Kinds of Research Across Fields
There are different kinds of research that are being used in different fields or
disciplines. If you decide to use the quantitative method, you also have options to choose from:
you can use the descriptive method, the correlational study, a combination of descriptive and
correlational, the experimental method, the historical research, market research and many more.
These kinds of research will be discussed in detail when you reach your Practical Research 2.
However, here is a brief overview of what these research methods are.
The Descriptive Method
Descriptive research describes the phenomena being studied. It addresses the “what” question.
Data are gathered and descriptive statistics are then used to analyze such data. Thus,
descriptive research considers one variable at a time (i.e., univariate analysis), and is typically the
entry-level type of research in a new area of inquiry. It typically describes what appears to be
happening and what the important variables seem to be.
The Correlational Research
Correlational research determines the relations among two or more variables. Data are gathered
from multiple variables and correlational statistical techniques are then applied to the data.
Thus, correlational research is a bit more complicated than descriptive research; after the
important variable have been identified, the relations among those variables are investigated.
Correlational research investigates a range of factors, including the nature of the relationship
between two or more variables and the theoretical model that might be developed and tested to
explain these resulting correlations.
Correlation does not imply causation. Thus, correlational research can only enable the researcher
to make weak causal inferences at best. Correlational research can be bivariate, meaning two
variables in which one variable is known as an independent variable (or input variable) and the
second variable as a dependent variable (or outcome variable). Bivariate correlations provide
information about both the strength of the relationship, from no correlation to perfectly
correlated.
The regression analysis may be used in predicting a single dependent variable or outcome. The
relations among the variables or predictors are used to develop a prediction model. The
multivariate correlation determines the correlation between multiple independent variables and a
single dependent variable.
The Experimental Method
In experimental research, the researcher manipulates one or more independent or grouping
variables, (e.g., by comparing treatment conditions, such as an intervention group vs. a control
group) and then observes the impact of that manipulation on one or more dependent or outcome
variables (e.g., student achievement or motivation). The statistical
method of analysis is typically some form of the analysis of variance. Experimental research
includes (a) true experiments (in which individuals are randomly assigned to conditions or
groups, such as method of instruction or counseling) and (b) quasi-experiments (in which
individuals cannot be randomly assigned as they are already in a condition or group, such as
gender, socioeconomic status or classroom). The basic question to be posed in experimental
research concerns what extent a particular intervention causes a particular outcome. Thus,
experimental studies are those in which strong causal inferences are most likely to be drawn.
The Historical Research
The historical method is employed by researchers who are interested in reporting events and/or
conditions that occurred in the past. This is for the purpose of establishing facts in order to arrive
at conclusions concerning part events or predict future events.
The Market Research
Market research is any organized effort to gather information about target
markets or customers. Market research provides important information to identify
and analyze customer satisfaction, the market need, market size and
competition. Market research, which includes social and opinion research, is
the systematic gathering and interpretation of
information about individuals or organizations using statistical and analytical
methods and techniques of the applied social sciences to gain insight or support
decision making.
Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is an analysis of the ability to complete a project
successfully, taking into account legal, economic, technical, scheduling,
marketing, environmental and other factors. Rather than just diving into a project
and hoping for the best, a feasibility study allows project managers to
investigate the possible negative and positive outcomes of a project before
investing too much time and money.
Which Fields Use Quantitative Research?
Quantitative research is the type of research that is widely used in the natural,
mathematical and social sciences. Natural science is concerned with the
description, prediction and understanding of natural phenomena, based on
observational and empirical evidence. Under natural science, we find life science
(or biological science) and physical science. Under physical science, we have
physics, space science, chemistry and Earth science. The mathematical
sciences are areas of study that includes mathematics as the main field or sub-
field like statistics, some areas of physics, biometrics, Computer science,
computational science, population genetics, operations research, cryptology,
econometrics, theoretical physics, actuarial science and much more. In social
sciences, quantitative research is widely used in psychology, economics,
demography, sociology, marketing, community health, health and human
development, gender and political science.
Example of Fields/Discipline Using Quantitative Research
Example 1
In the business field, for example, quantitative research is used to populate
statistics from a high-volume sample size to gain statistically valid results in
customer insight. Generally, quantitative customer research incorporates a
survey-based approach to gain feedback in relation to a population’s ideas and
opinions. Data from quantitative research – such as market
size, demographics and user preferences – provides important information for
business decisions. (Demetrius & McClain, 2012)
Example 2
In finance, quantitative research into the stock markets is used to develop
models to price complex trades and develop algorithms, to exploit investment
hypotheses, as seen in quantitative hedge funds and Trading Strategy Indices.
Example 3
In Medicine, an experiment in which group x was given two tablets of aspirin a
day and group y was given two tablets of a placebo a day where each participant
is randomly assigned to one ore other of the groups. The numerical factors such
as two tablets, percent of elements and the time of waiting make the situations
and results quantitative.
Example 4
In hospital service, a survey that concludes that the average patient has to wait
two hours in the waiting room of a certain doctor before being selected.
Example 5
For example, a researcher may want to determine the link between income and
whether or not families have health insurance. This is a question that asks “how
many” and seeks to confirm a hypothesis. The methods will be highly structured
and consistent during data collection, most likely using a questionnaire with
closed-ended questions. The results will provide numerical data that can be
analyzed statistically as the researcher looks for a correlation between income
and health insurance. Quantitative methodology would best apply to this
research problem. A quantitative approach allows the researcher to examine the
relationship between the two variables of income and health insurance. The data
can be used to look for cause and effect relationships and therefore, can be used
to make predictions. (Grand Canyon University, Center for Innovation in
Research and Teaching, 20
1. Research
- a systematic investigation or inquiry to discover or revise facts, theories,
applications, etc.
2. Qualitative Research
- a market research method that focuses on obtaining data through open-ended
and conversational communication. This method is not only about “what” people
think but also “why” they think so.
3. Strength - the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.
4. Weakness
- an inadequate or defective quality, as in a person's character; slight fault or
defect:
Advantages/Strengths of Qualitative Research
1. It adopts a naturalistic approach to its subject matter. The subjects of the
research will base it to what they think is meaningful.
2. It promotes an understanding of human behavior.
3. It is instrumental for positive societal change.
4. It revives the value of respecting people’s individuality.
5. It is a way to interpret social interactions.
6. It increases the researcher’s interest since it involves his attachment to the
subject.
7. It offers multiple ways or methods to conduct a study.
Disadvantages/Weaknesses of Qualitative Research
1. It involves the researcher’s subjectivity.
2. It is hard to know the validity or reliability of the data.
3. Its open-ended questions yield “data overload” that requires long-term
analysis.
4. It is time-consuming.
5. It involves several processes, which results greatly depend on the researcher’s
interpretation.
Task 10: Explain the concepts you have learned by answering the following
questions. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
1. How is Grounded Theory different from other qualitative research methods?
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2. In your own opinion, what is the most important characteristic of qualitative
research and why?
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Name the type of research best suited for the following topics
1. Grade 11 Science Text Book
2. Student Activism Since the Marcos Era
3. Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic to Students’ Mental Health
4. Social Media as a Learning Tool
5. The Mangyans’ Burial Practices.
