Module

G12-HUMSS-PR2-MELC 1-3

NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH

1
Week
1-3
I What I Need to Know?

As a researcher, one of the important skills that you must have is the grasp and
the understanding of a research design. In Practical Research 1, you learned about the
rudiments of qualitative research design. In this course, you will learn about quantitative
research design.
In contrast to the ability of qualitative research to explore the breadth of human
experiences, giving a global view to phenomenon and cases, quantitative research uses
numerical representation and applies intensive use of statistics to explain differences and
relationships through statistical testing and hypotheses.
Quantitative research is a social research that “employs empirical methods and
empirical statements”. These empirical procedures are manifestations of “what is the real
world” rather than what ought to be the case or the phenomenon.
While qualitative research focuses on the development of explanations of social
phenomena, quantitative research is concerned with the cause and effect of social
phenomena.

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Describe the characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of
quantitative research
2. Illustrate the importance of quantitative research across fields
3. Differentiate kinds of variables and their uses

D What I Know?

Task 1: Pre-Test

Direction: Read each statement carefully and choose the letter of the best answer. Please
answer without looking at the discussions. This will not be recorded and will only test your
knowledge about the topics to be discussed.

1. Data are normally gathered using structured research tools such as questionnaires to
collect measurable characteristics of the population
a. Objective c. Structured Research Instruments
b. Replication d. Future Outcomes
2. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics.
a. Large Sample Size c. Defined Research Questions
b. Numerical Data d. Objective
3. Reliable quantitative studies can be repeated to verify or confirm the correctness of the
results in another setting
a. Large Sample Size c. Defined Research Questions
b. Numerical Data d. Objective
4. This is not a strength of quantitative research.
a. The use of statistical techniques facilitates sophisticated analyses and allows
you to understand a huge amount of vital characteristics of data.
b. It can be useful for testing results gained in qualitative research. The answers
become more final.
c. Information on sensitive topics such as pre-marital sex and domestic violence
are difficult to gather using structured research instruments.
d. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and easy way.

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5. This is not a weakness of quantitative research.
a. It can be useful for testing results gained in qualitative research. The answers
become more final.
b. It requires a large number of respondents.
c. If not done seriously and correctly, data from questionnaires may be incomplete
and inaccurate.
d. It does not consider the capacity of the respondents to share and elaborate
further information.
6. This utilizes scientific methods to test cause and effect relationships under conditions
controlled by the researcher.
a. Non-Experimental c. Descriptive
b. Experimental d. Correlational
7. This deals with describing the nature, characteristics, and components of the
population or a phenomenon. This design attempts to determine the frequency with which
something occurs and to find general attributes of a presently existing situation.
a. Non-Experimental c. Descriptive
b. Experimental d. Correlational
8. This is primarily concerned with an orderly or systematic investigation of the nature of
relationships, or associations between and among variables without necessarily
investigating into reasons underlying them.
a. Non-Experimental c. Descriptive
b. Experimental d. Correlational
9. Data can be arranged in any particular order.
a. Nominal c. Interval
b. Ordinal d. Rational
10. This is similar to the interval classification but has a true zero point that is
important and can reveal meaning.
a. Nominal c. Interval
b. Ordinal d. Rational
11. Distance is meaningful. The exactness of the interval must be consistent. There is
no true zero point.
a. Nominal c. Interval
b. Ordinal d. Rational
12. Data can be ordered according to hierarchy.
a. a. Nominal c. Interval
b. Ordinal d. Rational
13. This is the observable and measurable element in an experiment, study, or research.
a. Nominal c. Dependent
b. Ordinal d. Independent
14. This is an element that influences or affects the dependent variable. It is also
defined as that thing, element, or component that you change to affect the dependent
variable.
a. Nominal c. Dependent
b. Ordinal d. Independent
15. It is also defined as that thing, element, or component that you change to affect the
dependent variable.
a. Nominal c. Dependent
b. Ordinal d. Independent

Task 2: Warm Me Up

A. Direction: Analyze each of the following sentences. Identify whether each describes
quantitative or qualitative research.

