P R A C T I C A L R E S E A R C H 11 Week 5-6

LESSON 4
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN
DIFFERENT AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
Learning Competencies:
 Illustrates the importance of qualitative research across fields
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson the students will be able to;
 Define the three Research Approaches, and;
 Differentiate hard sciences from soft sciences concerning research studies

SUBJECT AREA RESEARCH APPROACHES

Research studies happen in any field of knowledge. ANTHROPOLOGY, BUSINESS, COMMUNICATION,

EDUCATION, ENGINEERING, LAW, and NURSING, among others, turn in a big number of research studies that
reflect varied interest of people. Don’t you wonder how people in these areas conduct their research studies?
Belonging to a certain area of discipline, you have the option to choose one from these three basic research
approaches:
1. SCIENTIFIC OR POSITIVE APPROACH gives stress to measurable and observable facts instead of
personal views, feelings, or attitudes. It can be used in researches under the hard sciences or STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Natural Sciences (Biology, Physics and Chemistry). It allows control
variables or factors affecting the study.
You must collect data in controlled ways through questionnaires or structured interviews. For instance, in the
field of medicine, to produce a new medicine, a medical researcher subjects the data to a controlled laboratory
experiment. These factual data collected are recorded in numerical or statistical forms using number, percentages,
fractions and the like, expressed in measurable ways, these types of data are called quantitative data.

2. NATURALISTIC APPROACH on the other hand, is people-oriented. Data collected, in this

case, represent personal views, attitudes, thoughts, emotions and other subjective traits of people in a natural
setting. Collecting data is done in family homes, playgrounds, workplaces, or in schools. In these places, people’s
personal traits or qualities naturally surface in the way they manage themselves or interact with one another. It
focuses on discovering the real concept or meaning behind people’s lifestyle and social relations. Using words rather
than numbers as the unit analysis.
This type of approach exists in social sciences, which to others exists as soft sciences. Considered as soft
sciences are Anthropology, Business, Education, Economics, Law, Politics and all subjects aligned with Businessand
all those focused on helping professions such as Nursing, Counseling, Physical Therapy and the like.

SCIENTIFIC APPROACH makes you express and record your findings

quantitatively, which means in numerical form, the NATURALISTIC
APPROACH lets you present things qualitatively through verbal language.

Having the intention to collect data from people situated in a natural setting, social researchers use
unstructured interviews and participant observation. These two data gathering techniques yield opinionated data
through the use of open-ended questions and actual participation of the researcher in the subject’s activities.
Collecting data through these subject-prone research methods indispensably results in the gathering of qualitative
data.
In the field of HUMANITIES, man’s social life is also subjected to research studies. However, researchers in
this area give emphasis not to man’s social life but to the study of meanings, significance, and visualizations of
human experiences in the field of FINE ARTS, LITERATURE, MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCE, and other artistically
inclined subjects. Research in these subjects happen in any of the following humanistic categories:
1. LITERATURE AND ART CRITICISM where the researchers, using well-chosen language and
appropriate organizational pattern, depend greatly on their interpretative and reflective thinking in evaluating
the object of their study critically.
2. PHILOSOPHICAL RESEARCH where the focus of inquiry is on knowledge and principles of being and
on the manner human beings conduct themselves on earth.
3. HISTORICAL RESEARCH where the investigation centers on events and ideas that took place in man’s
life at a particular period.
 HARD SCIENCES VS. SOFT SCIENCES

BUT WHAT IS HARD SCIENCE AND SOFT SCIENCES?

THE HARD SCIENCE

Sciences that explore the workings of the natural world are usually called hard sciences, or natural sciences.
They include PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY, ASTRONOMY, GEOLOGY and METEOROLOGY.
Studies in these hard sciences involve experiments that are relatively easy to set up with controlled variables
and in which it is easier to make objective measurements. Results of hard science experiments can be represented
mathematically, and the same mathematical tools can be used consistently to measure and calculate outcomes.
For example, X quantity of Y mineral can be tested with Z chemical, with a mathematically describable
outcome. The same quantity of mineral can be tested over and over again with the same chemical with precisely the
same results. There should be no variation in outcome unless the materials used to experiment have changed (for
example, the mineral sample or the chemical are impure).

