MODULE 1: NATURE

& INQUIRY OF
RESEARCH
 Reflection on Research

1.What are your notions about research?

2.Why do you do research?
3.How do you do research?
4.What are some of the challenges that you
face/will face in doing research?
Activity 1: Making Words Meaningful
(Bubble Graph/Concept Map)
Activity 1: Making Words Meaningful
(Bubble Graph/Concept Map)

Reason for
Doing
Research
Activity 1: Making Words Meaningful
(Bubble Graph/Concept Map)
Activity 1: Making Words Meaningful
(Bubble Graph/Concept Map)

Challenges
in Research
 DEFINITION
 Research comes from the middle French word
recherché, which means “the act of searching closely.”
 Research is a combination of the prefix re-, which
means “again,” and the word search, which means “to
look for.”
 To summarize, Research is the process of looking for
information once again.
 Its main objective is to answer questions and acquire
information, whether to solve a problem or to shed light
on confusing lights.
 Research and Science 7
 SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN RESEARCH
1. Empirical approach – knowledge is gained through direct
observation and experimentation. Only those data
derived from scientific procedures are considered factual
(ignore your preconceived notion about the construct
understudy; disregard your feelings and emotions).
2. Observation – awareness of the environment using the 5
senses
3. Question – Questions must be answered through
scientific investigation and must generate tangible proof.
A question is unanswerable when it is deemed
impossible for realistic exploration, no matter how
intriguing it may be. 8
 SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN RESEARCH
4. Hypothesis – an educated guess; intelligent guess
- An attempt to explain a phenomena
- It must be testable for analysis and interpretation
5. Experiments – the given hypothesis should assure
testability in a crafted condition for the accuracy and
reliability of results. The process of experimentation
itself is a proof of scientific procedures; therefore the
findings are considered truthful.
6. Analyses – for findings to be reliable, the data gathered
are subjected for analysis through statistical methods.
The statistical treatment to be employed depends on the9
 SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN RESEARCH
7. Conclusion – the process of making inferences involves
concrete data to rule out opinions. A conclusion must be
objective and supported by meticulous analysis of data
(avoid adding more to what is literally available).
8. Replication – this means doing the same study once
again to a different set of participants to test the
soundness of the obtained result.
a. Establishment of reliability of findings – the previous
data that were proven will have a stronger belief factor
b. Discovery of new knowledge – replication generates
additional information or brand new data that will
10
improve your knowledge acquisition and enlighten your
 SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN RESEARCH
c. Ascertainment of generalizability of results – this means
that the results of the study can be applied to other
groups of participants and therefore, do not only limit to
the original samples.
GOALS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

1. Description – this refers to the way in which the

phenomena being studied is defined, classified and
categorized. The goal of describing is to provide
essential information.
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 GOALS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
2. Prediction – it entails stating the possible consequences
of present events based on existing knowledge of
something else. The purpose of prediction is to control
one’s action and behavior through careful planning
derived from a given set of information.
3. Understanding/Explanation – this is the process of
analyzing information to find out the causes behind
phenomena. To understand and explain data, a
relationship between events must already be
established; one should cause the effect to the other;
and other explanations of causality between them must 12
 IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

1. Knowledge is established
2. Perceptions are corrected
3. Phenomena are validated
4. Present solutions are tested for effectivity
5. Problems are solved

