Introduction

What makes human race distinct from each other, specifically on its
uniqueness of traits, similarities and differences? In a way, qualitative research can
respond to such questions. According to Silverman (2013); Litchman (2013);
Walliman (2014); and Suter (2012), qualitative research is an act of inquiry or
investigation of real-life events. It is concerned with own experiences of a life event,
and the aim is to interpret what has been said in order to explain why it is said. This is
called natural setting.
Qualitative research is important practically because most things cannot just
be quantified: they need to be described. Appreciating the nature of life and
experience is vital than simply counting things .We need to understand the quality of
some things in order for them to have meaning.

This module will assist you in understanding….

Lesson 1 The Value of Qualitative Research

Its Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses and Kinds
Lesson 2 The Importance of Qualitative Research Across Fields of Inquiry

Learning Objectives
After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. describe the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses and kinds of

qualitative research; and
2. Illustrate the importance of qualitative research across fields.
 Pretest

Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. It is the most familiar and applicable type of qualitative research which refers to the
investigation of a culture through an in-depth study of the members of the cultural
society.
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
2. It is primarily used to generate theory through relevant information taken from very
reliable sources and its focus is theory development.
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
3. Which of the following types of qualitative research is designed to focus on the
commonality of a “lived experience” with a particular group and its aim is to determine
what an experience means for the persons who have had the experience of living in a
certain community which is the subject of the research?
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
4. It is an exploration of a “bounded system” over time through detailed, in-depth data
collection involving multiple sources of information rich in interesting stories.
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
5. It is a qualitative research which analyzes the language “beyond the sentence”. It is
the study of the ways in which language is used by the people, both written and
spoken contexts.
a. Historical Research
b. Discourse Analysis
c. Biography
d. Narrative Report.

6. “A student really idolizes his English teacher who is expert in grammar and
literature. The former wants to write a scholarly chronicle about the latter’s
experiences including his family background, how he achieved his success in life, his
likes and dislikes, his achievements and struggles in life.” What type of qualitative
research should a student employ?
a. Historical Research
b. Discourse Analysis
c. Biography
d. Narrative Report
7. It is a qualitative research in which data related to the past events are
systematically collected and evaluated to describe potential causes, effects, or
trends related to those events.
a. Historical Research
b. Discourse Analysis
c. Biography
d. Narrative Report
8. All of the following are strengths of qualitative research EXCEPT
a. Explores sensitive issues
b. Captures diversity of experiences and perceptions
c. Allows participants to freely exchange ideas
d. Proves a certain theory or principle
9. Which of the following is one of the weaknesses of a qualitative research?
a. Results are limited as they provide less elaboration of human perceptions.
b. Data created through qualitative research are always accepted.
c. Data analysis involving numerical data is difficult.
d. There is a limited review of related literature or in-depth information about
the topic.
10. Which of the following is EXCLUDED from the importance of qualitative research
in daily life?
a. Qualitative unveils individual’s perception, feelings and attitudes abouta
certain phenomenon.
b. Qualitative research allows the researcher to immerse in the community
where the participants live.
c. Qualitative research stimulates people’s interdependence or interpersonal
relationship.
d. Qualitative research lets the researcher to validate the previously
constructed theory or principle.
Lesson The Value of Qualitative Research
1 Its Characteristics, Strengths,
Weaknesses and Kinds

The general purpose of qualitative research is to develop concepts which help

you to understand social phenomena in, wherever possible, natural rather than
experimental settings, to gain an understanding of the experiences, perceptions
and/or behaviours of individuals, and the meanings attached to them. The effective
applications of qualitative methods to other disciplines, including health and
education research have expanded. This module outlines the nature and potential
value of qualitative research features its various parameters.

I. Definition of Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research is a scientific method of observation to gather non-numerical

data. It refers to the meanings, concepts, characteristics, metaphors, symbols and
description of phenomena, and not to their counts or measures.

II.Purpose of Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research promotes a deep, holistic understanding of a particular

phenomenon.

III.Characteristics of Qualitative Research

1. Human understanding and interpretation in data analysis

2. Active, powerful and forceful in data gathering and rephrasing interview questions

3. Multiple research approaches and methods that allows you to plan your study and

being multi-method research

4. Specificity to generalization on specific ideas will lead to generalizations or

conclusions.

