THE NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH

What is Research?

The word research is a combination of the prefix “re” (do again)

and the root word “search” (to seek, explore, and
investigate). Research is the acquisition of new knowledge
through a purposive, organized and designed program of
activities. It seeks to find the answers to the problems and
generate new information for a better understanding of the
concepts under study.

It is said that it can be categorize into two depending on the aims

of a researcher. The first one is basic research which is
conducted solely to come up with a new knowledge or to have a
fuller understanding of a particular subject for its own sake.
While the second one is applied research which is done to find
an application of the knowledge, whether it be old or new.

In doing a research, it is important to a researcher like you to

identify the approach you will be using in your project. The Kinds of Quantitative Research
choice of the approach determines what tools to be used.
Research designs can be classified into qualitative and There are five most common kinds of quantitative
quantitative research. But in this module we will have a thorough research and those are descriptive, correlational, ex post facto,
discussion about quantitative research. quasi- experimental, and experimental. The table below
indicates the goal, description, data collection technique and
Qualitative research utilizes naturalistic methods of inquiry as sample title of each kind of quantitative research.
the research places great emphasis on the analysis of the
experiences of the individual. It focuses on gaining insights and
understanding about an individual’s perception and
interpretation of events. It collects data through methods such
as interviews and participative observation.

Quantitative Research is also known as empirical research,

which involves the use of computational, statistical, and
mathematical tools to derive results. It is conclusive in its
purpose as it tries to quantify the problem and understand how
prevalent it is by looking for projectable results to a larger
population. Quantitative design often depicts a study answering
the “what” and “how many/much” questions. This type of
research is employed to measure the incidence of various views
and opinions in a chosen sample. Structured techniques such
as online questionnaires, telephone, or street interviews are
used by a researcher.

Quantitative research design is not a perfect model in

conducting an investigation for it has its weaknesses other than
its strengths. The table below shows the strengths and
weaknesses of quantitative research.
 IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH IN DIFFERENT FIELDS AND
NATURE OF VARIABLES
Quantitative research is a great help on the different aspects of
society. There are different types of quantitative research that
are used in various disciplines. In the fields of education,
business, arts, social inquiry, sports, communication and
technology, agriculture and fisheries, and science, precise and
accurate data is a requirement. The findings and results of a
particular quantitative study can affect the decisions of different
organizations locally or internationally as well as individuals.
There are public and private sectors which use quantitative data
to improve their leadership style in managing their employee.

The table below shows how quantitative research can contribute

to the development of specific fields:

These and a lot more only proves that in almost every facet of
human life, quantitative research is very evident.

What is a variable?

A variable is a characteristic or attribute of interest in the

research study that can take on different values and is not
constant. Variables may be straightforward and easy to measure
including characteristics such as gender, weight, height, age,
size, and time. Other variable may be more complex and more
difficult to measure. Examples of these types of variables may
include socioeconomic status, attitudes, achievement,
education level, and performance.

Many variables exist in research; however, it is extremely difficult

to account for all of them because what can be considered as a
variable in one study may not necessarily be a variable in
another study.
Kinds of Variables and Their Uses 2. Nominal variables are the most basic level of
measurement. These are variables that have two or
An independent variable is the variable manipulated or more mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories.
changed by the researcher. The independent variable affects or However, these categories cannot be ordered. Some
determines the values of dependent variable. examples of nominal variables are marital status, blood
type, hair color, citizenship, mode of transportation, and
The dependent variable is sometimes referred to as the
source of income.
outcome variable because the resulting outcome of
manipulating the independent variable is typically the focus of Ordinal Variables have a logical numerical sequence or order.
the research study. The dependent variable is the one that the It also refers to a position in a series. Variables with numerically
researcher is attempting to predict or explain. relevant categories are called ordinal variables. An example
may be asking someone how often he or she eats foods in the
Examples:
restaurant – their response options are Very often, Frequently,
1. A researcher wants to study the effectiveness of different Sometimes or Never.
dosages of a particular antibiotic in clearing an infection.
Extraneous Variables are just like any variable which are not
• The independent variable - varying dosages of categorized as a dependent or independent variable in a study.
antibiotic It can also refer to any variables that you are not
• The dependent variable - the presence or absence intentionally studying in your experiment or test.
of infection following a specific time period

2. The researcher plans to study the relationship between the

amount of time spent in a study group and test scores.

• The independent variable – number of hours spent

in a study group
• The dependent variable – test scores

Quantitative Variables are numerical which represents a

measurable quantity. Some of the examples are time, height,
weight, and number of population.

Two Types of Quantitative Variables

1. Discrete Variables are countable which have certain

number of values. Some of the examples are number
of students in a class, number of needle punctures, and
money in your pocket.