13
 ASSIGN
Visit the following links to watch videos regarding
the research process:
1. “Research Is Like Cooking” (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9fkSzdLf7M
)
2. “Six Reasons Why Research Is Cool: Quique
Bassat at TEDxBarcelonaChange” (
https://youtu.be/1b3iteSygII)
Write an essay telling what you’ve learned about the
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 MAJOR APPROACHES USED IN RESEARCH
A. Qualitative approach – aims to provide description of
characteristics, kind, and quality of a subject, while
interpreting and attempting to understand an event.
 Mostly done in social sciences studies
 Uses narrative descriptions from in-depth interviews
 Qualitative variables are the data that are obtained in this
approach
Advantages:
1. It provides descriptions about the real experience of the
people in the situation being studied. 15
 MAJOR APPROACHES USED IN RESEARCH
Advantages:
2. The researcher can expound more on the responses of
the participants.
3. Researchers can have a rich explanation about abstract
factors such as customs and traditions, family roles, and
SES
Disadvantages:
1. Few and chosen samples are used to participate in the
study.
2. Due to small no. of participants, the credibility of the data
16
 MAJOR APPROACHES USED IN RESEARCH
Disadvantages:
3. It leads to certain level of bias, lacking objectivity in
description.
4. The generalizability of the findings are lacking.
5. Results are limited to selected people.
B. Quantitative approach – tests hypotheses and makes
predictions through measured amounts, and ultimately
describes an event by using numerical figures.
 Statistical analysis is applied to interpret the numbers
obtained from the data 17
 MAJOR APPROACHES USED IN RESEARCH
Advantages:
1. It uses the confirmatory scientific method because it
tests hypothesis
2. Certain level of bias is removed
3. Because the variables under investigations are
operationally defined, the generalizability of findings
is high.
4. Can be applied to larger populations

18
 MAJOR APPROACHES USED IN RESEARCH
Disadvantages:
1. The focus of the study is limited only to the object
under investigation
2. The interpretation of results will be based only on the
findings derived from statistical data.
3. Often, explanations and descriptions are narrow.

19
 MAJOR APPROACHES USED IN RESEARCH
C. Mixed Method approach – involves collection and
analysis of data using both quantitative and qualitative
approaches to be able to address the disadvantages
of the 2 approaches and provide better understanding
of data.
Advantages:
1. This method can make the description easier because
it has both subjective and objective data
2. Its findings will increase the validity and reliability of
the variables under investigation
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 MAJOR APPROACHES USED IN RESEARCH
Disadvantages:
1. Combining the two methods in a single study takes a
lot of time for the study to be completed
2. Because it provides few guidelines in applying both
methods, discrepancies in findings are difficult to
resolve.

21
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:
AN OVERVIEW
Quantitative Research - is a way of
making any phenomenon or any sensory
experience clearer or more meaningful by
gathering and examining facts and
information about such person, thing,
place, or event appealing to your senses.
It involves measurements and amounts
and seeks to find answers to questions
starting with how many, how much, how
long, to what extent, and the like.
Quantitative methods – center on objective
measurements and numerical analysis of data
collected through questionnaire or surveys and
generalizing the results across groups of people.

 It aims to classify features, count them, and construct

statistical models to explain the observable
phenomenon.

24
 MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
QUANTITATIVE APPROACH

1. The data are usually gathered using more structured

research instruments.
2. The results are based on larger sample sizes that are
representative of the population.
3. The research study can usually be replicated or
repeated, given its high reliability.
4. The researcher has a clearly defined research questions
to which objective answers are sought.
5. All aspects of the study are carefully designed before
data are collected. 25
 MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
QUANTITATIVE APPROACH

6. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics.

7. The project can be used to generalize concepts
more widely, predict future results, or
investigate causal relationships.
8. The researcher uses questionnaires or other
forms of research tools to collect numerical
data.

26
 STRENGTHS OF QUANTITATIVE APPROACH
1. Quantitative approach involves a greater
number of subjects and enables a broader
study, as well as enhancing the generalization of
the results.
2. Study results are more objective and accurate.
Quantitative research employs a certain
procedures on a few variables to ensure the
reliability of data.
3. Quantitative research can be replicated, as well
as analyzed in comparison with other similar
27
 STRENGTHS OF QUANTITATIVE APPROACH
4. You can summarize vast sources of information
and make comparisons across categories and
over time.
5. Personal bias can be avoided by keeping a
“distance” from participating subjects and
employing facilitators unknown to them.

