RETHINKING

QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
Enrique G. Oracion, Ph.D.
Director, Research and Development Center
SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
START OF PART 1
 TYPES OF RESEARCH (Sarantakos 1998: 6)

 Type of Purpose
1. Basic: gaining knowledge, testing a theory
2. Applied: solving specific problem, establishing
policy program
 Type of Data
1. Quantitative: adhering to rigid design, statistical
2. Qualitative: describing subjective reality
 Type of Methods
1. Experimental: testing with treatment and control
2. Non-experimental: non-laboratory or controlled
Comparison: Quantitative and
Qualitative
Differences Quantitative Qualitative
Research Research
Logic of theory Deductive Inductive

Direction of Begins from theory Begins from reality

theory
building
Verification Takes place after Concurrent with data
theory building generation, analysis
and theory validation
Concepts Firmly defined Flexible concepts
before research
Generalization Inductive Analytical or
conceptual
RESEARCH ETHICS

1. Professional practice
2. Researcher-respondent relationship
3. Researcher-researcher relationship
4. Researcher-animal relationship
Professional Practice

1. accuracy in data gathering and data

processing
2. relevant research methodology
3. appropriate interpretation of data
4. accurate reporting
5. fabrication of data is misconduct
6. falsification of data is misconduct
Researcher-Respondent Relationship

1. proper identification
2. clear outset (purpose of the study)
3. protection from harm
4. debriefing
5. sharing benefits
6. free and informed consent
7. freedom from coercion
8. right to privacy
9. right to anonymity
10. right to confidentiality
 Researcher-Researcher Relationship

1. misleading ascription of authorship

2. misuse of authority or role
3. plagiarism (http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k70847&pageid=icb.page342054)
a. getting idea or language from someone without
crediting the source
b. verbatim plagiarism (word for word copying)
c. mosaic plagiarism (copying bits and pieces)
d. inadequate paraphrasing (not just changing few words)
e. uncited paraphrasing (without acknowledging source of
idea)
f. uncited quotation (without reference to source)
 Websites on plagiarism
 (http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?
keyword=k70847&pageid=icb.page342054
http://www.hobsonscoursefinder.com.au/Latest-news/How-
to-avoid-committing-plagiarism
 http://m.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/
2014/05/16/cnn-fires-news-editor-marie-louise-gumuchian-
for-plagiarism/
 http://www.rappler.com/news/58405-dfa-revokes-
plagiarized-asean-art
 http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/39566-up-student-admits-
plagiarized-photos
Researcher-Animal Relationship

1. proper maintenance of animals

2. reasons for research
3. stress and suffering
FORMAT OF
THESIS/DISSERTATION
Title/Cover page
Approval Sheet
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

 Background of the Study: describes the current state of

the problem/issue investigated, rationale, data gaps
 Statement of the Problem: provides the problem/issue
per se, general and specific research problems;
 Hypotheses: states the tentative answers based on the
specific problems
 Significance of the Study: describes the importance of
the results of the study
 Scope and Limitations: indicates focus/limits of the
study
 Definition of Terms: defines how the terms or variables
are measured
 CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE
AND THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
 Related Literature: reviews both conceptual
literature and related studies, synthesized into themes
 Theoretical Framework: discusses theory that
guides the study, more general and abstract
 Conceptual Framework: shows how specific
variables interact or relate with each other
 represented by conceptual model to show the
relationships of specific variables
CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY

 Research Design: describes the conduct of the study

 Research Environment: describes the study site
 Respondents and Sampling Procedure: describes
who answered, how many; how sampled
 Research Instrument: discusses the tools to gather
data
 Data Collection Procedure: describes data gathering
 Data Analysis Procedure: describes data analysis and
testing of hypotheses
 Ethical Considerations: describes ethical issues and
how these were addressed
CHAPTER IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS
AND
INTERPRETATION OF DATA

 Shows the findings or results of the study

with subsections and titles corresponding to
the data presented, analyzed and interpreted
according to the sequence of the research
questions.
CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
 Summary: provides the highlights or salient
findings
 Conclusion: answers the research questions
 Recommendations: describes what actions to take
relative to the significance of the study mentioned
in CHAPTER I and in accordance to the findings
RESEARCH PROBLEM
FORMULATION
 Criteria for selecting research topic and
problem
 interest
 capacity
 relevance
 resources
 money
 time
 materials
 availability of data
 SAMPLE
RESEARCH PROBLEM
EXPOSURE TO WASTES AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH
QUALITY OF WASTE MANAGEMENT WORKERS OF BAYAWAN
CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL

