Practical Research 2
The Nature of
Quantitative Research
Learning Objectives
Differentiate Inquiry from Research
Describe characteristics, strengths, weaknesses
and kinds or quantitative research.
Illustrate the importance of quantitative
research across fields
What is Research?
The word research was coined from the French word
“cerhier” which means seek. The prefix “re” means
repeat.
Research is widely recognized as an important tool
for solving man’s various problem and in making
life more colourful and convenient.
Research is a natural day-to-day activity of
gathering information.
Inquiry vs Research
Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research is an objective, systematic
empirical investigation of observable phenomena
through the use of computational techniques.
It highlights numerical analysis of data hoping that
the numbers yield unbiased results that can be
generalized to some larger population and explain a
particular observation.
Quantitative design approach examines social phenomena through
quantifiable evidence, and often rely on statistical analysis of many
cases (or across intentionally designed treatments in an
experiment) to create valid and reliable general claims.
It focuses on confirmable observation that oftentimes are
expressed in numbers.
The researchers will represent and manipulate certain observations
that they are studying.
They will attempt to explain what it is that they are seeing and
what effect it has on the subject.
The overall goal is to convey numerically what is being seen in
the research and to arrive at specific and observable conclusions.
Characteristics of a
Quantitative Research
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
Objective
Clearly defined research question
Structured research instruments
Numerical data
Large sample sizes
Replication
Future outcomes
Objective
Quantitative research seeks accurate
measurement and analysis of target concepts. It
is not based on mere intuitions and guesses.
Data are gathered before proposing a
conclusion or solution to a problem.
Clearly Defined Research Question
The research questions are well-defined for
which objective answers are sought. All aspect
of the study are carefully designed before data
are gathered.
Structured Research
Instrument
Data are normally gathered using structured
research tools such as questionnaires to collect
measurable characteristics of the population
like age, socio-economic status, number of
children, among others.
Numerical Data
Data are in the form of numbers and statistics,
often organized and presented using tables, charts,
graphs, and figures that consolidate large numbers of
data to show trends, relationships, or differences
among variables.
Large Sample Sizes
To arrive at a more reliable data analysis, a normal
population distribution curve is preferred. This
requires a large sample size depending on how the
characteristics of the population vary. Random
sampling is recommended in determining the sample
size to avoid researcher’s bias in interpreting the
results.
Future Outcomes
By using complex mathematical calculations
and with the aid of computers, if-then scenarios
may be formulated thus predicting future
results.
Replication
Reliable quantitative studies can be repeated to
verify or confirm the correctness of the results
in another setting.
Research Aspect Quantitative Research
Purpose To test hypotheses, look at cause and effect, and make predictions
Samples Large samples and randomly selected to produce generalizable results
that apply to other situations
Criteria to identify Representative: chosen informants must represent the target group
respondents or key
informants
Design of method Systematic: survey with closed questions
Data collection Structures response categories provided
approach
Type of data collected Numbers and statistics
Key concepts of Explanation: How, How many, Who does what, causal-explanations
methodology
Key Characteristics of Quantitative Research:
Research Aspect Quantitative Research
Form of data collected Quantitative data based on precise measurements using structured and
validated data-collection instruments
Level of Structuration High: The possibilities of answers are laid out for response, low flexibility
Examples of Surveys by mail, online, or handout
investigations
General approach Precision: an exact mapping of quantitative variation
General perspective Width: seek information about as many quantifiable units are possible
Type of data analysis Identify statistical relationships
Role of researcher Researchers and their biases are known to participants in the study, and
participant characteristics are hidden from the researchers
Researcher independence Researcher is an uninvolved observer. Results are objective.
Results Generalizable findings that can be applied to other populations
Strengths and Weaknesses
of Quantitative Research
Strengths of Quantitative
Research
It is objective. Since it provides numerical data, it
can’t be easily misinterpreted.
The use of statistical technique facilitates
sophisticated analyses and allows you to comprehend
a huge amount of vital characteristics of data.
The numerical data can be analysed in a quick and
easy way.
Cont. . .
Quantitative studies are replicable. Standardized
approaches allow the study to be replicated in
different areas or over time with the formulation of
comparable findings.
Testing and validating already constructed theories about how and why
phenomena occur
Testing hypotheses that are constructed before the data are collected.
Can generalize research findings when the data are based on random
samples of sufficient size
Can generalize a research finding when it has been replicated on many
different populations and subpopulations
Useful for obtaining data that allow quantitative predictions to be made
The researcher may construct a situation that eliminates the
confounding influence of many variables, allowing one to more
credibly establish cause and effect relationships
Strengths of Quantitative Research
Data collection using some quantitative methods is
relatively quick
Provides precise, quantitative data, numerical data
Data analysis is relatively less time consuming (using
statistical software)
The research results are relatively independent of the
researcher
It may have higher credibility with many people in power
It is useful for studying larger number of people
Strengths of Quantitative Research
Weaknesses Of
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research requires a large number of
respondents. It is assumed that the larger the sample
is, the more statistically accurate the findings are.
It is costly.
The information contextual factors to help interpret the
results or to explain variations are usually ignored.
Cont. .
Many information are difficult to gather using
structured research instruments, specifically on
sensitive issues like pre-marital sex, domestic
violence, among others.
