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Practical Research 2

Quarter III – Module 1:

Nature of Inquiry and Research

Overview This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master Nature of Inquiry and Research. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module has two lessons:  Lesson 1 – Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses and Kinds of Quantitative Research  Lesson 2 – Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem

Learning Objectives After going through this module, I can:

1. identify what is quantitative research; and
2. make research titles out of the given situations.

Activating Prior Knowledge Test 1. Compare and Contrast Direction: Compare and contrast quantitative research and qualitative research using a Venn diagram. Write your answer on a one whole yellow paper. Write in cursive and no erasures.

Lesson

Lesson

1

Nature of Inquiry and Research

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

According to International Market Research (2018), Quantitative research is a structured way of collecting and analyzing data obtained from different sources. Quantitative research involves the use of computational, statistical, and mathematical tools to derive results. It is conclusive in its purpose as it tries to quantify the problem and understand how prevalent it is by looking for projectable results to a larger population. The data collection tools for a quantitative research are surveys and experiments. Experiments can provide specific results regarding the cause-and-effect relationship of several independent or interdependent factors related to a particular problem.

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

 EXPERIMENTAL

1. True Experimental  The sample groups must be assigned randomly.  There must be a viable control group.  Only one variable can be manipulated and tested. It is possible to test more than one, but such experiments and their statistical analysis tend to be cumbersome and difficult.  The tested subjects must be randomly assigned to either control or experimental groups. 2. Quasi Experimental  Constructions that already exist in the real world.  Categories fall short in some way of the criteria for the true experimental group.  Have some sort of control and experimental group, but these groups are not necessarily randomly selected. 3. Pre-Experimental  Employ a single group that receives the "treatment," and there is no control group. Pilot studies, one-shot case studies, and most research using only one group, fall into this category.

 NON-EXPERIMENTAL

1. Descriptive  Systematic gathering of information from respondents for the purpose of understanding and/or predicting some aspects of the behavior of the population of interest.  Concerned with sampling, questionnaire design, questionnaire administration and data analysis. 2. Correlational  Correlational study is a quantitative kind of research in which there are two (2) or more quantitative variables from the same group of subjects.  It determines if there is a relationship (or correlation) between the two (2) variables (a similarity between them, not a difference between their means). 3. Causal Comparative  It is also known as “ex post facto” research. The basic causal-comparative approach involves starting with an effect and seeking possible causes (It starts with cause and investigates its effects on some variable). 4. Comparative  It examines the patterns of similarities and differences across a moderate number of cases. The typical comparative study has anywhere from a handful to fifty or more cases. 5. Evaluative  A type of study that uses standard social research methods for evaluative purposes, as a specific research methodology, and as an assessment process that employs special techniques unique to the evaluation of social programs.

IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS According to Baraceros (2016), the importance of quantitative research lies greatly in the production of results that should reflect precise measurement and in-depth analysis of data. The data will be used to either support or reject the hypotheses as potential explanations for the possible causes and solutions (Patten, 2017). The list below shows the importance of quantitative research (University of Leicester).

1. Shows precise reliability and objectivity
2. Can use statistics to generalize a finding
3. Complex problem can be reduced and restructured to a limited number of variables
4. Can establish cause and effect in highly controlled circumstances and looks at relationships between variables
5. Existing theories or hypotheses can be tested
6. A sample is assumed representative of the population
7. Subjectivity of researcher in methodology is less recognized
8. May miss a desired response from the participant and is less detailed than qualitative data.

VARIABLE

In research, whether qualitative or quantitative, variables play a very important role. In a quantitative research, your goal is to examine the relationships between variables. Variable is made up of the root or base word “vary” which means to undergo changes or to differ from. A variable is a characteristic or attribute of interest in the research study that can take on different values and is not constant. Variables are changing qualities or characteristics of persons or things and may be straightforward and easy to measure including characteristics such as gender, intelligence, ideas, achievements, confidence, weight, height, age, size, and time. Other variable may be more complex and more difficult to measure. Examples of these types of variables may include socioeconomic status, attitudes, achievement, education level, and performance (Suter, 2013).

Let‟s take a closer look of quantitative variables which are our main concern in doing quantitative research. Quantitative variables are those variables that are measured in terms of numbers. Some examples of quantitative variables are height, weight, and shoe size.

A. Basic Types of Variables Understanding variables leads you to succeed in your research work. So, take a look at the basic types of variables namely Independent, and dependent variables.

