Practical Research 2: Inquiry and Quantitative Research

Questions and Answers

How would you define practical research?

Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information in order to increase our understanding of a phenomenon.

Why is it important for a SHS student to know the process of conducting research?

It helps them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of systematic inquiry.

Give some examples of research opportunities or topics relevant to SHS students.

Examples may include studies on social media impact, climate change awareness, or educational methodologies.

What does quantitative research primarily involve?

Finding answers through numbers and statistics. Signup and view all the answers

Quantitative research is primarily subjective.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of research with their descriptions:

Quantitative Research = To test hypotheses and make predictions Qualitative Research = To understand and interpret social interactions Experimental Research = Involves controlled tests to assess cause and effect Non-experimental Research = Observes variables without manipulation Signup and view all the answers

The importance of quantitative research lies greatly in the production of results that should reflect precise ______.

measurement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Goals of Practical Research 2

Ability to describe characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of quantitative research.
Skills to differentiate types of variables based on scales of measurement.
Capability to contrast different forms of quantitative research.

Definition of Practical Research

Systematic process for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information.
Aims to enhance understanding of phenomena relevant to personal or societal interest.
Contributes to existing knowledge, improves practices, and informs policies.

Importance of Research for SHS Students

Equips students with knowledge on conducting systematic inquiries.
Helps in identifying relevant research opportunities tied to personal interests and academic strands.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Focuses on expressing meaning numerically.
Involves objective and factual measurements.
Commonly seeks to quantify phenomena through numerical answers to specific questions.

Types of Quantitative Research

Experimental Research: Involves testing hypotheses through manipulation of variables.
Non-experimental Research: Observes variables without manipulation and examines relationships.

Significance of Quantitative Research

Produces precise measurements and in-depth data analysis.
Facilitates objective studies of environments and personality traits within groups.
Essential for exploring relationships among characteristics and addressing behavioral instabilities.

Comparison: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Purpose:
- Quantitative Research: Tests hypotheses and looks at cause-effect relationships.
- Qualitative Research: Seeks to understand and interpret social interactions.
Group Studied:
- Quantitative Research: Larger, randomly selected samples.
- Qualitative Research: Smaller, non-randomly selected groups.
Type of Data Collected:
- Quantitative Research: Gathers numerical data and statistics.
- Qualitative Research: Collects words, images, and objects.
Objectivity vs. Subjectivity:
- Quantitative Research: Emphasizes objectivity in findings.
- Qualitative Research: Accepts subjectivity, incorporating the researcher’s perspective.
View of Human Behavior:
- Quantitative Research: Views behavior as regular and predictable.
- Qualitative Research: Considers behavior as dynamic, situational, and social.
Role of Researcher:
- Quantitative Research: Researcher biases are generally controlled and unknown to participants.
- Qualitative Research: Researcher biases may influence data and interpretations.