28
 LIMITATIONS OF QUANTITATIVE APPROACH
1. Quantitative data, while they can test a
hypothesis, may be limited in explaining their
construct. This is because the explanation
often focuses on numerical results as basis
2. The research is often conducted in an artificial
setting where a certain level of control is
exercised. The result may not necessarily
reflect the real-life situation presented in the
problem.
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 TYPES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
1. Non experimental
- It is incapable of establishing cause-effect
relationships; by itself, it is able, if it takes place
in conjunction with other experimental and
quasi-experimental research methods.

2. Experimental
– similar to causal-comparative research, but the
researcher can control the independent variables in the
study (the participants are randomly assigned).
30
Non-Experimental
It involves various ways of data analysis:
Primary – analysis of data collected by the
researcher himself/herself
Secondary – examination of data collected by
other people
Meta-analysis – analysis of data expressed
numerically
Non-Experimental
It uses research method that is applicable
to both quantitative and qualitative data.
It collects data through survey,
observation, historical studies, case
studies, documentary analysis, and so on.
(Suter, 2012; Sarantakos, 2013)
 TYPES OF NON EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH
Survey
Historical studies
Observational
 TYPES OF NON EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
 Correlational - attempts to determine the level of relation
between two or more quantifiable variables. The correlation
between two variables does not mean that one variable causes
the other, but it can be used to predict their values.

 Descriptive - involves the collection of data to either test a

hypothesis or describe the variables mentioned in a study

 Causal Comparative research - attempts to establish cause-

effect relationships among the variables of the study. In this research, the
independent variable usually involves a demographic (gender, race,
social status) in which the researcher has no control of.
 TYPES OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
a. True Experimental
True experimental, quasi-experimental,
single subject, and pre-experimental.
• 1st - give a pre-test to examine the initial
condition of both groups in relation to a variable,
condition, or factor
• 2nd - apply to the control group a new condition
• 3rd- give the latter group a post-test to determine
the effects or influence of the treatment or
condition applied on them.
b. Quasi Experimental
Quasi-experimental comes in several types such
as matched comparative group, time series, and
counterbalanced quasi-experimental.
Quasi-experimental Designs – are an alternative to
determine the causes and effects of two variables that
cannot be subjected to experimental control. Most of the
time, this design is used on a naturally given
phenomenon and its effect on the people who are
experiencing the occurrence. (Ex. You want to know the
effect of calamity on its victims)
 Types of quasi-experimental research
1. matched comparison – choosing a
treatment group and another group that
has similarities with the treatment group
2. time-series quasi-experimental research –
giving them series of pre-tests and post-
tests
3. single-subject quasi-experimental
research – controls treatment and condition
applied to just one individual or a group
 CONSTRUCTS & VARIABLES IN RESEARCH
Constructs – mental abstractions derived from the
combination of concepts, or your mental representation
of the world around you.
Constructs and concepts are used interchangeably.
Concepts are more general whereas constructs are more
particular.
Concept: age, sex, height, weight, attitude, pollution,
education
Construct: Age – young or old Weight – light, heavy
Sex – male and female Attitude – good, bad 38
THE NATURE OF VARIABLE
 CONSTRUCTS & VARIABLES IN RESEARCH
Variables - are constructs that can be understood
differently because of their differences in values
- A characteristics with two or more mutually
exclusive value or property
 Variables can be observed directly or indirectly.
Variables that are based on direct observations
are those that can be easily gauged by the
senses (size, brightness, color and taste).
Variables that are made through indirect
observations can be determined only by using 40
Variables
Are “changing qualities or characteristics” of
persons or things like age, gender,
intelligence, ideas, achievements,
confidence, and so on that are involved in
your research study.
Made up of the root or base word “vary”
which means to undergo changes or to differ
from, variables have different or varying
values in relation to time and situation.
 KINDS OF VARIABLES
1. Independent variables
2. Dependent variables
3. Confounding or extraneous variables
4. Categorical variables
5. Continuous variables
6. Quantitative variables
7. Qualitative variables