In an experimental research, the independent variable is the condition or treatment applied to the experimental group that is under the control, direction or manipulation of the researche r, while the dependent variable is the variable that changes because of another variable, it is the effect, response or the outcome variable. For example, to determine the positive effects of one modern grammar theory called Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) on Intercultural Competence (IC), these can be applied in many ways as collaborative oral, or written activity. In this case, the SFG serves as the independent variable and the IC as the dependent variable.

Listed below are additional examples for you to fully understand about these variables. Please observe how these types of variables are determined:

B. Other Types of Variables  Extraneous variables are to be controlled by you as researcher or experimenter. This variable exists as “nuisance variables” whose potency or influence needs to go down to prevent it from affecting the results negatively.  Covariate variables included in the research study to create interactions with the independent and dependent variables.  Continuous variables quantitative in nature and is used in interval or ratio scale measurement.  Attribute variables characteristics of people intelligence, creativity, anxiety and learning styles.  Dichotomous variables have two possible results, one or zero.  Latent variables cannot be directly observed like personality traits (Russell 2013 and Babbie

Activity 1. True or False (Written Work) Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if otherwise. Write your answers on a one whole yellow paper. ____________1. The sample groups must be assigned randomly in true experimental research. ____________2. Correlational study describes the relationship between two variables. ____________3. Comparative design examines patterns of similarities and differences across a moderate number of cases. The typical comparative study has anywhere from a handful to fifty or more cases. ____________4. Quantitative research is a structured way of collecting and analyzing data obtained from

Features of Research Titles  Lists key variables, scientific/technical style, 12 words maximum (concise: omit unnecessary words like „the‟), non-repetitive words  Reflects social science, humanities, art in Grade 12 context Example: Attitude of Digital Natives/Immigrants on Social

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The background of the study is part of a research provided in the introduction section of the paper. In writing, a good background of the study might determine your research questions or topics in a problem, and the method being used to solve the issue or problem.

Guidelines in Writing Introduction of the Study

1. Introduce your topic
2. Create some context and background
3. Plan to carry out your research
4. State your rationale
5. Explain why your research is important
6. State your hypothesis (optional)

RESEARCH QUESTIONS Generally speaking, a research problem is a situation that needs a solution. Statement of the problem describes an issue currently existing which needs to be addressed. It also provides the context for the research study. It generates the questions which the research study aims to answer. Statement of a problem is a clear description of the issue(s). It includes the objectives, an issue statement, and a method to be used in solving the problem. Nevertheless objectivity can be incorporated by answering questions such as:  Is the problem of current interest?  Is the problem likely to continue in the future?  How large is the population being affected by the problem?  How popular, important or influential is the population? Will the gathered information about the problem have practical applications?  Will the gathered information about the problem have theoretical applications?  Would this study create or improve an instrument?  Would this research findings lead to some useful change towards best practices?

Common Sources of Research Problem / Statement of the Problem  A reproduction of a previous related studies  Personal experiences and interests of the researchers  Related Literature from one‟s own area of interest  Various theories in the discipline

Guidelines in Writing Statement of the Problem

1. Put the problem in the context ( What do we already know?)
2. Describe the precise issue that the research will address ( What do we need to know? )
3. Show the relevance of the problem ( Why do we need to know it?)
4. Set the objectives of the research ( What will you do to find out?)

The statement of the problem could end with questions. Typically, the questions could contain two variables, measurable relationship and some indications of the population. The purpose of the literature review that follows thereafter is to answer the research questions. If the literature cannot answer the questions, the research needs to do so through conducting the research.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY The scope of the study basically means all those things that will be covered in the research project. The limitations of the study are those characteristics of design that have impact or influence in the interpretation of the findings of your research.

On the other hand, scope of the study refers to how far the research area has been explored and has been operating within parameters of the study. The following are two types of information to be included in the scope of the research project.

 Facts - refer to pieces of information that are being used as evidences to prove that a study undergoes successive experiment or actual gathering of data.  Theories – are ideas or principles gathered from different sources like books or articles from the internet. It is just a presumption of a desired explanation to support the study.

Features in Formulating Scope and Limitations of the Study

1. State categorically the periods covered by the study
2. List specific aspects of the data, such as:  Personal information  sample size  geographic location  variables
3. List the academic theories applied to the data so the reader knows the lens of analysis you are using.

Example/s: If you are writing this topic entitled: “The Role of Mass Media in Educational Development of Lala National High School from 2010-2020”, the scope of the study is going to include its several roles within the time frame stated. It should also state Mass Media types used in the analysis of the study including locations and sample size used.

Here is an example of the scope of the study of the given title.

