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Practical Research 1
LESSON 2 : Qualitative Research and Its Importance in Daily Life
Grade Level: Senior High School
Subject: Practical Research 1
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Curriculum Code: CS_RS11-IIIb-1 & CS_RS11-IIIb-2
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
1. Describe the characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of qualitative research.
2. Explain the value of qualitative research and its importance across fields of inquiry.
3. Decide on suitable qualitative research designs in different areas of interest.
4. Illustrate the importance of qualitative research in addressing real-life problems and social
issues.
Definition and Nature of Qualitative Research
Qualitative research
is an approach that seeks to understand phenomena by exploring people’s perspectives,
emotions, and social contexts.
It answers “why” and “how” questions rather than “how many” or “how much.”
It relies on words, narratives, and observations instead of numbers.
Key Characteristics:
1. Natural setting – data is collected in real-life environments.
2. Researcher as key instrument – the researcher collects and interprets data personally.
3. Multiple sources of data – interviews, focus groups, observations, and documents.
4. Inductive analysis – patterns and themes are derived from data, not pre-imposed.
5. Descriptive and interpretive – results focus on meanings and understanding.
Kinds/Types of Qualitative Research
1. Phenomenology – explores people’s lived experiences (e.g., the experience of online learning
during the pandemic).
2. Case Study – provides an in-depth understanding of a single case or event.
3. Ethnography – studies cultural patterns or group behaviors in their natural setting.
4. Grounded Theory – develops theories based on systematically gathered and analyzed data.
5. Narrative Research – focuses on personal stories and life histories to uncover meanings.
6. Action Research – aims to improve practices or solve local issues through reflection and action.
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Strengths of Qualitative Research
1. Provides deep understanding of human behavior and social realities.
2. Captures contextual and emotional depth that quantitative methods cannot.
3. Allows flexibility in research design.
4. Encourages participant involvement and authentic perspectives.
5. Useful in exploring new areas where little research has been done.
Weaknesses of Qualitative Research
1. Findings may be subjective or influenced by researcher bias.
2. Results are not easily generalizable to large populations.
3. Data collection and analysis are time-consuming.
4. Replication of results is difficult due to the uniqueness of contexts.
Importance of Qualitative Research in Daily Life
1. Education – helps teachers understand students’ learning experiences and needs.
2. Health and Medicine – gives insight into patient experiences and emotional challenges.
3. Business and Marketing – reveals consumer preferences, motivations, and satisfaction.
4. Community and Government – aids in understanding social issues, culture, and citizen needs.
5. Media and Communication – explores audience reactions, social trends, and human
interactions.
Application of Qualitative Research Across Fields
Field of Inquiry Sample Qualitative Research Application
Education Investigating the struggles of students in modular learning
Health Understanding the experiences of caregivers of elderly patients
Business Exploring customer satisfaction in small enterprises
Sociology Examining gender roles in traditional communities
Psychology Studying coping mechanisms of disaster survivors
Summary
Qualitative research is essential in understanding human experiences and social realities.
It provides depth, meaning, and context, which are important in education, health, business, and
society.
While it has limitations, its contribution to decision-making, innovation, and human
understanding is invaluable.
References
DepEd K to 12 Curriculum Guide: Senior High School – Applied Track Subject: Practical Research 1
(December 2013).
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches.
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Merriam, S. (2009). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation.