PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 MODULE 2 (WEEK 4)

Quantitative and Qualitative Research (Cristobal & Cristobal, 2017)

There are two broad categories of research methodology: quantitative research and qualitative research. The method to
be used in conducting a research will determine the approach the researcher takes in identifying relevant data, and
collecting and analyzing the information gathered in the research. Choosing either a quantitative or qualitative approach will
affect the components of the research.

For instance, a researcher may decide to undertake a scientific research. If he/she takes a quantitative approach, he/she
will use statistical data to provide an explanation of the phenomenon. On the other hand, if the researcher chooses
qualitative approach, the goal of the study will be to discuss and analyze the underlying concepts and theories related to the
research topic.

For you to easily understand the similarities and differences between the two research methods, here is a short definition
of terms that you have to be familiar with.
contact time – the period when the researcher interacts with the research subjects or participants to obtain relevant
information
hypothesis – a statement usually predicting the relationship between variables that can be tested by scientific research
outlier – a statistical observation in a set of data that is inconsistent with the majority of the data
output replicability – capable of repetition, imitation or reproduction
research instrument – a measurement tool designed to obtain, measure and analyze data from research subjects
around the research topic
sample size – the number of subjects to be taken from the target population of the study
trend – an assumed development in the future that will have a long-term and lasting effect; prevailing style or preference
validity – the functional quality of research instrument on obtaining data and producing results based on the purpose of
the study
variable – any characteristic that can have different values or traits that may vary across research participants

Now, study the following table cited by Cristobal & Cristobal (2017) from the Social Science Research Extension
Institute (SSREI), University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio (2009).
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
Aims to characterize trends and patterns Involves processes, feelings, and motives (the why’s and the
how’s) and produces in-depth and holistic data
Usually starts with either a theory or hypothesis Usually concerned with generating hypothesis from data
about the relationship between two or more rather than testing a hypothesis
variables
Uses structured research instruments like Uses either unstructured or semi structured instruments
questionnaires or schedules
Uses large sample sizes that are representatives of Uses small sample sizes chosen purposely
the population
Has high output replicability Has high validity
Used to gain greater understanding of group Used to gain greater understanding of individual differences
similarities in terms of feelings, motives, and experiences
Uses structured processes Uses more flexible processes
Methods include census, survey, experiment, and Methods include field research, case study, and secondary
secondary analysis analysis

Generally, quantitative and qualitative research differs on the type of data they produce. The former dwells on the collection
of numerical data analyzed by statistical analysis, while the latter deals with descriptive, in-depth and holistic data analyzed
by summarizing, categorizing and interpreting. On this note, you need to use quantitative research if you want to confirm or
test a theory or hypothesis and use qualitative research if you want to understand concepts, thoughts and experiences.
Read and analyze the following table from “What is Qualitative Research” by Alasuutari (2011) to be deeply
acquainted with quantitative and qualitative research based on different categories.

Category Quantitative Qualitative

1
 Question Domains Who, What, When, Where How, What, Why

Common Sample 150 to 200+ 10 to 15

Size

Contact Time 10 to 20 minutes 45 to 240 minutes each

Validity Must be true of most of the data or nomothetic Must be true of each case or
(law-oriented) ideographic
(case-oriented)

Variables Define relationships and establish general Describe relationship and establish
case meaning structures and contexts

Outliers Unique positions lost to the weight of the Valuable descriptive cases with
average unique access to average cases

Examples Surveys, numerical counts, statistical Interviews, literature content reviews,

analyses, mathematical modeling real world observations, case studies,
ethnographies

Here are some examples of research conducted by Abdullah (2019; 2020) to give you a glimpse on how the two
methodologies can be applied in different studies.

Qualitative Research 1: K-Pop Apocalypse: Invading Filipino Cultures

This study aimed to explore why Filipino cultures are invaded by the K-Pop mania. In this research, the researcher used
survey and descriptive method to determine the reasons and venues of where Filipinos would usually find out about K-pop.
Their answers would then help the researcher gather data on the awareness of the respondents regarding K -pop and how
it has penetrated their life and culture.

Qualitative Research 2: Livelihood Aspirations and Life Struggles of Badjao People

This study aimed to discover the livelihood aspirations and life struggles of Badjao people in the 21st century generation. In
this ethnographic research, the researcher employed participant-observation with a combination of unstructured interviews
as tools in acquiring data. This involved the use of behavioral analysis and recording of t he information gained from
participating and observing on daily interactions. Through face -to-face discussions, the respondents’ subjective and
detailed personal story can be told. This further granted access to deep knowledge and explanations, and helped in
grasping the subjects’ perspective on their livelihood aspirations and life struggles.

Quantitative Research 1: K-Pop Comparative Assessment on the Full Implementation of Senior

High School Curriculum among Private and Public Schools

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the respondents’ expectations and apprehensions on the effectiveness of the
full implementation of SHS curriculum. Comparative assessment of the program was conducted between private and public
schools with students, parents, teachers and principals as respondents. To give comprehensive analysis, interpretation
and implication of data, weighted mean, t -test, ANOVA and Pearson r were employed.

Quantitative Research 2: Use of Supplemental Learning Materials in Improving Students’ Academic and
Attitudes in Pre -Calculus

This study aimed to determine the effect of simplified supplemental learning materials in improving students’ achievement
and attitudes towards Pre -calculus. Quasiexperimental research design was employed with 70 students as subjects
of the study. Mean Percentage Score (MPS), weighted mean and t -test were applied to describe data and make good
inferences about the experimentation. The researcher used the gathered statistical data to analyze and interpret the
achievement and attitudes of students on using the supplemental learning materials in Pre-Calculus.

Name:______________________________________ Score: ___________

2
Section:__________________________ LAS # 4

Write QUALI if the statement refers to a quantitative research; then, write QUANTI if the statement
refers to a quantitative research.
________________1. The researcher is an objective observer.

________________2. There is one concrete reality being governed by unchanging natural laws that can explain
any given phenomenon.

________________3. The researcher is part of the context and intrinsically linked to the findings.

________________4. Concerns of bias are not part of research because the researcher is transparent.

________________5. There is one true reality regardless of context.

________________6. A phenomenon can be understood by studying its component parts.

________________7. Conditions must be carefully controlled to prevent unwanted influences.

________________8. A phenomenon can be understood only when studied as a whole.

Name:______________________________________ Score: ___________

Section:__________________________ LAS # 4

Write QUALI if the statement refers to a quantitative research; then, write QUANTI if the statement
refers to a quantitative research.
________________1. The researcher is an objective observer.

________________2. There is one concrete reality being governed by unchanging natural laws that can explain
any given phenomenon.

________________3. The researcher is part of the context and intrinsically linked to the findings.

________________4. Concerns of bias are not part of research because the researcher is transparent.

________________5. There is one true reality regardless of context.

________________6. A phenomenon can be understood by studying its component parts.

________________7. Conditions must be carefully controlled to prevent unwanted influences.

________________8. A phenomenon can be understood only when studied as a whole.