THE SOFT SCIENCE

In general, the soft sciences deal with intangibles and relate to the study of human and animal behaviors,
interactions, thoughts, and feelings. Soft sciences apply the scientific method to such intangibles, but because of the
nature of living beings, it is almost impossible to recreate a soft science experiment with exactitude. Some examples
of the soft sciences, sometimes referred to as the social sciences, these are: PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY,
ANTHROPOLOGY, ARCHAELOGY.
Particularly in sciences dealing with people, it may be difficult to isolate all the variables that can influence an
outcome. In some cases, controlling the variable may even alter the results! Simply put, in soft science it is harder to
devise an experiment.
For example, let's say that a researcher hypothesizes that girls are more likely than boys to experience
bullying. The research team selects a cohort of girls and boys in a particular class in a particular school and follows
their experience. They find that the boys are more likely to be bullied. Then, the same experiment is repeated using
the same number of children and the same methodologies in a different school, and they find the opposite outcome.
The reasons for the differences are complicated to determine: They could relate to the teacher, the individual
students, the socioeconomics of the school and surrounding community, and so forth.

Just like in other subject under soft sciences, man’s thoughts and feelings still take center stage in any
research studies. The purpose of any researches in any of these two areas are to increase man’s understanding
of the truths. Research types that are useful for these areas are the basic and applied research.
A QUANTITATIVE OR QUALITATIVE kind of research is not exclusive to hard sciences or soft sciences.
These two research methods can go together in a research approach called TRIANGULATION METHOD. This is
the third approach that allows a combination or a mixture of research designs, data collection and data analysis
techniques.
Thus, there is no such thing as clear dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative research methods
because some authorities on research claim that a symbiotic relationship, in which they reinforce or strengthen
each other, exists between these two research methods. Moreover, any form of knowledge, factual or
opinionated, and any statistical or verbal expression of this knowledge are deduced from human experience that
by nature is subjective.
PRACTICAL RESEARCH – WEEK 5-6
Name: _____________________________________ Date: _________________
Grade and Section: ___________________________ Score: ________________

LET’S DO THIS!
Activity 9
A. Direction: Read each statement below carefully and fill in the blanks.
1. To become _________________________ in conducting your research study, you must collect data in
controlled ways through questionnaires or structured interviews.
2. The _______________________ gives stress to measurable and observable facts instead of personal views
and feelings or attitudes.
3. The positive or scientific approach allows _______________________ or factors affecting the study.
4. Expressed in measurable ways, these types of data are called _______________________________.
5. Data collected in naturalistic approach represents ___________________, _______________, thoughts,
emotions and other subjective traits of people in natural setting.
6. The ____________________ focuses on discovering the real concept or meaning behind
________________________ and social relations.
7. Naturalistic approach lets you present things qualitatively through ____________________________.
8. Scientific approach that makes you express and record your findings ____________________, which means
in numerical forms.
9. _________________ is one type of data that exist in abundance in social sciences like Anthropology, Laws,
Politics and all subjects aligned with business and helping professions.
10. In naturalistic approach, having the intention to collect data the social researchers use
_________________________ and __________________________.
11. Collecting data through subject-prone research methods result in the gathering of
______________________.
12. in the field of Humanities, ____________________________ is also subjected to research studies.
13. This ______________________ approach can be used in researches under the hard sciences or STEM and
Natural Sciences.
14. _______________________ centers on events and ideas that took place in man’s life at a particular period.
15. _______________________ researchers used well-chosen language and appropriate
____________________, depend greatly on their interpretative and reflective thinking.
16. The focus of inquiry in Philosophical Research is on _____________________ and ________________ of
being and on the _________________ conduct themselves on earth.
17. Sciences that explore the workings of the natural world are usually called _________________________.
18. _________________________ deal with intangibles and relate to the study of human and animal behaviors,
____________, thoughts, and feelings.
19. Studies in these ______________________ involve experiments that are relatively easy to set up with
controlled variables and in which it is easier to make objective measurements.
20. _______________________ allows a combination or a mixture of research designs, data collection and
________________________.
Activity 10
Direction: Categorize the given research topic inside the triangle representing the science under which such
chosen topic is researchable. Write the number of the topic inside the triangle.
HARD SCIENCES RESEARCH TOPICS:
1. Iron Contents of Oregano Plants
2. Aling Bebs: A Filipino Centenarian
3. Electrical Wirings of a Japanese
Car
4. Microorganisms in a Canal
5. Parents’ Views About the K-12
Curriculum
6. St. Joseph’s Grade 8 Teachers’
Questioning
7. Medical Elements of Guava
Leaves
8. Historical Development of Filipino
Novels in English
9. Muslim Wedding Rites
SOFT SCIENCES
10. The Nature of Ebola Virus

Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________

Subject Teacher: ____________________________________________
P R A C T I C A L R E S E A R C H 11 Week 7-8

LESSON 5
SUBJECT MATTER OF THE
INQUIRY OR RESEARCH
Content Standard:
The learner demonstrates understanding of:
 The range of research topics in the area of inquiry
 The value of research in the area of interest
 The specificity and feasibility of the problem posed
Performance Standards:
 Formulate clearly statement of research problem
Learning Competencies:
 Describes the justifications/reasons for conducting the research
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson the students will be able to;
 Discuss the guidelines in choosing a Research Topic,
 Identify the different Research topics to be avoided, and;
 Distinguish a good research topic from a bad one.

