Quantitative Research Objective Define Quantitative Research Describe characteristics

Quantitative Research

Objective: • • Define Quantitative Research Describe characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and kinds of quantitative research.

Quantitative Research • • • An objective, systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena through the use of computational techniques. Highlights numerical analysis of data hoping that the numbers yield unbiased results that can be generalized to some larger population and explain particular observation. Simply it is concerned with numbers and its relationship with events.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research 1. 2. 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 questions. In quantitative research, the researchers know in advance what they are looking for. The research questions are welldefined for which objective answers are sought. All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data are gathered.

3. Structured Research Instruments. Data are normally gathered using research tools such as questionnaires to collect measurable characteristics of the population like age, socioeconomic status, number of children, among others. 4. 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.

5. 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. 6. Replication. Reliable quantitative studies can be repeated to verify or confirm the correctness of the results in another setting. This strengthens the validity of the findings thus eliminating the possibility of suspicious conclusions.

7. Future Outcomes. By using complex mathematical calculations and with the aid of computers, if- then scenarios may be formulated thus predicting future results.

Strengths of Quantitative Research 1. 2. 3. It is objective. Since it provides numerical data, it can’t be easily misinterpreted. The use of statistical techniques facilitates sophisticated analyses and allows you to comprehend a huge amount of vital characteristics of data. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and easy way. By employing statistically

Valid random models, findings can be generalized to the population about which information is necessary. 4. Quantitative studies are replicable. Standardized approaches allow the study to be replicated in different areas or over time with the formulation of comparable findings.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research 1. 2. Quantitative research requires a large number of respondents. It is assumed that the larger sample size is, the more statistically accurate the findings are. It is costly. Since, there are more respondents compared to qualitative research, the expenses will be greater in reaching out to these people and in reproducing the questionnaires.

3. The information contextual factors to help interpret the results or to explain variations are usually ignored. It does not consider the distinct capacity of the respondents to share and elaborate further information unlike the qualitative research.

4. Many information are difficult to gather using structured research instruments, specifically on sensitive issues like pre-marital sex, domestic violence, among others. 5. 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.

Kinds of Quantitative Research 1. 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. This design attempts to find general attributes of the presently existing situations and determine the frequency with which it occurs.

2. Correlational Research. It is the systematic investigation of the nature of relationships, or associations between and among variables without necessarily investigating into causal reasons underlying them. It is also concerned with the extent of relationships that exist between or among variables. 3. Evaluation Research. This kind of research aims to assess the effects, impacts or outcomes of practices, policies or programs. Assessing the implementation of nursing care in a hospital and determining the impact of a new treatment procedure for patients are examples of evaluative research.

4. Survey Research. It 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, or online. A survey research may be cross-sectional if the information is collected from a sample in just single point in time just like the child-rearing practices of single parents, and population control practices of unmarried couples. A survey research is considered longitudinal if the researcher collects information on the same subjects over a period of time.

5. 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.

References � Curriculum Guide Practical Research 2 � Faltado III, et. al. (2016) Practical Research 2 (Quantitative Research for SHS) Lorimar Publishing. Pp 1 -24 � E. M. Albay (2016) Practical Research 2. Senior High School Teacher’s Training for the K to 12 Basic Education Program, DMMMDU SLUC