Practical Research 2 - The main goal of quantitative research is
to focus more in counting and classifying
The word research - and the act of doing features and constructing statistical models
research- is commonly associated with and figures to explain what is observed.
using the internet, particularly Google or
other search engines and websites, to find - Compared to qualitative research,
out information about a certain topic. quantitative research typically uses larger
samples (or sets of participants in the
RESEARCH study) and primarily utilizes probability
It is a systematic search for truth. sampling.
Through research, new and original
information, ideas about the world Probability sampling
we live in, are obtained. - is a type of sampling that is highly
search for knowledge. randomized.
scientific and systematic search for - defined as a sampling technique in which
information on a specific topic. the researcher chooses samples from a
larger population using a method based on
Research is a careful and systematic study the theory of probability.
and inquiry in some field of knowledge.
Quantitative research has a lower level of
Research is an investigation of a certain subjectivity and a higher rate of
phenomenon or results of previous studies generalizability.
to find out their present relevance.
Generalizability
Research means organized and systematic - It refers to the extent to which the
way of finding answers to the questions. findings not only represent the samples,
but also the population at large.
“Without a question, research has NO
FOCUS, DRIVE OR PURPOSE.” CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
TWO MAIN TYPES OF RESEARCH.
The data are usually gathered using a
Qualitative more structured instrument, e, g.
requires non-numerical data, which means (Survey, questionnaire, or test)
that the research uses words rather than The results are based on larger sample
numbers to express the results, the inquiry sizes that are representative of the
or investigation about people’s thoughts, population.
beliefs, feelings, views and lifestyles The research study can usually be
regarding the object of the study. replicated or repeated, given its high
reliability.
Quantitative The researcher has a clearly defined
- involves measurement of data. Thus, it research question to which objective
presents research findings referring to the answers are sought.
number or frequency of something in All aspects of the study are carefully
numerical forms (using percentages, designed before the data is
fractions, numbers). collected.
Data are in the form of numbers and
- a systematic investigation of observable statistics.
phenomena, where the researcher gathers
quantitative or numerical data and subjects
them to statistical data.
The researcher uses tools, such as ◦ Having a large study sample requires
questionnaires or computer researchers to spend more
software, to collect numerical data. resources.
◦ Findings can be influenced by the
researcher’s perspective since most
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF of the time, the participants are
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH unknown to him/her.
STRENGTHS KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
◦ Wider scope of data analysis. It is
useful for obtaining data which allows DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
quantitative predictions to be done. - It is concerned with describing the nature,
◦ Eliminate bias. Quantitative research characteristics and components of the
uses objectivity to reduce bias.’ population or a phenomenon. There is no
◦ Generalizable. Research findings can manipulation of variables or search for
be generalized when the data are cause and effect related to the
based on sufficient sized random phenomenon.
samples.
◦ Replicable. Standardized approaches CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
allow the study to be replicated in - It is the systematic investigation of the
different areas or over time with the nature of relationships or associations
formulation of comparable findings. between and among variables, without
necessarily investigating causal reasons
WEAKNESSES underlying them.
◦ It requires a large number of
respondents. It is assumed that the CASUAL-COMPARATIVE RESEARCH
larger the sample is, the more - It is also known as ex post facto (after the
statistically accurate findings are. fact) research. In this type of research,
◦ It cannot adequately provide in-depth investigators attempt to determine the
information necessary for describing cause or consequences of differences that
and explaining a complex already exist between or among groups of
phenomenon since the results are individuals.
usually based on the analysis of - It discusses why and how phenomenon
numbers and not obtained from occurs. (CAUSE & EFFECT RELATIONSHIP)
detailed narratives.
◦ Provide a comprehensive textual QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
description of human experiences. - The prefix “quasi” means “resembling”.
◦ strictly limited to what has been asked Thus, quasi-experimental research is
which may not be extensive in some research that resembles experimental
cases. research but is not true experimental
◦ Numerical data may be insufficient in research.
analyzing intangible factors, such as - A quasi-experiment is an observational
gender roles, socio-economic status study that seeks to measure the effect of an
and social norms of a given intervention by comparing outcomes under
population. conditions that are as similar as possible.
◦ Errors in the measurement or - They are often conducted to evaluate the
modeling or omission of data can effectiveness of a treatment - perhaps a
easily lead to the misinterpretation type of psychotherapy or an educational
of the results. intervention.
According to Mujis (2011), the following
are types of quasi experimental research:
Matched comparison- choosing a
treatment group and another group that
has similarities with the treatment group.
Time-series quasi-experimental research-
giving them series of pre-tests and post-
tests.
Single-subject quasi-experimental
research- controls treatment and condition
applied to just one individual or a group.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
- It uses the scientific method to establish
the cause-effect relationship among a
group of variables that make up a study.
An independent variable is manipulated to
determine the effects on the dependent
variables.
IMPORTANCE of QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
ACROSS FIELDS
SOCIAL INQUIRY
to better understand the behavior and
social interactions among individuals
ARTS
to investigate methods or approaches that
enhance one’s creativity
ICT
to examine the trends and tendencies in
the use of information technology
SCIENCE
to determine the effectiveness of a newly
developed medicine, treatment or
approach in addressing health problems
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
to improve the management of fish
populations and fisheries.
SPORTS
to understand the relationship between
one’s health and athletic performance
to assess approaches that will help
companies in their decision -making
practices