The scope of the study is limited to the role of Mass Media in educational development of Lala National High School from 2010 to 2020. The scope of mass media equipment that is being used are the television, radio and other electronic sets which are meant to give out information objectively through their effective usage to educate the poor masses. There are 300 questionnaires to be adequately filled and returned by the target audience to ascertain some variables.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Significance of the study provides details to the reader on how the study will contribute such as what the study will contribute and who will benefit from it. It also includes the explanation of the importance as well as its potential benefits towards the specific beneficiaries of the study.

Guidelines in Writing the Significance of the Study

1. Refer to the statement of the problem. In writing the significance of the study, always refer to the statement of the problem.
2. Write it from general to particular.
3. Determine the specific contribution of your study to society as well as to the individual.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Conceptual framework as defined by Barrot (2017) it refers to a system of ideas, beliefs, assumptions and theories that inform, supports and cater specifically to your study. It guides the planning, development, and implementation of the research study that you choose.

Different Ways of Presenting Conceptual Framework There are different ways of presenting a conceptual framework as organized by Torneo and Torneo (2017). One can decide to do the following:

1. Diagram This visual diagram will show the interconnections and relationships among the variables and the different elements of your study. Accordingly, it‟s the most preferred way by the researchers since it is easier for the readers to visualize the ideas that they are discussing in their research. There are many designs used in formulating a conceptual framework, but most of the researchers have their own design and utilized in their study. Here are some examples of the simple conceptual framework.

The equation sees migration as a function of population and distance and some constant K. Mij is the number of migrants moving from place i , Pj is the population of place j, and Dij is the distance between place i and j (Torneo, 2014).

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Definition of terms in research usually served as an annex to a work (book, research paper, and etc.) This is an important part of a research paper or any report in which the key or important terms in the study are clearly defined. In modern usage, a definition is something, typically expressed in words that are attached to a meaning of a word or group of words.

Guidelines in Listing Definition of Terms

1. Keep the definition brief and basic.
2. Avoid using passive phrases when defining your term.
3. Do not repeat part of the defined term in your definition.

Activity 2. Yes or No? (Written Work) Directions: Write Y if you think the statement describes the proper guidelines in making the parts of Chapter I and N if not. Then explain briefly why you think so. Write your answer on a one whole sheet of paper.

Scenario YES NO Explanations

1. It should have non-repetitive words.
2. Write it from particular to general.
3. Introduce your topic.
4. Captures reader’s attention.
5. Create some non-context and background.
6. List the non-specific aspects of the data
7. State categorically the periods covered by the study
8. Set the objectives of the study
9. Determine the specific contribution of the study to society
10. Describe the precise issue that the research will address

Assessment Assessment 1. Answer Me! (Written Work) Direction: Get a one whole sheet of paper. Answer the following questions below. Rubric: 10 pts – If the answer was explained very well and showed correct usage of grammar. 9-5 pts – If the answer was explained well but some error in grammar. 4-0 pts – If the answer was not correct and not related to the question

1. Why do we need to study quantitative research? Relate your answers in helping to solve the COVID- pandemic.
2. Name some institutions or organizations that often engage themselves in research. What type of quantitative research do they usually use? Assessment 2. Make a Poster! (Performance Task) Direction : Craft research titles out of the given situations and make a poster of each. Consider the guidelines in making a research title. Write it on a one long bond paper ( one research title, one bond paper ). The orientation should be landscaped. Make your output neat, attractive, colorful and pleasing to the eyes. DO NOT COPY FROM THE INTERNET.

Rubric:

Category 10 9 - 5 4 - 0 Score

Craftmanship

The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of neatness. Well-constructed and not messy.

The poster is acceptably attractive though it may be a bit messy.

The poster is distractingly messy.

Creativity

The poster is exceptionally creative. A lot of thought and effort was used to make the banner.

The poster is creative and some thought was put into decorating it.

The poster does not reflect any degree of creativity.

Originality Exceptional use of new ideas and originality to create a poster.^ Average use of new ideas and originality to create a poster. originality to create^ No use of new ideas and a poster.

Title Title is creative and original.

Title reflects little creativity and doesn‟t appear to be well thought out.

No title is given.

Total Score:

1. Technological advances have made the spread of information far easier than ever before, but they have also enabled child sexual abuse material to be widely shared online.
2. The study made an intervention program to improve the reading comprehension of elementary pupils of Region XII. The study would like to see the impact of intervention program to the elementary pupils of Region XII.
3. This study made a contextualized teaching-learning module to improve the writing organization skills of PQTCS-SHS students. Such study would like to see the effect of this module on the writing organization skills of PQTCS-SHS students

Congratulations! You have completed this module on Practical Research 2!