You begin your research work with a problem that is, having
a problem or topic to work on. Mulling over a topic for your research work
drives you to perform HOTS or HIGHER ORDER THINKING STRATEGIES or
INFERENTIAL, CRITICAL, INTEGRATIVE, AND CREATIVE THINKING in finalizing your
mind on one topic among several choices. A topic is researchable if the knowledge and
information about it are supported by evidence that is OBSERVABLE, FACTUAL, AND
LOGICAL.

GUIDELINES IN CHOOSING A RESEARCH TOPIC

1. INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER

Your interest in a topic may be caused by your rich background knowledge about it and by its novelty;
meaning its unfamiliarity to you. Being curious about a subject, like a conundrum or a puzzle, makes you
determined to UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY OR INTRIGUING thing behind it. Your real interest in a subject
pushes you to RESEARCH, INVESTIGATE, OR INQUIRE about it with full motivation, enthusiasm, and
energy.

2. AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION
Collecting a lot of information as evidence to support your claims about your subject matter from
varied forms of literature like books, journals, and newspapers, among others, is a part and parcel of any
research work. Hence, in choosing a research topic, visit your library to check the availability of reading
materials on your chosen topic. Included in your investigation of the availability of reading materials are
questions on how updated and authoritative the materials are.

3. TIMELINESS AND RELAVANCE OF THE TOPIC

The topic is relevant if it yields results that are instrumental in societal improvement. It is timely if it is
related to the present. For instance, unless it is pure or historical research, a research on the ins and outs of
people’s revolutionary acts will prosper more if tackles the contemporary revolutionary actions rather than
those in the ancient time.

4. LIMITATIONS OF THE SUBJECT

This makes you link your choosing with course requirements. For example, to make you complete the
requirements, your teacher instructs you to submit a paper that will apply the key principles you learned in
business, psychology, education and so on. In this case, you have no freedom to choose your topic based on
your interest, but has to decide on one topic to finish your course.

5. PERSONAL RESOURCES
Before sticking fully to your final choice, assess your research abilities in terms of your financial
standing, health condition, mental capacity, needed facilities and time allotment to enable you to complete
your research. Imagine yourself pouring much time and effort into its initial stage, only to find out later that
 you are unable to complete it because of your failure to raise the amount needed for questionnaire printing
and interview trips.

RESEARCH TOPICS TO BE AVOIDED

CONTROVERSIAL

These are topics that depend greatly on the writer’s opinion, which may tend to be biased or prejudicial. Facts
cannot support topics like these. Some people may wonder if there are any specific topics to avoid because they
might be "hot button issues." Generally speaking, unless you know for a fact that the person receiving the paper will
be offended, writing about controversial issues can be okay. However, you need to remember that this is a research
paper. As such, it should be fact-driven and as unbiased as possible. You can't (and shouldn't) present your opinions
or views on an issues - especially a hot button topic. That will turn your research paper into a persuasive essay. If
you make sound and logical arguments supported by research and data, the reader of your paper should be able to
appreciate its accuracy and validity of the research, even if they don't necessarily share the views espoused in the
paper.

HIGHLY TECHNICAL SUBJECTS

If it's outside your wheelhouse, it's outside your wheelhouse. It might seem like a fun challenge to research
and convey something new to you. And, by all means, you should consider this. But, if it's starting to edge toward a
topic that's too technical or will require too much self-teaching, try to stay away from it. It'll leave you feeling
frustrated when you should be enjoying the process of writing. Worst of all, it'll leave too many opportunities for you
to state something in error because the topic isn't entirely within your area of expertise.

HARD-TO-INVESTIGATE SUBJECTS

This might go without saying, but you can't write a research paper about a topic with no data. If you choose
something too esoteric (like the color of Napoleon's socks or what Albert Einstein ate for breakfast), you probably
aren't going to find a lot of detailed information about it. Thus, you won't have enough information to write a
successful paper.

TOO BROAD SUBJECTS

Swinging in the other direction, it is also possible that a topic will have too much information available and will
also not be good for a paper. You'll find yourself going in too many directions, and unsure where to even begin. The
essay will lack focus. If you have too much data, or there are too many different things involved, you won't be able to
go into any depth about them and your paper might not be a good one. For example, a paper about "causes of gang
violence" is probably going to be a lot better of a paper than one broadly about "gang violence." The one about "gang
violence" will just have too many possible things for you to write about, like causes, effects, amount, types, and
more.

