STUDY-GUIDE-PR2.pdf

Simple Reviewer: Practical Research 2 1. What is Quantitative Research? Definition: Quantitative research is a systematic investigation that primarily focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, and other phenomena. It involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to...

Simple Reviewer: Practical Research 2 1. What is Quantitative Research? Definition: Quantitative research is a systematic investigation that primarily focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, and other phenomena. It involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and make predictions. Purpose: To develop and employ mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. Approach: Uses structured tools such as surveys, questionnaires, and statistical software to gather and analyze data. 2. Characteristics of Quantitative Research Objective: Seeks to maintain objectivity and neutrality. Systematic: Follows a structured process from hypothesis formulation to data collection and analysis. Replicable: Results can be replicated in other studies. Measurable: Involves measurable variables and statistical analysis. Large Sample Sizes: Often involves large groups to ensure generalizability. Statistical Analysis: Uses statistical methods to analyze data and draw conclusions. 3. Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research Strengths: o Generalizability: Findings can be generalized to larger populations. o Reliability: High reliability due to structured data collection methods. o Precision: Provides precise, quantifiable data. o Objectivity: Minimizes researcher bias. o Comparability: Allows for comparison between different groups and variables. Weaknesses: o Lack of Context: May not capture the context or depth of phenomena. o Inflexibility: Rigid structure may not accommodate unexpected variables. o Limited Scope: Focuses on numerical data, potentially overlooking qualitative aspects. o Resource-Intensive: Can be time-consuming and costly. 4. Types of Quantitative Research Design Descriptive Research: o Purpose: To describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon. o Methods: Surveys, observational studies, and case studies. o Example: Surveying students to describe their study habits. Ex Post Facto Research: o Purpose: To investigate possible cause-and-effect relationships by observing an existing condition or state of affairs. o Methods: Retrospective analysis of existing data. o Example: Studying the effects of a natural disaster on community health. Correlational Research: o Purpose: To examine the relationship between two or more variables. o Methods: Statistical analysis of data to identify correlations. o Example: Analyzing the relationship between study time and academic performance. Experimental Research: o Purpose: To investigate cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one or more variables. o Methods: Controlled experiments with independent and dependent variables. o Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new teaching method on student performance. 5. Variables in Research Dependent Variable: The outcome or effect that is measured in a study. It is influenced by the independent variable. o Example: In a study on the effect of study time on test scores, the test scores are the dependent variable. Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable. o Example: In the same study, the amount of study time is the independent variable. Extraneous Variables: Variables that are not of interest in the study but could affect the results. Researchers try to control or account for these variables. o Example: In the study on time and test scores, extraneous variables could include the student’s prior knowledge, sleep quality, and test anxiety. 6. Kinds of Quantitative and Qualitative Variables Discrete Variables: Variables that can take on a finite number of values. Often countable. o Example: Number of students in a class. Continuous Variables: Variables that can take on an infinite number of values within a given range. o Example: Height, weight, temperature. Ratio Variables: Variables with a true zero point, allowing for the calculation of ratios. o Example: Age, income, distance. Interval Variables: Variables with equal intervals between values but no true zero point. o Example: Temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Nominal Variables: Categorical variables without a specific order. o Example: Gender, race, type of car. Ordinal Variables: Categorical variables with a specific order. o Example: Rankings, education levels. Dichotomous Variables: Variables with two categories. o Example: Yes/No, True/False. 7. Guidelines in Writing a Good Research Title Concise and Descriptive: Should be brief yet descriptive of the study’s content. Reflects Key Variables: Includes the main variables or concepts being studied. Avoids Jargon: Uses clear and simple language, avoiding technical jargon and abbreviations. Engaging: Captures the reader’s interest and provides a clear idea of the study’s focus. Background of the Study Introduction: Provides an overview of the topic and sets the stage for the research. Context: Describes the broader context in which the research is situated, including historical, social, and economic factors. Literature Review: Summarizes existing research related to the topic, highlighting key findings, methodologies, and gaps in the literature. o Key Studies: Discusses significant studies that have contributed to the understanding of the topic. o Theoretical Framework: Outlines the theories that underpin the research. Research Gap: Identifies gaps or inconsistencies in the existing literature that the current study aims to address. Rationale: Explains why the research is important and how it will contribute to the field. Preliminary Data: If available, includes any preliminary data or pilot studies that support the need for the research. Problem Statement Definition: Clearly defines the research problem or issue that the study aims to address. Contextualization: Places the problem within the context of existing research and real-world applications. Specificity: Specifies the aspects of the problem that will be investigated. Research Questions: Formulates specific research questions that the study aims to answer. o Primary Question: The main question guiding the research. o Secondary Questions: Additional questions that support the primary question. Justification: Explains why the problem is significant and worth investigating. Scope: Defines the boundaries of the problem, including what will and will not be addressed. Objectives of the Study General Objective: States the overall goal of the research. Specific Objectives: Breaks down the general objective into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time- bound (SMART) objectives. o Example: To determine the impact of study habits on academic performance among high school students. Operational Definitions: Defines key terms and concepts used in the objectives. Alignment: Ensures that the objectives align with the research questions and problem statement. Outcomes: Describes the expected outcomes of the research. Conceptual Framework Definition: A visual or written representation of the expected relationships between variables. Components: o Independent Variables: Variables that are manipulated or controlled. o Dependent Variables: Variables that are measured or observed. o Mediating/Moderating Variables: Variables that may influence the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Theoretical Basis: Based on existing theories or models relevant to the research topic. Diagram: Often includes a diagram that visually represents the relationships between variables. Explanation: Provides a detailed explanation of how the variables are related and the rationale behind these relationships. Hypotheses: Formulates hypotheses based on the conceptual framework. Scope and Delimitation Scope: o Coverage: Defines the extent of the study in terms of geographical area, time period, and subject matter. o Participants: Describes the characteristics of the study population. o Variables: Specifies the variables that will be studied. o Methods: Outlines the methods and procedures that will be used. Delimitation: o Boundaries: Identifies the boundaries of the study, including what is excluded. o Limitations: Acknowledges any limitations that may affect the study’s results, such as sample size, methodology, or external factors. o Assumptions: States any assumptions made during the research. o Justification: Explains why certain aspects are excluded and how this impacts the study. Significance of the Study Contribution to Knowledge: Describes how the research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Practical Implications: Explains the practical applications of the research findings. o Example: How the findings can be used to improve educational practices or policies. Beneficiaries: Identifies who will benefit from the research, such as researchers, practitioners, policymakers, or specific communities. Advancement of Theory: Discusses how the research will advance theoretical understanding in the field. Future Research: Suggests areas for future research based on the study’s findings. Social Impact: Highlights the potential social impact of the research, such as addressing social issues or improving quality of life.