Statement of the Problem

(ORTHODOX)
This proposed study aims to determine the exposure to wastes
and the self-reported health quality of waste management
workers
of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. Specifically, it will investigate
the following questions:

1. What is the sociodemographic and health profile of the waste

management workers in terms of the following:
1.1. age 1.5. tobacco and liquor consumption
1.2. sex 1.6. illness in the past 12 months
1.3. residence 1.7. health seeking behaviors
2. What are the nature of the tasks of waste management workers
classified as directly and indirectly exposed to wastes?
3. Is there a significant relationship between socio-demographic
profile and exposure to wastes of waste management workers?
4. Is there a significant relationship between socio-demographic
profile and self-reported health quality of waste management
workers?
5. Is there a significant relationship between exposure to wastes
and self-reported health quality of waste management
workers?
6. What recommendations can be drawn from the findings that
will help in addressing the health problems and needs of waste
management workers given the financial condition of the city
government of Bayawan? (NOT PART OF RESEARCH
 Anatomy of Statement
of the Problem

Statement means the assertion or

presentation of a theme orally or in
paper
Problem refers to a social problem per se
and the question raised for inquiry to
generate solution or answer; they are
linked in research
Statement of the Problem (MODIFIED &
PREFERRED)

Waste management workers are vulnerable to ailments due to the nature

of
their work but this can be variable due to their differential exposure to
various
toxic waste materials. As part of work safety requirements, vulnerability to
ailments has to be addressed which some local government units cannot
sufficiently provide to all workers due to limited budget. A need to prioritize
budget allocation to those seriously affected is in order to address this
concern.
Thus, this proposed study aims to determine if the types of exposure to
toxic wastes due to the nature of the assigned tasks are related to the self-
reported health quality of waste management workers of Bayawan City
given
variable sociodemographic and health backgrounds. In this regard, this
study
will also examine their sociodemographic profile such as age, sex, residence
 In order to answer the major research problem, the following research
questions will be investigated:

1. Is there a significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile

and exposure to wastes of waste management workers?
2. Is there a significant relationship between the health quality and
exposure to wastes of waste management workers?
3. Is there a significant relationship between socio-demographic profile
and
self-reported health quality of waste management workers?
4. Is there a significant relationship between exposure to wastes and self-
reported health quality of waste management workers?
 HYPOTHESIS
FORMULATION
Working: preliminary assumption; used to design final
research plan
Statistical: developed by statistical models related to
probable distribution of certain criteria
Research: the hypothesis used in the study
Scientific: based from sufficient theoretical and
empirical data
Null: used for testing; stating equality, no difference
and
relationship between groups & variables,
respectively
 Hypotheses

Generally, it is hypothesized that no significant relationships exist among

sociodemographic and health profile, exposure to wastes, and self-reported
health quality of waste management workers. In order to prove this, the
following hypotheses will be tested:
1. There is no significant relationship between socio-demographic profile
and
exposure to wastes of waste management workers.
2. There is no significant relationship between health quality and exposure
to
wastes of waste management workers.
3. There is no significant relationship between socio-demographic profile
and
self-reported health quality of waste management workers.
4. There is no significant relationship between exposure to wastes and self-
reported health quality of waste management workers.
 Assignment 1
 Indicate your tentative Thesis Title that shows the
variables to be investigated, the study participants
and location of the study
 Write your Statement of the Problem following the
“MODIFIED & PREFERRED” format: problem
per se, major research problem (declarative form)
and specific research questions (“Is there…”).
 Write the corresponding hypotheses
 E-mail this assignment to enriquegoracion@su.edu.ph
 Significance of the Study
 refers to the uses of the results of the study
transformed into something, and not the study per se
 must correspond to the rationale in the
INTRODUCTION
 should be consistent—if for individuals or groups
(e.g. parents, teachers, students), all must be of same
category; or for institutions (e.g. academe, church)
 arranged inductively or deductively (e.g. deductive:
students, parents, school administrators)
 must be demonstrated or reinforced by
recommendations at the end of the study (CHAPTER
Scope and Limitations
 Scope
 coverage of the study
 people and location
 Limitations
 cannot be done due to technical and logistical
reason beyond control
 basis for further investigation: methodological
(sample size, lack of prior studies, research tool);