5. Contextualization - context or situation of individual’s life

6. Diversified data in real-life situations on collecting data in a natural setting

7. Abounds with words and visuals that presents people’s view in a picture, video,
 drawing or graphs.

8. Internal analysis on examining the data yielded by the internal traits of the subject

persons.

IV.Strengths of Qualitative Research

1. It adopts a naturalistic approach to its subject matter.

2. Promotes a full understanding of human behavior/personality traits in their natural

setting.

3. It is instrumental for positive societal changes.

4. It engenders respect for people’s individuality.

5. it’s a way of understanding & interpreting social interactions.

6. Increases researcher’s interests in the study.

Offers multiple ways of acquiring and examining knowledge about something.

V.Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

1. It involves a lot of researcher’s subjectivity in data analysis.

2. It is hard to know the validity/reliability of the data.

3. It is open-ended questions yield “data overload” that requires long-time analysis.

4. It is time-consuming.

5. It involves several processes, whose results greatly depend on the researcher’s

views or interpretations.

VI. Kinds of Qualitative Research2

1. Case Study - Long time study of a person, group, organization or situation and
an empirical inquiry that investigates current phenomenon.
Example: “Teenage Pregnancy in the Public High Schools”

2. Ethnography- a study of a particular cultural group.

Example: “Cultural Awareness and Integration of Peace Education in the
Indigenous Peoples (IP) Communities”
.
3. Phenomenology- “live-experienced” of a phenomenon.
Example: “Life without Gadget”

4. Content and Discourse Analysis-

 Content Analysis- is a research technique that analyzes the modes of
communication such as letters, e-mails etc.

 Discourse Analysis- is the study of social life, understood through

analysis of language it includes face-to-face talk, non-verbal interaction,
images and symbols.

Materials for Discourse Analysis include books, newspapers, periodicals,

brochures and advertisements.

Example: “A Discourse Analysis on the Impact of Modern Technologies on

Communication”

5. Historical Analysis- is a qualitative method where there is an examining of past

events to draw conclusions and make predictions about the future.

Example: “The Impact of Ferdinand Marcos’ Speech”

6. Grounded Theory- takes place when there is a discovery of new theory which
underlies your study at the time of data collection and analysis.
Example: “The Story Behind the Migration of Christians from Visayas and
Luzon to Mindanao”

7. Narrative Report - designed to present things or events that have happened in

the past through a logical progression of the relevant information. The main
purpose of a narrative report is to present a factual depiction of what has
occurred.

Example: “Vocabulary Building of Students through Proper Solid Waste

Management”

8. Biography- is the study of an individual’s life and struggles and how they reflect
cultural themes of the society. It deals with an interesting story found in
documents and archival materials. It is concerned with the reconstruction of life
histories and the constitution of meaning based on biographical narratives and
documents.

 Five common types of biography are

(1) Scholarly Chronicles -focus on the historical portrayal of an individual life.
e.g. “Biography of Gloria M. Arroyo, the First Woman President of the
 Philippines”
(2) Intellectual Biography- narrative of a life through the conceptual analysis of
the subject’s motives and beliefs within the world of ideas.
e.g. “Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal”
(3) Life History Writing- recording of life memories, experiences, whether
one’s or another’s.
e.g. “The Hardships of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s)”.
(4) Memoir Biography- stylistic presentation of the biographer’s reflections
and insights in relation to the factual account of life.
e.g. “The Experiences of Stranded Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic”
(5) Narrative Biography-a nonfiction account of life experiences of a person.

9. Action Research- is a classroom-based or school-based research seeks

transformative change through the process of taking action and doing research,
which are linked together by critical reflection. This type of research is
commonly conducted by the teachers to give solutions to the existing problems
to improve students’ academic performance and positive attitudes.

2
For more information on these kinds of qualitative research, see Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative
Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint] available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt
Activity 1: Question and Answer
Directions: Answer the questions briefly. Write your answers on the space
provided.
1. How will you use qualitative research in real life?

2. What are the kinds of qualitative research?

Activity 2

On the table below, draft your proposed topics for a research paper. The first
column is for the topic, second for the purpose and third for the type of qualitative
research to be used. Give five topics.

Topic Purpose Type of Qualitative Reserach

Example:
Post Traumatic To determine the Phenomenological
Experiences of the experiences of those
COVID-19 Survivors survivors in the
COVID-19
phenomena.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
 What I have learned

Explain the concepts you have learned by answering the following questions.

