Chapter III: Methodology

Practical Research 1
What is Methodology?
• In research, methodology refers to the specific
procedures and techniques used to identify, select,
process, and analyze information to reach a
conclusion.
• It's essentially the "how" of the research process,
outlining the steps taken to answer research
questions.
What is Methodology?
• The goal of your methodology is to increase the
credibility of your research by making your process
transparent and reproducible.
Parts of Chapter III
Getting to know the chapter components.
Research Design
• A plan that provides the appropriate methods and
procedures on data collection and analysis to
efficiently and substantially answer the research
problem.
• This is the overall plan for your research, including
the type of study (e.g., experimental,
observational), the approach (e.g., quantitative,
qualitative), and the specific methods used to
gather data.
Qualitative Research Designs
What designs can we use?
Historical Research
Purpose: To describe and examine past events for a
better understanding of present patterns and the
ability to predict future scenarios.

Method: Develop your idea; identify sources;

ensuring data reliability and validity; creating a
research outline; collecting data
Historical Research
Analysis: Analyzing the collected data by assessing
its credibility and considering conflicting evidence.

Outcomes: Presenting the research findings in the

form of a biography or scholarly paper.
Sampling Procedures
How do we identify the number of our participants?
Sampling
• Getting a representative sample, or a small
collection of units or cases from a much larger
collection or population, such that the research
can study the smaller group and produce accurate
generalizations about the larger groups (Neuman,
2007, as cited in Balaoing, 2022).
Sampling
• The purpose of sampling is to collect cases,
events, or actions that clarify and deepen
understanding.
• Two types of Sampling
• Non-probability: Commonly used in qualitative
research
• Probability sampling: Commonly used in
quantitative research
Non-probability Sampling
Convenience sampling, Quota sampling, and Judgmental Sampling
Convenience Sampling
• aka Availability Sampling
• Choosing the respondents at the convenience of the
researcher.
• the researcher selects participants based on their
availability or accessibility.
• Examples
• surveying shoppers at a mall;
• using students in a class as participants;
• or sending out a survey link on social media
Convenience Sampling
• Snowballing or friendship pyramiding
• parts of convenience sampling.
• A multistage technique
• Begins with one or a few people or cases and
spreads out on the basis of links to the initial
cases.
• Built up on linkages.
Quota Sampling
• a non-probability sampling method where the
researcher selects participants based on
specific characteristics.
• relies on the non-random selection of a
predetermined number or proportion of units,
called a quota.
Quota Sampling
• Example: Customer Satisfaction Survey
• A researcher wants to survey 100 mall shoppers
about their satisfaction.
• They set quotas: 50 males, 50 females.
• Within these quotas, they approach shoppers
randomly until the numbers are filled.
Quota Sampling
• Example: Youth Opinion on Social Media Use
• A study wants 200 participants:
• Quota by age group: 50 teenagers (13–19), 50
young adults (20–29), 50 adults (30–39), and
50 older adults (40+).
• The researcher keeps surveying until each
group reaches its quota.
Judgmental sampling (Purposive Sampling)
• In this kind of sampling, the researcher uses
his/her own “expert” judgement.
• It involves the researcher making a judgment on
which elements of the population should be
included in the sample.
• The researcher selects participants based on their
qualifications or characteristics that are relevant to
the study
Judgmental sampling
• Example:
• A researcher wants to study the buying patterns
of high-end luxury car owners.
• Select a sample of individuals who they
believe are most likely to purchase a luxury
car.
Judgmental sampling
• Example:
• A researcher wants to study the attitudes of a
certain group of people but doesn’t have access
to a random sample.
• Select a sample of people who they believe
are representative of the population they are
studying.
Probability Sampling
Simple Random Sampling, Stratified Sampling, Systematic Sampling
Simple Random Sampling
1. The research must have a list of all members of
the population of interest.
2. From the list, the sample is drawn so that each
person has an equal chance of being drawn.
Simple Random Sampling
• To avoid researcher bias, computerized sampling
programs or random number tables may be used.
Stratified Random Sampling
• This involves categorizing the members of the
population into mutually exclusive and collectively
exhaustive groups.
• Example:
• Determining the average income earned by
vendors in a city.
• Stratifying the samples by barangays to obtain
more precise estimates.
Cluster Sampling
• The groups are defined in order to maintain the
heterogeneity of the population.
• Clusters are representative samples of the
population as a whole.
Instrumentation
What Data Gathering Tools should we use?
Instruments
• Instruments in qualitative research are the tools
and methods used to collect non-numerical data,
focusing on exploring experiences, perspectives,
and behaviors.
Primary Instruments
What instruments can we use?
Interview
• Forms of interview
• Informal conversations, open-ended interviews
or in-depth discussions
• One-time or multiple interviews with the same
participants, various participants, or group
interviews
Interview
• Forms of interview
• Structured Interviews: There are set of
questions prepared by the interviewer.
• Unstructured interviews: Open-ended
questions which the participants answer freely.
• Semi-structured Interviews: Use both closed
and open-ended questions.
Participant Observation
• The researcher immerses himself/herself in the
natural setting of the research participant.
• This enables the researcher to see, hear, feel, and
experience the research participant’s daily life.
Focus Group Interview
• 6 to 8 persons participate in the interview.
• Advantage: Critical or sensitive issues can be more
freely discussed with a group.
Biography or Autobiography
• A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life,
written by someone else.
• In research, it serves as a way to study a person’s
life history, experiences, values, and social context.
Biography or Autobiography
• An autobiography is a self-written account of one’s
own life.
• As a research instrument, it helps participants
narrate their experiences in their own words and
perspectives.
Data Gathering Procedure
How do we conduct our data gathering?
Data Gathering Procedure
• involves systematic processes for collecting non-
numerical data, using methods like interviews,
focus groups, observations, and document
analysis to explore participants' experiences,
perspectives, and in-depth information.
Data Analysis Procedure
How do we analyze the data gathered?
Data Analysis Procedure
• In qualitative research, the data analysis procedure
is about making sense of non-numerical data
(words, actions, stories, observations) to find
patterns, meanings, and themes. It is not just about
summarizing but interpreting the data to answer
the research question
Data Analysis Methods
What can help me analyze the data?
Thematic Analysis
• used to deduce the meaning behind the words
people use. This is accomplished by discovering
repeating themes in text.
Thematic Analysis
• Example: A researcher interviews high school students
about online learning during the pandemic. After coding
the data, themes emerge such as:
• Challenges with internet connectivity
• Feelings of isolation
• Appreciation for flexible schedules
These themes give a holistic picture of students’ shared
experiences.
Ethical Considerations
What are the ethical issues that must be considered in our research?
Ethical Considerations
• refer to the principles and practices that ensure the
rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of participants
are protected throughout the study.
Ethical Considerations
• Since qualitative research often involves personal
stories, emotions, and lived experiences,
researchers must act with honesty, respect, and
responsibility. This includes obtaining informed
consent, ensuring confidentiality, avoiding harm,
practicing fairness, and handling data with integrity.