2. Continuous Variables are referred to interval

variables which are measured in ranges and can be
denoted by non-whole numbers. It can have positive or
negative values.

Ratio variables are special type of continuous variables which

cannot have a negative value. If the value of the ratio variable is
zero it means that there is none of that variable. Some of the
examples are test scores, distance, currency, mass, and age.

Qualitative variables are also known as categorical

variables. Their values do not result from measuring or counting.
Some of the examples are religion, blood type, profession, and
color.

Two Types of Qualitative Variables

1. Dichotomous variables have only two distinct

categories or values. Some of the examples are True
or False, Yes or No, and Male or Female.
 SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC AND BEGINNING OF THR RESEARCH:
WRITING THE RESEARCH TITLE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM,
Identifying the Topic Area for Research HYPOTHESIS, AND SCOPE, LIMITATION,
Research begins with an inquiry (a question, a problem, or an
AND DELIMITATIONS
issue) which leads further discovery (an answer, a solution or a The first chapter of the research paper is entitled “The Problem”
clarification). In arriving at a discovery, the person must be or “The Problem and its Background.” Its purpose is to
guided by the standards in the discipline (theories, concepts, introduce the problem and clarify important variables, its
principles, models) so that the research will be valid, delimitations, and its significance to the field of study. It has the
scientifically done and acceptable in the field. following essential elements:
Selecting the Research Topic 1. Introduction
A research topic is a subject or issue that you would like to 2. Theoretical Framework
pursue in your research study. Choosing an interesting and
useful research topic would be considered as your first 3. Conceptual Framework
challenge as a researcher. It is important to keep in mind
that your topic must be narrow and focused enough to be 4. Statement of the problem
interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information.
5. Hypothesis
Here are some tips in selecting a research topic:
6. Scope and delimitation
1. Interest. Choose a topic that will hold your interest.
7. Significance of the study
Brainstorming is a technique that will help you to
generate ideas. 8. Definition of terms
2. Relevance. Your topic is considered to be relevant if it STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
relates to the needs of your study’s target audience.
After identifying your research problem, the next thing is to
3. Manageability. Narrow your topic to something formulate your research questions. Research questions begin
manageable. with a research problem and can be defined as an answerable
inquiry into a specific concern or issue. It is the initial step in a
4. Available Resources. Ensure that you have sufficient
research study that can be classified into general and specific
number of references in utilizing your topic.
types. The general research question is derived from the main
As a researcher you have to consider the given tips in order to problem of the study. It is important to keep in mind that it must
come up with an interesting topic that will help you to make a contain words related to quantitative research, such as effects
meaningful study. or relationship. Words that elicit factual questions such as who,
when, or where shall not be placed in the general research
Writing the Research Title question. The specific questions are anchored on the general
research question. These questions are used in developing
The title summarizes the main idea of your research study. tools for collecting data, gathering related references,
A good title contains the fewest possible words that describe the organizing your paper, and drawing valid conclusions from
contents and purpose of your research paper. You may consider findings. Specific questions will depend on the type of
the following. quantitative research you are doing.
1. Avoid using abbreviations. (Creswell and Clark, 2014).
2. Titles are usually in the form of phrase but avoid using Below are some examples of a general problem.
“A Study of…” and “An Investigation of…”
Example 1:
3. Avoid general title such as “Politics and Governance.”
The overall objective of this study is to describe the intrapersonal
4. Indicate the key variables, both dependent and and interpersonal competencies of school principals, and their
independent. relationship to the school effectiveness in the Division of Bataan
for the school year 2001-2002. The result is used as a basis for
5. Do not indicate the year the study has been conducted.
an intervention program (Cristobal, 2003). Here, intrapersonal is
6. Titles can also be a declarative or question form. the school managers’ own self-concept and personality while
interpersonal is their communication and expressions in dealing
7. Titles should be limited to 10 to 15 substantive words. with subordinates.
8. Indicate the subject and scope of the study.
Example 2: 3.Is there a difference between the digital literacy scores of
information technology education students and vocational
The objective of this study is to differentiate the customs and education students?
traditions of the Aetas and the locals of Zambales enrolled in
Olongapo National City High School for the school year 2014- Specific Research Questions for Experimental and Quasi-
2015. In this research, the customs and traditions are defined as experimental Research
their practices in the celebration of feasts.
The main goal of experimental and quasi-experimental
The general problem is followed by an enumeration of the research is to establish cause-and-effect relationships among
specific problems or questions. These problems are usually the variables in the study. The first two questions for both type
stated as questions that the researcher seeks to of research should be quantitative in nature. While the next
answer. Therefore, the specific problems must meet the question should have a qualitative element to provide meaning
following criteria: to the numbers or statistical data that will be analyzed.