__________________________ 1. I love to understand multiple realities in a way that I can

find patterns through interaction.
__________________________ 2. Numbers speak of reality. My interest is on looking for the
cause and effect for me to reach a plausible prediction.
__________________________ 3. I always find myself in a bigger group and getting data from
the representation of the same group.

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__________________________ 4. I find solitude in a small group where everyone is part of
the discussion.
__________________________ 5. I always believe that factors are connected to (and with)
other factors; thus, it always interests me to study relationships, significance, and
differences.

Synthesize
What makes research quantitative or qualitative? Use the T-Chart below to show
your analysis.

B. Direction: Read and understand each of the following cases below. You may underline
important words, phrases, or sentences that can make you better understand the case.
After reading it, justify which case must conduct a qualitative or a quantitative research.

Researcher Blue would like to make a study about the life of working students. The
researcher will focus on the struggles and the efforts on pursuing their studies.
Researcher Red is a teacher. After obtaining the scores of his students in a vocabulary
quiz, he noticed that their scores are below the passing mark. He would like to find out
whether the strategy he is using has an impact on their vocabulary learning.
Researcher Yellow is a nurse assigned to a hospital ward with 4 patients suffering from
dementia. She usually talks casually with her patients about the days when they were
young. She noted that, often, patients would cry while narrating their stories.
Researcher White aims to know the effect of computer games on the logical ability of
teenagers.

Who should conduct a quantitative Who should conduct a qualitative

research? Justify your answer. research? Justify your answer.

D What is It?

TOPIC 1: Quantitative Research

Quantitative research involves the use and analyses of numerical data

(numbers) using statistics. This uses number sin stating generalizations about
a given problem or inquiry. This produces results from scales of measurements
and uses statistical treatment to determine significant relationships between or
among variables.
Quantitative data, through the use of computational procedures, is an
objective, methodical experiential investigation of recognizable phenomena. It is
highlighted with numerical analysis of data expecting that the results can be
generalized to some bigger population and describe a particular observation
having no biases.

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 TOPIC 2: Characteristics of Quantitative Research

The following are the different characteristics that describe the nature of
quantitative research.

Objective Quantitative research 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 In quantitative research, the researchers know in advance what
Research they are looking for. The research questions are well-defined for
Questions which objective answers are sought. All aspects of the study are
carefully designed before data are gathered.
Structured Data are normally gathered using structured research tools such
Research as questionnaires to collect measurable characteristics of the
Instruments population like age, socio-economic status and number of children
among others.
Numerical Data Data are 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.
Large Sample To arrive at a more reliable data analysis, a normal population
Sizes distribution curve is preferred. This 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 results.
Replication Reliable quantitative studies 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 false
conclusions.
Future By using complex mathematical calculations and with the aid of
Outcomes computers, if-then scenarios may be formulated thus predicting
future results.

TOPIC 3: Strengths of Quantitative Research

The advantages of quantitative research include:

1. It is objective. Since it provides numerical data, it cannot be easily
misinterpreted.
2. It is more accurate. The use of statistical techniques facilitates sophisticated
analyses and allows you to understand a huge amount of vital characteristics of
data.
3. It uses numbers. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and easy way.
4. It is large scale. It is especially useful when carrying out research that requires
a large amount of data.
5. It is more conclusive. It is the most reliable way of concluding results since there
is more generalizability, reliability, and validity.
6. It is real and unbiased. It filters out external factors (if properly designed).
7. It is more final. It can be useful for testing results gained in qualitative research.
The answers become more final.

TOPIC 4: Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

The disadvantages of quantitative research are as follows

1. It is time-consuming. It requires a large number of respondents.
2. It is costly. Since there are more respondents involved, expenses will be greater
in reaching out to these people and in reproducing questionnaires.

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 3. It is “shallow” in some ways. It does not consider the capacity of the respondents
to share and elaborate further information.
4. It is limited. Information on sensitive topics such as pre-marital sex and domestic
violence are difficult to gather using structured research instruments.
5. It may be inaccurate. If not done seriously and correctly, data from
questionnaires may be incomplete and inaccurate.

