practical research 1

components of chapter 1 (6)

• introduction

• background of the study

• statement of the problem

• hypothesis of the study

• significance of the study

• scope and delimitation

4 relevant ideas discussed in introduction

• topic or subject matter

• importance of the topic

• reasons for choosing the topic

• purpose of the study

define and elaborate using methods of paragraph development and giving examples

topic or subject matter

cite the role that the topic plays in your life

importance of the topic

emphasize what motivated you to choose the topic

reasons for choosing the topic

discusses the objective of the study

purpose of the study

consists of statements on what led the investigator to launch the study

background of the study

describes as early as possible the problem to be addressed

background of the study

an overview of factors that have led to the problem, comprise the problem, and historical significance relative to the problem.

background of the study

there should be a general statement of the whole problem followed by the specific questions or sub problems into which is the general problem is broken up.

statement of the problem

a proposed explanation about a phenomenon made on the basis of limited evidence and a starting point of your investigation.

hypothesis

cite the role that the topic plays in your life

(ex. the learners, the faculty members, the administration, the future researchers)

significance of the study

a brief statement of the general purpose of the study

scope and delimitations of the study

the period of the study. This is the time, either months of years, during which the data were gathered.

scope and delimitations of the study

3 major approaches used in research

• qualitative approach

• quantitative approach

• mixed method approach

aims to provide description of characteristics, kind, and quality of a subject, while interpreting to understand an event.

qualitative approach

advantages of qualitative approach

- it provides descriptions about the real experience of the people in the situation being studied.

- researchers can have a rich explanation about abstract factors such as customs and traditions, family roles, and socioeconomic status for greater understanding.

disadvantages of qualitative approach

- statistical procedures to measure kinds and qualities are not encouraged.

- describing a situation leads to a certain level of bias, lacking objectivity in description.

test hypotheses and makes predictions through measured amounts, and ultimately describes an event by using numerical figures.

quantitative approach

advantages of quantitative approach

- it uses the confirmatory scientific method because it tests hypotheses.

- the generalibility of findings is high.

disadvantages of quantitative approach

- the focus of the study is limited only to the object under investigation.

- explanations and descriptions are often narrow.

involves collection and analysis of data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to be able to address the disadvantages of the two approaches and provide better understanding of data.

mixed method approach

advantages of mixed method approach

- this method can make the description easier because it has both subjective and objective data.

- its findings will increase the validity and reliability of the variables under investigation.

disadvantages of mixed method approach

- combining the two methods in a single study takes a lot of time for the study to be completed.

- discrepancies in findings are difficult to resolve.

main characteristics of quantitative approach (8)

1. generalized data

2. large sample size

3. high replicability

4. objectivity

5. faster data analysis

6. concise visual presentation

7. reliable data

8. fast and easy data collection

the data are usually gathered using more structured research instruments

generalized data

the results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population

large sample size

the research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability

high replicability

the researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought

objectivity

all aspects of the study are carefully designed before data are collected

faster data analysis

data are in the form of numbers and statistics.

concise visual presentation

the project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate causal relationships

reliable data

the researcher uses questionnaires or other forms of research tools to collect numerical data

fast and easy data collection

strengths of the quantitative approach

1. quantitative approach involves a greater number of subjects and enables a broader study.

2. study results are more objective and accurate.

3. when the right procedure is used, it can be replicated, as well as analyzed in comparison with other similar works.

4. you can summarize vast sources of information and make comparisons across categories. 

5. personal bias can be avoided by keeping a “distance” from participating subjects and employing facilitators unknown to them. 

limitations of the quantitative approach

1. it lacks the necessary data to explore a problem or concept in depth.

2. it does not provide comprehensive explanation of human experiences.

3. some information cannot be described by numerical data such as feelings, and beliefs.

4. the research design is rigid and not very flexible.

5. the participants are limited to choose only from the given responses.

6. the respondents may tend to provide inaccurate responses.

7. a large sample size makes data collection more costly.