42
 KINDS OF VARIABLES
1. Independent variables – are manipulated variables that
cause a change in another variable. Usually, these are
treatments or conditions that produce a varied response
or effect.
2. Dependent variables – are those that are affected by
independent variable. They are responses or effects that
result from the treatment or conditions employed.
Ex. “Peace-loving Learning Environment Reduces
IV
Test Anxiety Level of Grade School Students” 43
Independent variables are
those that cause changes in
the subject
Dependent variables are
those that bear or manifest
the effects caused by the
independent variables.
 In a scientific way of studying
cause-effect relationships, these
two variables, independent and
dependent are part and parcel
of the research because the first
one is the cause; the second,
the effect that you can subject
to any form of measurement.
 KINDS OF VARIABLES
3. Confounding or extraneous variables – are those
variables usually indicated in an experimental research.
They are not included in the study but one way or
another causes effect on the dependent variable. Most of
the time, these are the variables that are minimized to
lessen their impact on the expected response.
Extraneous variables are to be controlled by you, the
experimenter. But if they do not give in to your
control, they become confounding variables that
can strongly influence your study.
46
 KINDS OF VARIABLES
4. Categorical variables – are those that characterize and
describe the quality of data. They are often classified into
mutually exclusive categories and extensive categories.
a. Mutually exclusive categories (nominal variables) –
comprise those that take on specific values; they do not
follow a sequence; they just want to describe the data
into the given options. Ex. Civil status (single, married,
widow, annulled)
b. Extensive categories (ordinal variables) – characterized
data using a definite range; consider logical order or
rank; description of data follows a sequence. Ex. Size
47
(small, medium, large)
 KINDS OF VARIABLES
5. Continuous variables – are those variables in which
values are based on a given interval or continuum. These
variables rely on numbers for description. Ex. Normal
temperature (ranges from 36 oC to 37 oC).
6. Quantitative variables – are those variables that give
details regarding the number or level of something.
These variables count the frequency of response or
effect.
7. Qualitative variables – are those variables that represent
kinds or types of objects. They are often categorized into
names, labels, or groups. 48
VARIABLES AND THEIR LEVEL OF MEASUREMENT
1. Nominal scales – are just concerned with the names and
categories of responses; they do not intend to quantify
the data. Ex. Nationality; hair color
2. Ordinal scales – are used for data that intends to be
ranked; this scale is expressed through sequential and
numerical order and allows a comparison of degree. Ex.
Birth order; class standing
3. Interval scales – use equal units of measurement and
intervals to know the distance between them more than
the sequence; does not use zero as its base point. Ex.
Attitude, IQ, temperature 49
 VARIABLES AND THEIR LEVEL OF MEASUREMENT
4. Ratio scales – are the highest level of measurement; uses
zero as its base point; permits the comparison of both
differences in scores and relative magnitude of scores.
Ex. Height, weight, and age

50
 Other Types of Variables
(Russell 2013; Babbie 2013)

1. Constant – do not undergo any changes during an experiment

2. Attribute – characteristics of people: intelligence, creativity,

anxiety, learning styles, etc.

3. Covariate – included in the research study to create

interactions with the independent and dependent variables
 Other Types of Variables
(Russell 2013; Babbie 2013)

4. Continuous – quantitative in nature and is used in

interval or ratio scale of measurement

5. Dichotomous – has only two possible results: one or zero

6. Latent – cannot be directly observed like personality

traits
 Other Types of Variables
(Russell 2013; Babbie 2013)

7. Manifest – can be directly observed to give proofs to

latent variables

8. Exogenous – found outside an identified model

9. Endogenous – found inside; as a part of identified

model
ACTIVITY 1
1. Classify the constructs into their respective variable
types:
a. Dropout rate i. Rate of cognitive processing
b. Religion j. Ethnicity
c. Political party identification
d. Grade point average
e. Teaching method
f. Behavior
g. Learning style
54

h. Air-conditioned room
ACTIVITY 1
2. Identify the level of measurement used for the following
variables:
a. Level of anxiety i. Salary
b. Test scores in English j. Scholastic award
c. Annual income
d. Job satisfaction rating
e. Civil status
f. Student number
g. Siblings
55

h. Temperature
Thank You!