Practical Research 2 - Quantitative Research - PDF

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CHAPTER 1 THE RESEARCH AND ITS PROBLEM LESSON 1: NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH LEARNING TARGETS 1. Describe the nature and characteristics of research 2. Point out the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research 3. Define and explain the mean...

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CHAPTER 1 THE RESEARCH AND ITS PROBLEM LESSON 1: NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH LEARNING TARGETS 1. Describe the nature and characteristics of research 2. Point out the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research 3. Define and explain the meaning of research 4. Enumerate and explain the types of research 5. Cite some examples of research topics that may be explore to aid the researcher in the choice of a topic 6. Familiarize, define and discuss the key concepts of inquiry, its meaning and importance 7. Apply the concepts of inquiry in our daily living 8. Describes the outcomes of inquiry  Characteristics, Strengths, and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research CHARACTERISTICS: 1. Empirical. It is based on observing and experimenting theories. 2. Systematic. It sorts an orderly pattern and sequential procedure. 3. Controlled. All variables are kept constant except those that are tested and experimented. 4. Analytical. It appears no error in its interpretation which is observed in critical analysis of all data. 5. Objective. It is unbiased and logical because all findings are logically based on proper experiment and investigation. 6. Transformative. Data can be numerical measures and are treated statistically because it employs quantitative or statistical methods. 7. Original/ Authentic. A research possesses / portrays the value of uniqueness, novelty, and definiteness of one’s own work.  A research is always done by an expert because he uses valid data gathering, valid and carefully designed procedures.  It must be persistent and leisured to ensure that the activity has accuracy.  It must require effort- making capacity.  It requires great bravery and courage.  It has logical backgrounds that help to create principles, ideas, and facts.  It is able to answer all questions needed. Strengths:  Constructed theories are tested and validated based on how and why phenomena occur.  Hypothesis can be constructed subject for investigation and test.  Research findings can be generalized when the data are based sufficient sized random samples.  Research findings can be generalized when many different populations and sub populations has been simulated.  It is useful for obtaining data which allows quantitative predictions to be done.  Allowing one to more credibly establish cause- and –effect relationships, the researcher may create a situation that eliminates the confusing influence of many variables.  Having a data collection using some quantitative methods is relatively quick ( e.g. telephone interviews)  it provides an accurate, quantitative, numerical data.  Data analysis is less time consuming ( using statistical software)  The research results are independent of the researcher ( e.g. statistical significance)  With many people in power, it may have higher credibility ( e.g. administration, politicians, and people fund programs)  It is very useful for studying a large number of people. WEAKNESSES  The used variables of a researcher might not reflect the understanding of local constituencies.  The used theories of a researcher might not reflect the understandings of local constituencies.  The researcher might miss out on phenomena occurring because of the focus on theory or hypotheses rather than on theory or hypothesis generation( called the confirmation bias) CHAPTER 1 THE NATURE OF INQUIRY It is common belief that nobody has the monopoly of all the knowledge and information that exist in the universe. In man’s day to day existence, inquiry is necessary to survive the growing demands of this age of information and technology. THE MEANING OF INQUIRY INQUIRY IS DEFINED the quest for truth, information, or knowledge through questioning ( “How People Learn,” 1999) the process of inquiry follows the developmental stage of a person, which proceeds from “ womb to womb. to womb womb to womb  INQUIRY denotes participations that leads to acceptance. Involvement in the learning process leads to the mastery of skills and attitudes which are necessary in the search for answers to questions. Inquiry is also important in the construction of new knowledge and resolution of problems. an IMPORTANCE OF INQUIRY Today’s generation of people are very much overwhelmed by the so- called “information revolution”. Data flood the internet, which makes information easily accessible and readily available to researchers. However this data and information could change every single minute. Thus memorization of facts is no longer encouraged at present.  More than simply memorizing, an understanding on how data and information may be explored and used productively is man’s greatest challenge today. The learners, must go beyond information accumulation and move toward the application of useful and relevant knowledge. For example, it is not enough that the government agencies collect the data of the disaster stricken provinces affected by the typhoon. The concerned government officials must be able to translate how these data could be utilized to address the needs of the affected families. This way, information becomes an aid in itself.  Through the process of inquiry, individuals construct much their understanding of the world. Inquiry implies a “need or want to know” premise. “Inquiry is not so much seeking the right answer---- because often there is none--- but rather seeking appropriate resolutions to questions and issues. For educators, Inquiry implies emphasis on the development of inquiry skills and the nurturing of inquiring attitudes or habits of mind that will enable individuals to continue the quest of knowledge throughout life”. ( Exline, 2004)  Therefore inquiry is important in the generation and transmission of knowledge. This is essential because the source of knowledge is constantly increasing. Inquiry also help develop higher order information literacy and critical thinking skills. For modern education, the skills and the ability to carry on learning to the next higher level should be the most important outcomes. THE APPLICATION OF INQUIRY Inquiry learning can be applied to all disciplines and all facets of life. Learning is a continuous process. A person never stops learning while he breaths. Individuals have different perspectives in viewing the world. Such views could include the artistic, historic, economic, and other viewpoints. While disciplines should interconnect with one another, inquiry learning includes the application of certain specific “ground rules” that safeguard the integrity of the various disciplines and their world view.  OUTCOMES OF INQUIRY A practical knowledge about the world should be an important outcome of inquiry. The way the world is organized, how it changes, and how people interrelate and communicate about the world they live in. There are important concepts, issues, and questions, that people will face throughout their lives. Inquiry provides individuals with different ways of viewing the world, communicating about it, and successfully coping with the questions and issues of everyday life. It is for this reason that the school should provide relevant and collective framework for effective learning. Questioning and searching for answers are extremely important parts of inquiry aided by a conceptual framework for learning. Students should not be focused only on content as the ultimate outcome of learning. Well- designed inquiry- learning activities and interaction should be established in a conceptual context so as to help students accumulate knowledge as they advance in age. Inquiry therefore , should be about a greater understanding of the world we live in. Salient Points:  Inquiry is defined as the search for truth, information, or knowledge through questioning.  The process of inquiry is a continuous cycle; it starts with a person’s birth until his death.  Inquiry may be applied to all areas or disciplines.  Questioning and search for answers are important parts of inquiry TASK1: Write a checklist of questions that may be asked by the following people to their respective clients 1. CALL CENTER AGENT TO CLIENT 4. COUNSELOR TO COUNSELEE _____________________________ ________________________ _____________________________ ________________________ _____________________________ ________________________ _____________________________ ________________________ 2. LAWYER TO WITNESS 5. DOCTOR TO PATIENT _____________________________ _________________________ _____________________________ __________________________ _____________________________ __________________________ _____________________________ ___________________________ 3. TEACHER TO PARENT/ STUDENT _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________