If not done seriously and correctly, data from
questionnaires may be incomplete and inaccurate.
Researchers must be on the look-out on respondents
who are just guessing in answering the instrument.
The researcher’s categories and theories that are used
might not reflect local constituencies’ understandings.
The researcher might miss out on phenomena occurring
because of the focus on theory or hypothesis testing
rather than on theory or hypothesis generalization
(called the confirmation bias).
Knowledge produced may be too abstract and general
for direct application to specific local situations,
contexts, and individuals.
Weaknesses of Quantitative Research
Kinds of Quantitative
Research
Kinds of Quantitative Research
Descriptive Research
Correlational Research
Evaluation Research
Survey Research
Causal-Comparative Research
Experimental Research
Descriptive Research
This design is concerned with describing the nature,
characteristics and components of the population or
phenomenon. There is no manipulation of variables or
search for cause and effect related to the phenomenon.
Ex:
You want to know how many hours SHS students spend in social media
Number of malnourished students who failed in the achievement test
How healthy is the food being served in the canteen during recess
Correlational Research
It is the systematic investigation of the nature of relationships,
or associations between and among variables without
necessarily investigating into causal reason underlying them.
It is also concerned with the extent of relationships that exists
between or among variables.
Ex:
If the pre-board examination results can be used to predict performance in the licensure exam.
Sex with mathematical ability
Occupation and life span
Evaluation Research
This kind of research aims to assess the effects,
impacts or outcomes of practices, policies or
programs.
Ex:
Assessing the impact of 5S to the TIPians in character building in school
Effects of OBE to the academic learning of Architecture students.
Survey Research
A survey research is used to gather information from groups
of people by selecting and studying samples chosen from a
population. It may be done in various ways like face-to-face,
phone, mail and online.
Ex:
Determine the growth of rice yield in the country
Rate of promotion of doctorate degree holders 5 years after earning the degree.
Causal-Comparative Research
It is also known as ex post facto (after the fact) research.
This kind of research derives conclusion from
observations and manifestations that already occurred in
the past and now compared to some dependent variables.
It discusses why and how a phenomenon occurs.
Ex:
How weight influences stress-coping level of adults.
Experimental Research
This research utilizes specific method to test cause-and-effect
relationships under conditions controlled by the researcher.
Ex:
the use of video simulation as instructional tool in learning Biology
rainwater as alternative source of electricity
Oregano leaf as a cure for severe cough
Quasi-Experimental Research
At least one variable is manipulated to
determine the effect of the manipulation. Intact,
naturally formed groups are used.
Question asked: What is the effect of the
experimental variable?
Group/s Participants Variable/s
Experimental Treatment group Randomly assigned At least one variable is
and control group manipulated to determine the
effect of the manipulation
Quasi- Treatment group Intact, formed groups/not At least one variable is
Experimental and control group randomly assigned manipulated to determine the
effect of the manipulation
Single Subject Treatment group Not randomly assigned, At least one variable is
and control group directed to an individual manipulated to determine the
are the same or a small group of effect of the manipulation
individuals
Correlational One group Intact, formed groups/not No manipulation of variables
randomly assigned -Assesses relationship
between two variables in one
group
Causal- Two or more Intact, formed groups/not No manipulation of variables
Comparative groups randomly assigned -Assesses differences
between two groups with one
independent variable
Field or Discipline Possible Broader Topic of Interest
Traffic Management Science Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes
Psychology Mental and emotional health
conditions
Business Management Job satisfaction and job performance
Education Impact on learning
Marketing Salability of a product
Political Science Survey on the winnability of
presidential candidates
Demography Trend Analysis
Sociology Impact Analysis
Importance of Quantitative Research Across
Fields
Quantitative Research:
More reliable and objective
Can use statistics to generalize a finding
Often reduces and restructures a complex problem to a limited
number of variables
Looks at relationships between variables and can establish cause
and effect in highly controlled circumstances
Tests theories or hypotheses
Assumes sample is a representative of the population
Subjectivity is less.
Self-Test: T or F
The IV is the outcome variable.
Quantitative research relies on using statistics to analyze quantifiable data.
A correlational study examines that relationship between two or more variables.
Quantitative research heavily relies on in-depth and detailed examination of textual
documents.
Ethnography is a type of quantitative research.
In experimental research, variable is not manipulated in any way.
The dependent variable is manipulated to see change in the IV.
Quantitative research uses content analysis and case analysis as methods to gather data.
Quantitative research helps establish cause and effect in highly controlled circumstances.
In quantitative research, large samples and randomly selected samples allow the study to
produce generalizable results.
1. Data is analyzed by identifying statistical relationships.
2. Data may be gathered through surveys.
3. Researchers and their biases are known to participants in the study and
participants’ characteristics are exposed to the researchers.
4. The researcher is an involved observer.
5. It uses structured response categories to collect data.
6. It is used to test hypotheses, look at cause and effect, and make predictions.
7. The findings are generalizable and can be applied to other populations.
8. It is focused more on words than on numbers and statistics.
9. The method of data collection is unsystematic.
10. Results are subjective.
YES or NO: Write YES if the following characteristics
pertain to Quantitative Research and NO if not.
Thank You :))