1. What comes to your mind when you hear qualitative research?

.
2. Pretend you are the subject of a phenomenological study, how will the
researcher obtain data from you?

3. Name the type of qualitative research best suited for the following topics.
a. Grade 11 Science Textbook
b. Filipino COVID-19 Front liners in Europe
c. Travails of SHS Graduates in Public Schools
d. The Ifugao Wedding Practices
e. Relatives of COVID-19 Victims

Assignment

Contemplate on the matters you see in your surroundings, your house,

appliances and gadgets, school, your friends, etc. Ponder over these things, think of a
good topic you can research on qualitatively. Write a short descriptive paragraph on
your chosen topic applying what you have learned about qualitative research. Write in
a separate sheet of paper.
 Additional Activities

Choose five kinds of qualitative research and find one example of actual
research studies/articles for each. Make a summary for each study and explain why it
belongs to that type of qualitative research.

Sample Article: Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines

The issue of teenage pregnancy is widespread in various parts of the

country. Today, we face the painful reality that at a very young age, most
young people have children of their own.

During the World Population Day Forum held in Quezon City last July 2019,
the Commission on Population (Popcom) raised concerns about early and
unplanned pregnancies by citing that around 500 teenage girls have given
birth in the country every day as more adolescents engage in premarital
sex. Popcom said some 196,000 Filipinos between the ages of 15 and 19
years old get pregnant each year.

In the Philippines, according to the 2013 National Demographic and Health

Survey (NDHS) and the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study
(YAFSS), the number of women aged 15-19 who have begun childbearing
increased from eight percent in 2003 to 10 percent in 2013.

Summary: The rising teenage pregnancy rate in the Philippines has contributed
to the country's population crisis.

This study belongs to a case study type of qualitative research as it explores a

case through a detailed, data collection which involves sources of information within
the natural setting.
 Posttest

Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. “A student really idolizes his English teacher who is very expert in grammar and
literature. The former wants to write a scholarly chronicle about the latter’s
experiences including his family background, how he achieved his success in life, his
likes and dislikes, his achievements and struggles in life.” What type of qualitative
research should a student employ?
a. Historical Research
b. Discourse Analysis
c. Biography
d. Narrative Report
2. It is a qualitative research in which data related to the past events are
systematically collected and evaluated to describe potential causes, effects, or
trends related to those events.
a. Historical Research
b. Discourse Analysis
c. Biography
d. Narrative Report
3. All of the following are strengths of qualitative research EXCEPT
a. Explores sensitive issues
b. Captures diversity of experiences and perceptions
c. Allows participants to freely exchange ideas
d. Proves a certain theory or principle
4. Which of the following is one of the weaknesses of a qualitative research?
a. Results are limited as they provide less elaboration of human perceptions.
b. Data created through qualitative research are always accepted.
c. Data analysis involving numerical data is difficult.
d. There is a limited review of related literature or in-depth information about
the topic.
5. Which of the following is EXCLUDED from the importance of qualitative research
in daily life?
a. Qualitative unveils individual’s perception, feelings and attitudes abouta
certain phenomenon.
b. Qualitative research allows the researcher to immerse in the community
where the participants live.
c. Qualitative research stimulates people’s interdependence or interpersonal
relationship.
 d. Qualitative research lets the researcher to validate the previously
constructed theory or principle.
6. It is the most familiar and applicable type of qualitative research which refers to the
investigation of a culture through an in-depth study of the members of the cultural
society
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
7. It is primarily used to generate theory through relevant information taken from very
reliable sources and its focus is theory development.
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
8. Which of the following types of qualitative research is designed to focus on the
commonality of a “lived experience” with a particular group and its aim is to determine
what an experience means for the persons who have had the experience of living in a
certain community which is the subject of the research?
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
9. It is an exploration of a “bounded system” over time through detailed, in-depth data
collection involving multiple sources of information rich in interesting stories.
a. Ethnography
b. Phenomenology
c. Grounded Theory
d. Case Study
10. It is a qualitative research which analyzes the language “beyond the sentence”. It
is the study of the ways in which language is used by the people, both written and
spoken contexts.
a. Historical Research
b. Discourse Analysis
c. Biography
d. Narrative Report.
REFERENCES

Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint

slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Baraceros, E.L. (2016).Practical Research 1. Ist ed. Rex Book Store. Manila

Buenseco, D.B, Dacanay, D.E., Manalo, G.A. (2016).Department of Education

Practical Research 1. Teachers Guide .Ist ed. Lexicon Press, Inc. Pasig City.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application. Rev.ed.Rex Book Store

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School. Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.