human (access to people, language, cultural

bias)
 Definition of Terms
 Conceptual definition: using concepts to describe
another concept like in dictionary definition; not by
measuring it
 For example, social class refers to categories of people in
particular place that share similar socioeconomic traits
 Operational definition: converting concepts into their
empirical measurements
 For example, social class refers to the scores of individuals
on their levels of education, occupation and income such as
1= low, 2= middle, 3= high; grade refers to the average
ratings earned by the students after a semester (or actual
years in school, type of work, monthly earnings)
THEORY CONSTRUCTION
(Sarantakos 1998: 8)

 Concepts- elementary building blocks of a theory

1. observable: items perceived by senses
2. constructs: non-object items that can be inferred

from observables
 Variables- characteristics of members of a group
1. continuous: e.g. height, age, grade
2. discrete: with values that can take the form of
decimals
 Classification systems- to organize knowledge;
answer the WHAT (concepts)
1. analyzing
2. testing
3. understanding concepts
4. categorizing
 Propositions- general statements regarding

relationships between concepts; answer the

WHY
Deductive- general to specific
 Theories- set of logically interrelated propositions;
systematic; describes and explains phenomena
1. hypothetico-logical model: deductive or hierar-
chical; general to specific hypotheses; syllogistic
2. pattern model: has two levels; theoretical--
contains elements and relationships that mirror
relationships in an empirical world; and
empirical--represents phenomena that are seen and
interpreted as a specific instance of the theoretical
elements
 Causal relationships: causality is a central concept
in developing theories but with the presence of the
following conditions:
1. relationships between two variables established
2. one variable must explain the other; cause-effect
3. time order is present; cause precedes the effect
4. contiguous cause and effect; together in both
time and space
5. not spurious; real or authentic relationship
6. rationale of the relationship do exist
REVIEWING RELATED
LITERATURE
 Types of related literature
 Conceptual literature: e.g. books, monographs
 Research or related studies: e.g. articles in
journals, research reports, theses and
dissertations, conference papers
 Redundant:
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND RELATED
STUDIES
 Correct:
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
 Why review related literature

1. helps in identifying a research problem

2. helps in refining a research problem
3. avoids unnecessary duplication of works
4. offers a range of theoretical and conceptual
frameworks
5. provides information about variables
6. allows foreseeing significant issues
7. suggests the contribution of the research to
knowledge production
 What to find in the review

1. specific topic of the study

2. research design used
3. subjects used or respondents
4. independent and dependent variables
a. independent- variable that influence the other
b. dependent- variable that is influenced
5. data collection tool and method used
6. data analysis or statistics used
7. major findings and conclusion
 What are considered in the review

1. Always cite the sources of ideas from the

literature reviewed (Oracion, 2010)
2. Cite together references with similar ideas
(Macias, 2009; Oracion, 2010)
3. Use recent literature (five years ago) unless
these are classics
4. Review only relevant literature; avoid over-
bulky literature review
 Forms of entry reference notes

1. Direct quotation - exact words of an author of

the reviewed article are reproduced and
enclosed in quotation marks

“Resource degradation is an urgent issue in the

Philippines. Increasing pressure on dwindling
resources is the common story told of both the uplands
and coastal areas” (Gollin & Kho, 2008, p. 19).
 Reference entry note… contd.

2. Paraphrase- the ideas of the author’s are restated

in
the reviewers own words

Gollin and Kho (2008) argue that the pursuit of

sustainability of natural resources is the crucial role
of governance.
 Reference entry note… contd.

3. Summary - the ideas are condensed from the

whole article by the reviewer

This article historically shows that the Philippines has

been a pioneer in granting communities greater
involvement in managing natural resources (Gollin &
Kho, 2008).
 Reference entry note… contd.