TOPIC 5: Kinds of Quantitative Research

The kind of research is dependent on the researcher’s aim in conducting the study
and the extent to which the findings will be used.
1. Experimental. This utilizes scientific methods to test cause and effect
relationships under conditions controlled by the researcher.
a. True Experimental. This can be identified by three characteristics: randomly
formed groups, manipulation of the treatment, and comparisons among groups.
Purpose: to test for true cause and effect relationships
Example
The effect of preschool language program on the language skills of inner-
city children
b. Quasi-Experimental. This is almost the same as true experimental except that
there is no random assignment of subjects to other conditions.
Purpose: to estimate the causal impact of an intervention on its target population
without random assignment
Example
The effect of reading program to students’ comprehension
2. Non-Experimental. This allows the researcher to either describe a situation or
phenomenon or the relationship between two or more variables without any manipulation
or control.
a. Descriptive. This deals with describing the nature, characteristics, and
components of the population or a phenomenon. This design attempts to
determine the frequency with which something occurs and to find general
attributes of a presently existing situation.
Purpose: To describe the characteristics of a certain phenomenon
Example
Survey of students who are interested in sports
b. Correlational. This is primarily concerned with an orderly or systematic
investigation of the nature of relationships, or associations between and among
variables without necessarily investigating into reasons underlying them. It is also
concerned with the extent of relationships that exists between or among the
variables.
Purpose: to examine the relationships between variables
Example
An investigation that focuses on the relationship between the number of
hours of television watching and grade-point average

TOPIC 6: Importance of Quantitative Research Across Fields

Have you ever wondered how competing television networks determine the
satisfaction ratings of their viewers per television show aired on a specific time slot? How
about the satisfaction ratings on the performance of government officials?
Rankings and percentages are products of quantitative research. When you look
at your report card, notice that your grades are mostly in numerical form. Some are alpha-
numeric. Others use a legend or guide to determine the exactness of letter grades. If you
want to know where the best milk tea in town is, you may ask your friends; the most
mentioned store wins in your mind and somehow gives you an idea what too choose.
Numbers. They truly project reality.
When you want to experiment on which route will bring you back home the fastest,
you use time as a point of reference. You compare and find the difference in the amount
of time it takes you to reach home following your usual route and the route you just tried.
Numbers. They represent meaning and connect ideas.
In business and industry, companies conduct feasibility studies to predict future
outcomes of sales and demand. They test locations and study consumer behavior towards

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existing brands to determine what improvement they need to make that will better benefit
consumers and generate profits.
In the field of social sciences, human research or a population census is conducted
regularly. It aims to gather information, starting at the barangay level in order to come
up with the total population of the country per year, show growth trends, social classes
of people, age, literacy, mortality, etc. It helps the local and national government in
making action plans and properly allocate budget.

TOPIC 7: Kinds of Variables and their Uses

Prior to the writing of a research problem, statement, and hypothesis, every

researcher must have a grasp of variables. A variable is a characteristic or phenomenon
that can be measured or classified.

Levels of Variables
1. Nominal. Data can be arranged in any particular order.
Ex. Gender, Religion, Marital Status
2. Ordinal. Data can be ordered according to hierarchy. Distance between
intervals need not be consistently equal.
Ex. Grades or Class Standing, Satisfaction Rating
3. Interval. Distance is meaningful. The exactness of the interval must be
consistent. There is no true zero point.
Ex. Conversion Systems (inches to centimeters, Celsius to Kelvin)
4. Ratio. This is similar to the interval classification but has a true zero point
that is important and can reveal meaning.
Ex. Zero Weight means Zero Mass

Types of Variable
1. Dependent Variable. This is the observable and measurable element in an
experiment, study, or research. At times. Dependent variables are called
responses.
2. Independent Variable. This is an element that influences or affects the dependent
variable. It is also defined as that thing, element, or component that you change
to affect the dependent variable.

E What can I Engage In?

Task 3: Tick it Off

Direction: Put a tick (/) if it describes the characteristics of Quantitative Research.