Lichtman, M. (2013).Qualitative Research in Education (3rd ed).US SAGE

Publication. USA

Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint]

available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt

Silverman, L. (2013).Doing Qualitative Research..(5th Ed).SAGE Publication.USA.

Suter, W. (2012) Qualitative Data, Analysis, and Design. 2nd Edition. DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483384443.n12.

Walliman, N. (2014).Research Methods: The Basics. (9th ed) SAGE

Publishing.USA.
Direction:
 Pretest

Read the following statements. Answer TRUE if the statement is true, FALSE if you think it
is not.

________1.Research studies what happens in any field of knowledge.

________2.Scientific approach expresses and records your findings qualitatively.
________3.Triangulation or mixed method enhances accuracy and interpretation.
________4.Naturalistic approach is people oriented.
________5.A qualitative research is exclusive to both hard and soft sciences.
________6.Soft science studies human behavior in a scientific manner.
________7.The scientific approach gives stress to measurable and observable facts
instead of personal views, feelings, or attitudes.
________8.All research types apply to all data collecting techniques.
________9.Reasons happens in just one field of knowledge.
________10.Past events in a person’s life are the focus of triangulation.
Lesson The Importance of Qualitative
2 Research Across Fields of Inquiry

Qualitative research is an emerging area of inquiry that graces through

disciplines and subject matter. However it's also essential to recognize that qualitative
research is a method generally used in the social sciences searching social
interactions, schemes and processes. It delivers a detailed appreciation of the ways
people come to understand and achieve their daily life in particular situations.

Research in Different Areas of Knowledge

Research studies happen in any field of knowledge:

Anthropology, Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Law and Nursing.

A. Basic Research Approaches in a Specific Area of Discipline

1. Scientific or Positive Approach

 Deals with empirical data instead of personal views, feelings or
attitudes.
 Allows control of variables or factors affecting the study (Laursen
2010).
 Express and records findings quantitatively.
 Presents structured interviews, questionnaires and observational
checklists.

2. Naturalistic Approach
 A people-oriented approach focusing on discovering the real concept
or meaning behind people’s lifestyles and social relations.
 Present things qualitatively through verbal language. Using words as
unit of analysis.
 Bases determining universal social values to define ethical and
unethical that society ought to know, not only for the benefit of
individual and community but also for the satisfaction of man’s quest for
knowledge.” (Sarandakos 2013; Ransome 2013)

Example: Talking to ethnic groups or people with other culture in a natural

 setting. In this case, the researcher uses unstructured interviews and the
participants’ answer/response is not scripted.

3. Triangulation/ Mixed Method

 Allows a combination or a mixture of research designs, data collection
and data analysis techniques.
 Enhance the validity and reliability of qualitative research design.
 Enhances accuracy of interpretation.
 Has an opportunity to view every angle of the research from different
perspectives.

(3) Main Methods of Data Collection

a. Interactive interviewing- people asked to verbally described their

experiences of phenomenon.

b. Written descriptions by participant- people asked to write descriptions of

their experiences of phenomenon.

c. Observation- descriptive observations of verbal and non-verbal behavior.

In the field of Humanities, researchers ought to focus not to man’s social life
but instead studies it’s meanings, significance and visualizations of man’s
experiences in the field of Fine Arts, Literature, Music, Drama, Dance and
other artistically inclined subjects.

Humanistic Categories
1. Literature and Art Criticism
Focus on language depends on interpretative and reflective thinking.

2. Philosophical Research
The focus of inquiry is on knowledge and principles of being and on the
manner human beings conduct themselves on Earth.