4. Evaluation – contains agreement or disagreement to

the article reviewed

The authors have carefully documented and collated

convincing case studies about the various ways by which
environmental resources, from the forest to the coast,
have been indiscriminately used by the local communities
across generations (Gollin & Kho, 2008).
Listing of references cited
Amper, Z.H.S. (2007). Jobseekers as third world tourists in the first
world: Motivations and experiences, Philippine quarterly of
culture & society 35, 179-195.
Bernardo, R.B. (2001). Environmental impacts and distribution of
benefits of Apo Island marine sanctuary, Dauin, Negros
Oriental, Philippines. Unpublished Thesis, Environmental
Science, University of the Philippines, Los Baňos.
Cabanban, A.S. & White, A.T. (1981). Marine conservation
program using non-formal education at Apo Island, Negros
Oriental, Philippines. Proceedings of the Fourth International
Coral Reef Symposium, Vol. 1. Manila, Philippines.
CFO. 2008. Deployment of OFWs by hiring types. Commission on
Filipino Workers. <http://www.poea.gov.ph/stats/2008_stats.pdf>
Accessed on 5 January 2009.
Christie, P. (2004). Marine protected areas as biological successes
and social failures in southeast Asia. In J.B. Shipley (ed.) Aquatic
protected areas as fisheries management tools: Design, use and
evaluation of these fully protected areas. Bethesda, Maryland:
American Fisheries Society. Pp. 155-164.
Coltman, M. M. (1989). Introduction to travel and tourism: An
international approach. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Jaranilla-Sanchez, P.A., Lasco, R.D., Villamor, G.B., Gerpacio,
R.V., Nilo, G.P. & Villegas, K.L.. (2007). A primer on climate
change adaptation in the Philippines. World Agroforestry Centre,
University of the Philippines-Los Baňos, Laguna, Philippines.

CHECK THIS SITE:

http://web.calstatela.edu/library/guides/3apa.pdf
Exercise:
Arrange the notes according to the theme as stated below

Fishery Benefits of Marine Protected Areas

1. There are some gears which are no longer used and fishers are already fishing
closer to home with the use of hand-paddled canoes instead of motorized bancas.
2. The perceptions of Apo fishers about improved fish and coral conditions within
and outside the MPA after its establishment corroborated the findings of marine
biologists (Oracion, 2006b).
3. Maypa et al. (2002) reported that Apo Island fishers are already experiencing
increased catch per unit effort, decline in fishing effort and change in fishing
patterns.
4. For example, data compared over the years show that fish catch in Apo Island has
significantly improved or has remained stable (Maypa, Russ, Alcala & Calumpong,
2002; Alcala & Cadeliňa, 2004; Russ, Alcala, Maypa, Calumpong & White, 2004;
Alcala et al., 2005).
5. Studies have shown that the proper management of MPAs for several years can
provide substantial benefits for coastal communities both from fishing and tourism.
answer: 54312
 Assignment 2
 Search and review five related literature corresponding to your research
topic and problem
 Identify the following:
 Research problem

 Respondents

 Data gathering tool and procedure

 Data analysis tool and procedure

 Major findings

 Identify the data gaps that need to be filled in

 Identify the variables relevant to your study
 Do it for each literature (do not synthesize yet; that would in your
proposal only)
 E-mail your paper before next meeting
THEORETICAL
PERSPECTIVES
 Dominant perspectives
 Positivist- empirical objectivity;
Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim
 Interpretive- subjective
understanding;
Max Weber
 Critical- conflict; Karl Marx
“Positivist – used in quantitative r.”
 1. Theoretical foundations

 Perception of reality
 Positivism- perceived by senses; shared
meanings
 Interpretive- in people’s minds; subjective,
socially constructed
 Critical- manipulated and controlled by
those in power
2. Theoretical foundations

 Perception of human beings

 Positivist- rational beings governed by
social laws
 Interpretive- social world is created by
actors; no general laws of restrictive
nature
 Critical- restricted and oppressed by
social factors and conditions, exploited
3. Theoretical foundations
 Nature of science
 Positivist- rigid, deductive, nomethic (use
of universal laws to explain), empirical,
value-free
 Interpretive- common sense (people’s
meanings), inductive, ideographic
(descriptive), not value free
 Critical- between the two views, engaged
science, study and act on reality
4. Theoretical foundations
 Purpose of research
 Positivist- instrumental, discover general
laws, to predict and control events
 Interpretive- no direct instrumental
value, interpret and understand actors’
social actions
 Critical- explain and elucidate, disclose
myths and illusions, emancipate and
empower
END OF PART 1