1. Data is in the form of words, pictures, or objects.

2. The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.
3. It is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers
and statistical methods as key research indicators and tools.
4. It tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic
perspective often studying a single occurrence or small number of
occurrences/case studies in depth.
5. The research study can be replicated or repeated given its high reliability.
6. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables,
charts, figures, or other non-textual forms.
7. Emphasis is on discovery rather than proof.
8. The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of
the population.
9. It tends to be associated with emergent research design, using a wide-
range of approaches.
10. Researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective
answers are sought.

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Task 4: Pro or Con

Direction: Determine if the description below is a strength or weakness of quantitative

research. Write STRENGTH or WEAKNESS on the space provided.

_____________________ 1. The most reliable and valid way of concluding results, giving way
to a new hypothesis or to disproving it.
_____________________ 2. Since there are more respondents, the expenses will be greater.
_____________________ 3. Data from questionnaires may be incomplete or inaccurate.
_____________________ 4. Standardized approaches allow replication in different areas or
over time for comparative studies.
_____________________ 5. Quantitative experiments are useful for testing results gained
from qualitative experiments.
_____________________ 6. The larger the sample, the more statistically accurate the
findings are.
_____________________ 7. Researchers must be on the look-out for respondents who are
guessing answers.
_____________________ 8. Quantitative research does not consider the distinct capacity of
the respondents to share and elaborate further information.
_____________________ 9. Quantitative research is real and unbiased.
_____________________ 10. Quantitative research relies on concrete evidence.

Task 5: Match it Up!

Direction: Match the items in Column A with those of Column B by placing the letter of
the correct answers in the space provided.

Column A Column B

1. This can be identified by three

characteristics: randomly formed A. Descriptive
groups, manipulation of the treatment,
and comparisons among groups. B. True Experimental
2. This utilizes scientific methods to
test cause and effect relationships C. Experimental
under conditions controlled by the
researcher. D. Non-Experimental
[Link] is mainly concerned with
understanding relationships between E. Correlational
or among variables.
4. This is all about describing the F. Quasi-Experimental
characteristics of a population.
5. This allows the researcher to either
describe a situation or phenomenon or
the relationship between two or more
variables without any manipulation or
control.

Task 6: Learn from Others

Direction: Research 10 different titles of quantitative research and classify them to any
of the kinds of research discussed.

RESEARCH TITLE RESEARCH DESIGN

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Task 7: Think About It

Direction: Complete the following statements.

1. Research is important to a teacher because _________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
2. Research is important to a doctor because _________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
3. Research is important to a police officer because ____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Research is important to an entrepreneur because __________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Research is important to an engineer because ______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

Task 8: Which is it?

A. Direction: On the space provided before each number, write I if the variable is interval,
R if it is rational, N if it is nominal, and O if it is ordinal.

_____ 1. Military Title _____ 6. Clothing such as hat, shirt, shoes

_____ 2. Temperature _____ 7. Score in a Quiz

_____ 3. Birthplace _____ 8. Feeling for Today

_____ 4. Year Level _____ 9. Means of Transportation to School

_____ 5. Favorite Type of Music _____ 10. How Internet is Used at Home

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B. Direction: Identify the independent and dependent variables.

1. Organizational Commitment and Teaching Performance of Elementary Teachers

in the District of Ibaan
Independent: _________________________________________________________________________
Dependent: __________________________________________________________________________
2. Conceptual, Interpersonal, and Technical Skills of Bangko Kabayan Managers:
Their Relationship to Operational Efficiency
Independent: _________________________________________________________________________
Dependent: __________________________________________________________________________
3. Increasing Mathematics Achievement through Contextualized and Localized
Materials
Independent: _________________________________________________________________________
Dependent: __________________________________________________________________________
4. Impact of Modular Learning on Student Achievement in Specialized Subjects
Independent: _________________________________________________________________________
Dependent: __________________________________________________________________________
5. Effectiveness of Exposing Students to Classical Music on Improving Reading
Comprehension
Independent: _________________________________________________________________________
Dependent: __________________________________________________________________________

A What I have Learned?