3. Historical Research
Investigation centers on events and ideas that took place in man’s life at a
particular period.
 II. Hard Sciences versus Soft Sciences 3

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Hard Sciences Soft Sciences

Studies natural data driven Studies human behavior in a
phenomenon. scientific manner.
Objective Subjective
Tests Theory Develops Theory
Numbers Words
Cause and Effect Relationship Knowing meaning & discovery
Statistical Analysis and Researcher’s interpretation
Generalizations
Examples: Examples:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology, Psychology, Political

Astronomy, Earth Science Science, Economics, Anthropology,
History

 Qualitative and Quantitative Research can go together in a research

approach.
 There is a symbiotic relationship between these two research methods,
in which they reinforce or strengthen each other.
 Moreover, any form of knowledge, factual or opinionated and any
statistical or verbal expression of this knowledge are deduced from
human experience that is subjective. (Hollway 2013; Letherby 2013)

Activity 1: Question and Answer

Directions: Answer the questions in 3-5 sentences. Write your answers in a space
provided.

1. What are the three types of approach to basic research? Describe each type.

2. How do you differentiate soft sciences from hard sciences?

Activity 2

You just learned the importance of qualitative research across fields of inquiry.

1. Can you figure out the importance of qualitative research? Organize your ideas
by presenting three important functions of qualitative research.

2. How do you inquire data in a certain field of study? Write your top three
methods when collecting data and describe each.
 Activity 3

As a continuation on Lesson 1 of this Module from the table you have drawn
which listed your own three topics for a qualitative research , purpose and type to
use , add a fourth column as what approach of research you will use, and the fifth
column your choice of data collection. Copy your answers from the previous table to
complete column 1 to 3.

Topic Purpose Type of Research Data

Qualitative Approach Collection
Research Choice

Sample:
Post To determine Triangulation Written
Traumatic the experiences Phenomenological or mixed description/
Experiences of those Interview
of the COVID- survivors in the
19 Survivors COVID-19
phenomena.

1.

2.

3.
 Assignment

A. Given the following Research topics, name the specific subject on each
topic and give the importance on researching such topic in a person’s day to day life.
The first one is done for you.

1. Nutrient Contents of Spices and Herbs

2. Juan dela Cruz: A Filipino Inventor
3. Parents Views About The New Normal Education
4. Body Parts of a Korean Car
5. Bacteria in a Food
6. SHS Learners Study Habits
7. Medicinal Elements of Lemon Leaves
8. History Development of Asian Novels
9. Higa-onon Wedding Rites
10. The Nature of Corona Virus Disease

Topics Subject Importance of the Research

1 Spices and Herbs To know its nutrient content use as medicine

10
 B. What are your views to the qualitative research across fields of inquiry?
Is research important? Why? Present your answers in various viewpoints in
terms of:

Sample: Health issues: Through qualitative research, we understand how

HIV patient go through bodily changes, etc.

1. Social:

2. Economical

3. Political:

Additional Activities

Ask somebody whom you know has already done a research work or is
currently conducting a research study. Ask him the details of his study and tabulate
the results from your interview with him.

1. Title
2. Method of Research ( data gathering and data analysis)
3. Subject Area or areas of interest where the study belongs
4. The importance of the research work
 Posttest

Direction: Read the following statements. Answer TRUE if the statement is true,
FALSE if you think it is not.

__________1.Research studies what happens in any field of knowledge.

2.Scientific approach expresses and records your findings qualitatively.
3.Triangulation or mixed method enhances accuracy and interpretation.
4.Naturalistic approach is people oriented.
5.A qualitative research is exclusive to both hard and soft sciences.
6.Soft science studies human behavior in a scientific manner.
7.The scientific approach gives stress to measurable and observable
facts instead of personal views, feelings, or attitudes.
8.All research types apply to all data collecting techniques.
9.Reasons happens in just one field of knowledge.
10.Past events in a person’s life are the focus of triangulation.
REFERENCES

Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint

slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Baraceros, E.L. (2016).Practical Research 1. Ist ed. Rex Book Store. Manila

Buenseco, D.B, Dacanay, D.E., Manalo, G.A. (2016).Department of Education

Practical Research 1. Teachers Guide .Ist ed. Lexicon Press, Inc. Pasig City.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application. Rev.ed.Rex Book Store

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School. Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.

Hollway, W. (2013).Doing Qualitative Research Differently. (2nd ed.).SAGE Pub.USA

Letherby, G. (2013).Methodological Innovations. (1st ed) SAGE Journals.USA

Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint]

available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt

Rancome, P (2013).Ethics and Values in Social Research.

https://www.macmillanihe.com/page/detail/