MASTER REVIEWER IN PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2
(Quantitative Research)
1. Nature of Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is a systematic, objective, and statistical investigation that uses numbers to
describe, explain, and predict phenomena. It emphasizes measurable data, often with large samples,
and applies statistical analysis to test hypotheses and validate theories.
Purpose: To quantify variables, test cause-and-effect relationships, and generalize results to a
population.
Characteristics: Objective, structured, numerical, replicable, generalizable, requires valid instruments.
Strengths: Reliable, precise, generalizable.
Weaknesses: Lacks depth, rigid, cannot fully capture emotions and subjective experiences.
2. Key Terminologies
Variable: Factor that can change.
• Independent Variable (IV) – the cause or manipulated variable.
• Dependent Variable (DV) – the effect or outcome measured.
• Control Variable – held constant to avoid bias.
Population: Entire group of individuals the researcher wants to study.
Sample: Subset of the population used for actual data collection.
Respondents: People who provide data by answering instruments.
Data: Information collected (quantitative = numbers).
3. Sampling
Sampling is selecting a portion of the population that will represent the whole.
Probability Sampling: Random, gives equal chance.
• Simple Random – lottery method.
• Stratified – divided into subgroups (e.g., by strand).
• Cluster – selects whole clusters/sections.
• Systematic – selects every nth participant.
Non-Probability Sampling: Not random, based on convenience or purpose.
• Convenience – easiest to access.
• Purposive – based on criteria.
• Quota – fixed number per group.
• Snowball – referrals from participants.
4. Research Designs
• Descriptive: Describes current characteristics of a population (e.g., surveys).
• Correlational: Examines relationship between two variables (positive, negative, none).
• Causal-Comparative: Compares groups without manipulation (e.g., male vs female scores).
• Experimental: Researcher manipulates IV to see effect on DV; has control and randomization.
• Quasi-Experimental: Like experimental but lacks randomization or full control.
5. Instruments & Data Gathering
Research Instrument: Tool for collecting data (survey, questionnaire, test, checklist).
Validity: Accuracy – instrument measures what it should.
Reliability: Consistency – produces stable results.
Pilot Testing: Testing the instrument on a small group before actual research.
Data Gathering Procedure: Steps taken to collect data (distribution, retrieval, recording).
6. Statistical Tools
Descriptive Statistics: Used to summarize and describe data.
• Mean – arithmetic average.
• Median – middle value.
• Mode – most frequent value.
• Range – difference between highest and lowest.
• Standard Deviation – shows spread of data.
Inferential Statistics: Used to generalize from sample to population.
• t-test – compares two groups.
• ANOVA – compares three or more groups.
• Chi-Square – tests association between categories.
• Correlation Coefficient (r) – measures relationship strength (-1 to +1).
7. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship of variables.
Null Hypothesis (H■): No significant difference or relationship exists.
Alternative Hypothesis (H■): A significant difference or relationship exists.
Directional Hypothesis: Predicts a specific direction (positive/negative).
Non-Directional Hypothesis: Predicts a relationship without specifying direction.
8. Ethics in Quantitative Research
• Informed Consent – participants voluntarily agree.
• Confidentiality – data kept private.
• Anonymity – identity of respondents not revealed.
• No Harm – participants are safe physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Honesty – avoid plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication of results.
9. Parts of a Quantitative Research Paper
1. Title – specific and concise.
2. Abstract – summary of the whole research.
3. Introduction – background, problem statement, significance, scope.
4. Review of Related Literature (RRL) – summary of previous studies.
5. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework – theory/model guiding the study.
6. Methodology – design, respondents, sampling, instrument, procedure, statistical treatment.
7. Results – presentation of data using tables, graphs, statistics.
8. Discussion – interpretation of results.
9. Conclusion & Recommendations – summary of findings, suggestions.
10. References – list of sources cited.
10. Data Analysis & Interpretation
Data Analysis is the process of organizing and examining data for patterns.
• Tabulation: Organizing data into tables for clarity.
• Graphs/Charts: Visual presentation (bar, pie, line, histogram, scatterplot).
• Interpretation: Explaining the meaning of numerical results (e.g., correlation r = 0.85 means strong
positive relationship).
Quantitative research relies on objectivity in interpreting findings, avoiding bias, and aligning with
hypotheses.