Task 9: Sell It

Direction: Imagine that you are a marketing professional, try to “sell” quantitative research
by writing a script for an advertisement. The goal is for the audience to choose quantitative
research over qualitative research.

Task 10. On Your Own

Direction: Think of one (1) example or idea of a research that may be conducted during
or is relevant to this pandemic. Think of an example for each kind provided.

Experimental
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Descriptive
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Correlational
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

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Task 11: The Real Deal

Direction: Conduct an interview of a professional in your locality or school. Ask him or

her about the following.

Nature of his or her work

Best feature of his or her profession
Challenges related to the profession
Role of quantitative research in his or her job

Task 12: What Matters Most

A. Directions: Analyze the passage below and identify the variables mentioned in it.

Success is the totality of your efforts.

It can be financial success as a result of your education,
family inheritance, or training that made you a master of your craft.
As a student, what elements must you consider
so that you will not lose your way in your journey to success?

B. Directions: As a student, what variables affect you in achieving your goals in relation
to your academics? Write down each variable. Label each as independent or dependent
variable.

Task 13: Exit Visa

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Task 13: Post-Test

Direction: Read each statement carefully and choose the letter of the best answer. Please
answer without looking at the discussions. This will not be recorded and will only test your
knowledge about the topics to be discussed.

1. Data are normally gathered using structured research tools such as questionnaires to
collect measurable characteristics of the population
a. Objective c. Structured Research Instruments
b. Replication d. Future Outcomes
2. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics.
a. Large Sample Size c. Defined Research Questions
b. Numerical Data d. Objective
3. Reliable quantitative studies can be repeated to verify or confirm the correctness of the
results in another setting
a. Large Sample Size c. Defined Research Questions
b. Numerical Data d. Objective
4. This is not a strength of quantitative research.
a. The use of statistical techniques facilitates sophisticated analyses and allows
you to understand a huge amount of vital characteristics of data.
b. It can be useful for testing results gained in qualitative research. The answers
become more final.
c. Information on sensitive topics such as pre-marital sex and domestic violence
are difficult to gather using structured research instruments.
d. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and easy way.
5. This is not a weakness of quantitative research.
a. It can be useful for testing results gained in qualitative research. The answers
become more final.
b. It requires a large number of respondents.
c. If not done seriously and correctly, data from questionnaires may be incomplete
and inaccurate.
d. It does not consider the capacity of the respondents to share and elaborate
further information.
6. This utilizes scientific methods to test cause and effect relationships under conditions
controlled by the researcher.
a. Non-Experimental c. Descriptive
b. Experimental d. Correlational
7. This deals with describing the nature, characteristics, and components of the
population or a phenomenon. This design attempts to determine the frequency with which
something occurs and to find general attributes of a presently existing situation.
a. Non-Experimental c. Descriptive
b. Experimental d. Correlational
8. This is primarily concerned with an orderly or systematic investigation of the nature of
relationships, or associations between and among variables without necessarily
investigating into reasons underlying them.
a. Non-Experimental c. Descriptive
b. Experimental d. Correlational
9. Data can be arranged in any particular order.
a. Nominal c. Interval
b. Ordinal d. Rational
10. This is similar to the interval classification but has a true zero point that is
important and can reveal meaning.
a. Nominal c. Interval
b. Ordinal d. Rational
11. Distance is meaningful. The exactness of the interval must be consistent. There is
no true zero point.
a. Nominal c. Interval
b. Ordinal d. Rational
12. Data can be ordered according to hierarchy.
a. a. Nominal c. Interval

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 b. Ordinal d. Rational
13. This is the observable and measurable element in an experiment, study, or research.
a. Nominal c. Dependent
b. Ordinal d. Independent
14. This is an element that influences or affects the dependent variable. It is also
defined as that thing, element, or component that you change to affect the dependent
variable.
a. Nominal c. Dependent
b. Ordinal d. Independent
15. It is also defined as that thing, element, or component that you change to affect the
dependent variable.
a. Nominal c. Dependent
b. Ordinal d. Independent

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