TOO NARROW SUBJECTS

Continuing along the same theme, you also don't want to pick a topic that is too narrow in scope. Again,
finding enough information to write your paper is going to be practically impossible. These subjects are so limited
that an extensive or thorough searching or reading for information about these is necessary. You could, for example,
easily write an informative essay on "what makes a diamond valuable." However, it would be a lot harder to find
enough detailed information if your paper was about "what makes a one karat round F color diamond purchased in
New York City valuable," because you have just narrowed the topic to become way, way too specific.

VAGUE SUBJECTS

Choosing topics like these will prevent you from having a clear focus of your paper. For instance, titles
beginning with indefinite adjectives such as several, many, some, etc. as in “Some Remarkable Traits of a Filipino”
or “Several People’s Comments on the RH Law”, are vague enough to decrease the reader’s interest and curiosity.

SOURCES OF RESEARCH TOPICS

1. Mass media communication – press (Newspaper, ads, TV, radio, Film, etc.)
 2. Book, internet, peer-reviewed Journals, Government publications
3. Professional periodicals like college English Language Teaching Forum, English Forum, The Economist, Academia, etc.
4. General periodicals such as Reader’s Digest, Women’s Magazine, Panorama Magazine, Time Magazine, World Mission
Magazine, etc.
5. Previous reading assignments in your other subjects
6. Work experience – clues to researchable topic from full-time or part-time jobs, OJT experience, fieldwork, etc.
PRACTICAL RESEARCH – WEEK 7-8
Name: _____________________________________ Date: _________________
Grade and Section: ___________________________ Score: ________________

LET’S DO THIS!
Activity 11
Directions: Choose in the box the letter of the right description word that suits for every Research topic.

a. Controversial Topics d. Highly Technical Subjects

b. Hard-to-investigate subjects e. Too broad Subjects
c. Too narrow subjects f. Vague Subjects

1. Filipino’s Admiration for the Current First Lady of the Philippines __________
2. Some Excessively Priced Imported Vehicles __________
3. The Rise and fall of all Kings and Queens __________
4. Labor Unions before the coming of Jesus Christ __________
5. The Netizen’s Perceptions and Views about The Real Life Darna __________
6. Pluses and Minuses of all English 2 Textbooks __________
7. Definition of Research __________
8. The War Between Lapu-lapu and Magellan: The Unknown Facts __________
9. The Advantages of Zoom as an Online Media Platform used by STC-SHS Department __________
10. Racist in America __________
11. Oregano Leaves: The Cure to Covid-19 __________
12. Some Plants: Good Design in a Minimalist House __________
13. Teachers’ support towards the Duterte Administration __________
14. The extent of Filipinos Faith in God __________
15. The Structure of a Nuclear Weapon __________
16. Comma as a Punctuation Mark __________
17. Several Teacher’s comments on Vincentiment’s Video __________
18. Spaceship Building __________
19. The Disadvantages of Online Classes to the Elementary Students of Brngy. Bungtod __________
20. Communication Skills __________

Activity 12
Directions: Check the title that appears to be the best in terms of narrowing down a broad topic. Write 1 for
the broad topic down to 3 as the narrow topic.
1. __________________ Symptoms of AIDS
__________________Physical Symptoms of AIDS
__________________ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS
2. __________________ History of Traditional Grammar
__________________ History of American Traditional Grammar
__________________ Traditional Grammar
3. __________________ The Psychology of Reading
__________________ A study of Human Behavior
__________________ Sensory Experience in Reading
4. ___________________ World Ideologies
__________________ Feminism in the Digital Era
__________________ Feminism in Nick Joaquin’s Latest Novel
5. ___________________ Communication Skills
___________________ The writing Process
___________________ Pre-Writing Strategies
6. ___________________ War among Nations
___________________ World War II
___________________ Japan’s Role in World War II
7. ___________________ Hotel and Restaurant Management
___________________ Food Serving Techniques
___________________ Russian-Plate Service
8. ___________________ The University of the Philippines
 ___________________The History of the University of the Philippines
___________________ The University of the Philippines in the 1960s
9. ___________________ Philippine Transportation System
___________________ Metro Manila’s Transportation System
___________________ Manila’s LRT/MRT Systems
10. ___________________ The Enactment of Laws in Congress
___________________ The Governing Bodies of the Philippines
___________________ The Congress of the Philippines

Activity 13
Directions: Narrow down each of the following general subjects to make it a good research topic.

1. General Subject: Education System in the New Normal

Narrowed: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________

2. General Subject: Communications

Narrowed: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________

3. General Subject: The Philippine Government

Narrowed: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________

4. General Subject: Food

Narrowed: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________

5. General Subject: Movies

Narrowed: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________
Narrowed Further: __________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________

Subject Teacher: _______________________________