1. They must be in question form. 1.Is there a significant posttest gain on students’ academic
performance?
2. They must define the population and the samples of the
study (respondents). 2.Is there a difference between the posttest gains of the control
group and treatment group?
3. They must identify the variables being studied.
3.How do students rate their experiences in one-on-one tutorial
Specific Research Questions sessions?
The main goal of descriptive quantitative research is to observe Formulating the Research Hypothesis
and report on the measurable aspects of a phenomenon.
Specific questions in this kind of study can begin with phrases Hypothesis refers to what the researcher expects to find, it is
such as how often, how frequently, how many, how much, what the tentative answer to the research question that guides the
is/are, to what extent, what proportion, and what percentage. entire study. Hypotheses bridge the gap from the general
question you intend to investigate to concise statements of what
1.How often do students use social media in one week? you hypothesize the connection between your variables to be.
Hypothesis formulation is employed when conducting
2.How many hours do students spend on social media per
correlational ex post facto, quasi- experimental, and
week?
experimental studies.
3.What proportion of male and female students uses social
Two Types of Hypothesis
media?
1. Null Hypothesis (H0) is a typical statistical theory
The main goal of correlational research is to determine the
which suggests that no statistical relationship and
nature of relationship between variables without looking into the
significance exists in a set of given single observed
cause. Research questions correlational studies usually begin
variable, between two sets of observed data
with “Is there a relationship?” or “What is the relationship?”
and measured phenomena. In correlational studies, a
1.What is the relationship between the length of the review and null hypothesis states that this relationship is absent. In
examination scores? experimental, quasi-experimental, and ex post facto
studies states that the independent variable has no
2.Is there a relationship between the IQ of a test-taker and effect on the dependent variable.
his/her performance in review sessions?
2. Alternative Hypothesis is a statement used in st
3.Is there a relationship between the performance of a test- taker atistical inference experiment. It is contradictory to
in a previous examination and the length of review he/she takes the null hypothesis which states that there is
for a new week? a relationship between variables and denoted by
Ha or H1.
Specific Research Questions for Ex Post Facto Research
The following are the guidelines in formulating hypothesis:
Ex post facto research attempts to discover the cause/s of a
phenomenon. The questions must not suggest that an • You must identify the independent and dependent
experiment is to be conducted in the study. They must not imply variables in your study and state it in your hypothesis.
that the manipulation of a variable during the study will cause
certain conditions to occur. • Your hypothesis must be falsifiable, which means that
it can be proven wrong through
1.Are information technology education students and vocational
experiments or empirical data.
education students digitally Iiterate?

2.Using the four components of digital literacy, what can be

• Your hypothesis must show a relationship
between your variables.
identified as the strengths and weaknesses of information
technology education students and vocational education
students?
Writing the Scope and Delimitation THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL
Scope and delimitation of study are said to be the two FRAMEWORK
elements of a research paper that inform the readers
what information is included in the research and explain why It is said that theories are formulated to explain, predict, and
the author chose that information. understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and
extend existing knowledge, within the limits of the critical
The scope identifies the boundaries of the study in terms of bounding assumptions. The theoretical framework is defined
subjects, objectives, facilities, area, time frame, and the issues as the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research
to which the research is focused. study. It introduces and describes the theory which explains why
the research problem under study exists. And it can also be used
While the delimitation of the study is delimiting a
in different types of studies. A conceptual framework, on the
study by geographic location, age, sex, population traits,
other hand, is an analytical tool that is used to get a
population size, or other similar considerations. Delimitation is
comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon. It can be used
used to make study better and more feasible and not just for the
in different fields of work and is most commonly used to visually
interest of the researcher. It also identifies the constraints or
explain the key concepts or variables and the relationships
weaknesses of your study which are not within the control of
between them that need to be studied. As a whole we can say
the researcher. Basically, this means that a researcher like you
that both of the frameworks given can serve as the backbone of
have to define what the study is going to cover and what it is
your study.
focusing on.
Theoretical and conceptual frameworks can be presented using
Components of the Scope and Delimitation
both the visual and narrative forms. When you say visual
*Topic of the study form, it is characterized by the used of diagrams and charts.
While the narrative form, is characterized by the use of
*Objectives of the study and the issues it will address paragraphs that explain the visual representation of the
frameworks.
*Time frame in which the study will be conducted
Characteristics of Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
*The locale or area where the study will be conducted
1. They provide a comprehensive understanding of a
*Characteristics of the participants in the study
phenomenon.
*Response formats used in the study
2. They provide a theory that underpins your study.
The following are
3. They help justify the methods you will use and
the phrases that you may use in writing the scope and del
assumptions that you make in your research.
imitation:
4. They help you refine your objectives, develop relevant
*This study covers… research questions, choose appropriate methods, and
*This study focuses on… identify possible threats to validity.

