amount of vital characteristics of data)
Strengths of Quantitative Research

 Analysis
in quick and easy way. (findings can be
generalized to the population about which
information is necessary)

 Replicable.
(can be done in different areas or
over time with the formulation of comparable
findings)
Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

 Large number of respondents. (the larger the

sample is, the more statistically accurate the
finding is)
 Costly. ( more respondents, more expenses)
 Contextual factors are ignored. (does not
consider distinct capacity of the respondents
to share and elaborate further information)
Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

 Information are difficult to gather. (ex. Topics:

sensitive issues like pre-marital sex, domestic
violence, among others)
 May be incomplete and inaccurate, if not
done properly. ( researchers must be on the
look-out on respondents who are just
guessing in answering the instrument)
Kinds of Quantitative Research

 DescriptiveResearch (Survey Research)

 Correlational Research
 Evaluation Research
 Survey Research
 Causal-comparative
 Experimental Research
 Descriptive Research

 concerned with describing the nature, characteristics

and components of the population or phenomenon
 No manipulation of variables or cause and effect related
to the phenomenon
 Find general attributes of presently occurring situation
and the frequency of occurrence
 Ex. How many hours SHS students spend in social media,
number of malnourished students, how healthy is the
food served during recess
Correlational Research

 Systematic investigation of nature of relationships,

or associations between and among variables (no
cause study)
 Study
on the extent of relationship that exists
between variables
 Ex.Pre board exam results to predict performance
in LET, sex and mathematical ability, marriage and
cancer recovery, occupation and life span
Evaluation Research

 Aimsto assess the effects, impacts or outcomes

of practices, policies or programs
 Ex.
Assessing the implementation of nursing
care in a hospital and determining the impact
of a new treatment procedure for patients,
impact of a new teaching approach
Causal-Comparative

 Ex-post facto (after the fact)

 Derives conclusion from observations and
manifestations that already occurred in the past and
now compared to some dependent variables.
 Discusses how and why a phenomenon occurs
 Ex. How weight influences stress-coping level of adults
(underweight, normal, overweight versus stress-coping
levels)
Experimental Research

 Utilizes scientific method to test cause-and-effect

relationships under conditions controlled by the
researcher
 An effort is made to determine and impose control
over all other variables except one
 IV is manipulated to determine the effects on the DV
 Ex. Determining the effectiveness of a new strategy in
teaching with regards to achievement