*The coverage of this study… 5. They both guide you in exploring and interpreting your
data to arrive at your desired results.
*The study consists of…
The following table summarizes the differences between the
*This study is limited to… theoretical and conceptual frameworks:

*This study does not cover…

Example of Scope and Delimitation

The study focuses on the Acceptability of Prototype

Windro (Wind-Hydro) Powered Battery Unit as an Alternative
Energy Source for Small Fishing Boats in Lobo, Batangas. It
tackles the effectiveness of developing a wind powered
electricity unit for the fishing boats on Lobo, Batangas. It will also
look into its acceptability in the residential and professional
community in order to have a much easier integration to the
commercial market. The study will collect the ratings to be done
by fishermen on Lobo, Batangas concerning the effectiveness
of a wind powered electricity unit for their fishing boats. At the
very end of this study, it will provide a proposal to the fishermen
on Lobo, Batangas to use the Windro (WindHydro) Powered
Battery Unit for supplying an alternative source of energy on
their fishing boats.
Selecting Your Theoretical Framework

The following guidelines will help you choose which theoretical

framework best suits your study.

• A researcher must understand the variables included in

your study as well as their relationship with one
another.

• A researcher must review the existing literature related

to his or her research topic.

• Using the information that you have gathered from the

literature, look for possible theories that may potentially The first circle in the paradigm indicates James Clerk Maxwell’s
account for the expected results of your research topic. Electromagnetic Theory which was presented in 1864 with the
publication of “A Dynamical Theory of Electromagnetic Theory”.
• From these theories, select the one that is most This paper hypothesized that an electric field, a magnetic field
relevant to your study and can provide a blueprint for and light, could all be explained using a single theory. Included
your research. here is Michael Faraday’s Law of Induction, stating that a current
will be induced in a conductor which is exposed to a changing
Developing Your Conceptual Framework magnetic field.
Here are some strategies that you can use in developing the In relation to the problem, this theory supports the Windro (Wind-
conceptual framework of your study. Hydro) Powered Battery Unit because of the fact that the
researchers will be using the conversion of mechanical energy
1. Identify the key concepts in your study by referring to
to electricity, as the said theory tackles the relation of electricity
your research questions or objectives.
and magnetism.
2. Search for existing theories that incorporate the same
The second circle indicates the Fluid Theory of Electricity which
concepts and look into their relationships with one
was formulated by Benjamin Franklin in 1750. According to this
another.
theory, electricity can be viewed as a single fluid which could be
3. Using the existing theories as a guide, plot your present in excess, or absent from a body. It also suggests that
conceptual framework using a concept map. this electricity as one fluid, passed from one body to another and
was never destroyed.
4. In case that there are concepts not covered by the
selected theories, incorporate them into your In relation to the study, it supports the Windro (Wind-Hydro)
framework. However, make sure that you are Powered Battery Unit since using two different sources of
incorporating this concept into your framework mechanical energy may seem improbable, this theory explains
because it is necessary for your paper. that the products of the two generators will still be electricity that
will be considered as one. Thus, making it possible to use two
5. After completing the initial draft of your conceptual different renewable sources to generate electricity for the small
framework, write a narrative explanation of each fishing boats Windro will be used in.
concept and how each of them relates with one
another. Again, there should be a basis for the Example of Conceptual Framework
relationship among the concepts being incorporated.
Conceptual Framework
6. Refer once again to your research questions. Check if
Figure 2 shows the IPO model or the input, process, and the
the conceptual framework is aligned with them.
output model in order to develop the Prototype Windro (Wind-
7. Note that the process of creating a conceptual Hydro) Powered Battery Unit.
framework is developmental. This means that it may
still be refined or changed as you read more literature
and look into more theories.

8. In some cases, the research hypotheses are presented

at the end of the conceptual framework.

Example of Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework

To further develop the objective of the study, the researchers

examined some theories to support the study. Figure 1 shows
the relationship of these theories and principles which are used
to conceptualize the Windro (Wind-Hydro) Powered Battery
Unit.
THINGS TO REMEMBER

• The conceptual framework must always have a

research paradigm.

• The theoretical framework is defined as the structure

that can hold or support a theory of a research study. It
introduces and describes the theory which explains
why the research problem under study exists. And it
can also be used in different types of studies.

• A conceptual framework, on the other hand, is an

analytical tool that is used to get a comprehensive
understanding of a phenomenon.

• A researcher must understand the variables included in

your study as well as their relationship with one
another.

• A researcher must review the existing literature related

to his or her research topic.

• Using the information that you have gathered from the

literature, look for possible theories that may potentially
account for the expected results of your research topic.

• From these theories, select the one that is most

relevant to your study and can provide a blueprint for
your research.