Practical Research II

Characteristics, Strengths,
Weaknesses, Kinds of Quantitative
Research

INTRODUCTION
This self-paced module is aimed at students in the ‘new normal’
educational setting as prescribed by the Department of Education. It
addresses a broad range of learning objectives designed to enrich learners’
knowledge and fun-filled learning experience in Practical Research II. With its
authentic and real-world activities, you acquire competence through gaining
insights and understanding of the nature of quantitative research and its types
for deeper appreciation.

The module promotes independent learning of the target themes, concepts,

and competencies that will develop your 21st century real life-based skills. This
module provides you with meaningful tasks to develop your skills for academic
success and the world of work. It is anchored on the general principles, goals,
and objectives of the K to 12 Basic Education program for Grade 12 that will
enable you to become a self-actualizing, productive and effective participant of
the society and the world at large.

PRE-TEST
Instructions: Read each item carefully and identify what is asked or described.
Encircle the letter of the correct answer. “This is your first task, I wish you
Good Luck!”

1. Which of the following BEST defines quantitative research?

A. It is an exploration associated with libraries, books and journals.
B. It is an activity concerned with finding new truth in education.
C. It is a systematic process obtaining numerical information about the
world.
D. It is an activity of producing or proving a theorem.

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of quantitative research?

A. Data are gathered before proposing a conclusion or solution to a
problem.
B. Quantitative methods can be repeated to verify findings in another
setting, thus strengthen and reinforcing validity of findings eliminating the
possibility of spurious conclusions.
C. Figures, tables or graphs showcase summarized data collection in order
to show trends, relationships or differences among variables. In sum, the
charts and tables allow you to see the evidence collected.
D. It seeks to gather a more comprehensive understanding of activities
related to human behavior and the attributes that rule such behavior.
3. Which of the following describes the characteristics of research where data
are in the form of statistics?
A. Objective
B. Numerical Data
C. Replication
D. Large Sample Size

4. This characteristic of quantitative research refers to its necessity to arrive at

more reliable data analysis
A. Large Sample Sizes
B. Replication
C. Numerical Data
D. Objective

5. It is done to check the correctness and verify the findings of the study.
A. Large Sample Sizes
B. Replication
C. Numerical Data
D. Objective

6. The researchers know in advance what they are looking for. The research
questions are well-defined for which objective answers are sought. All aspects
of the study are carefully designed before data are gathered.
A. Future Outcomes
B. Structured Research Instruments
C. Clearly defined Research Questions
D. Numerical Data

7. Which research design seeks to describe “what is”?

A. Correlational
B. Descriptive
C. Experimental
D. Evaluation

8. In this type of research, the investigator tries to probe the significance of

relationship between two or more factors or characteristics
A. Correlational
B. Experimental
C. Ex-post facto
D. Survey

9. Which of the items below does NOT hold true for descriptive research?
A. describes the nature of a situation or an event
B. presents the profile of persons, events, and things
C. describes past situations
D. there is no manipulation of variables or search for cause and effect
related to the performance
10.Which of the following illustrates a quantitative study?
A. attributes to malnutrition in children
B. public opinion to the sex scandal of the Pres. in our country
C. academic performance of high school students
D. all of the above choices

11._____________ allow a researcher to examine the degree and direction of

the relationship between two characteristics or variables.
A. Confounding
B Correlational
C. Experimental Design
D. Quasi-experimental

12.A dependent variable refers to_______________________.

A. experiment condition
B. variable being manipulated
C. effects of manipulation
D. Constant

13.A solution typically used for dealing with the effects that can occur in a
withinparticipants design as a result of participants doing the conditions in a
particular order is called___________.
A. spurious effect
B. order effects
C. counterbalancing
D. demand effects

14.A study is carried out to compare offenders with non-offenders on their

levels of coping. Which following statement is true of this study?
A. The independent variable is coping and the dependent variable is type
of person.
B. There are two independent variables; offender and non-offender, and
one dependent variable, which is level of coping.
C. The independent variable is the type of person and the dependent
variable is their level of coping.
D. Both variables are dependent as the researcher cannot manipulate
them.

15.In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated is called the

A. Independent
B. Confounding
C. Dependent
D. Control
PRESENTATION OF THE MODULE

This new module contains exercises to hone your skills in analyzing

problems and finding solutions based on factual information and data.
Tasks and activities are designed to improve your Higher Order Thinking
Skills (HOTS) which will enable you to employ analytic listening skills.

In this module, you will come across passages and statements from
literature and other sources and identify these statements as to their
substance and meaning. By being analytical and creative, you will
organize your thoughts and ideas using graphic organizers and other
assessment tools aptly designed for independent learning.

ACTIVITY

“DRAW ME CLOSE TO YOU”

Instructions: Make an illustration based on the concept web drawn below on

your understanding about what is research, its characteristics and importance.
ANALYSIS

Instructions: Given with the guide questions below, write your concise
learning about the following questions:

1. What is quantitative research?

2. What are the characteristics of quantitative research?
3. Discuss the strengths of quantitative research.
4. Discuss the weaknesses of quantitative research.

ABSTRACTION

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research design uses numbers in stating generalizations

some given problem or inquiry in contrast to qualitative research that
hardly uses statistical treatment in stating generalizations. These numbers
are the results of objective scales of measurements of the units of
research called variables.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

• methods or procedures of data gathering include items like profile.

• standardized instruments guide data collection, thus, ensuring the accuracy,
reliability and validity of information.
• It uses figures, tables, or graphs to summarize data collected to signifies
trends, relationships or differences among variables.
• it puts emphasis on proof, instead of discovery.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Strengths

• most reliable and valid way of concluding results, giving due to a replacement
hypothesis or to disproving it.
• Because of a far bigger number of samples of a population, the results or
generalizations are more reliable and valid.
• it filters out external factors to be real and unbiased.

Weaknesses

• it is often costly, difficult and time consuming.

• it requires extensive statistical treatment, requiring stringent standards, more
so with confirmation of results.
• tends to denote out only proved or unproven results, leaving little room for
uncertainty, or grey areas.
 Kinds of Quantitative Research Designs

Research designs refers to the strategy that you simply just just
choose so on integrate the various components of the study in an
exceedingly coherent and logical way, thereby ensuring you'll effectively
address the research problem. it's the blueprint for the choice,
measurement and analysis of knowledge.

Quantitative research designs are generally classified experimental

and non-experimental.

I - Experimental Research Design- it allows the researcher to manage

true. In doing so, it allows the researcher to answer the question “What
causes something to occur?” This research design supports the power to limit
alternative explanations and to infer direct causal relationships within the study;
the approach provides the simplest possible level of evidence of single studies.

3 types:

1. Pre-experimental- an experimental design having the smallest

amount internal validity.
2. Quasi-experimental design- the researcher can collect more data,
either by scheduling more observations or finding more existing
measures. it's two types:
a. Non-equivalent control group design- refers to the possibility
failure of random assignment to equalize the conditions by converting
a real experiment into this type of design, for purposes of study.
b. Interrupted statistic Design- employs multiple measures
before and after the experimental intervention.
3. True experimental design- controls for both time-related and
group-related threats. It employs both treated and control groups to
accommodate timerelated rival explanations. It offers the foremost
effective internal validity of all the designs.

Control Group- reflects changes aside from those thanks to the treatment
that occur during the time of the study. Such changes include effects of out of
doors events, maturation by the topics, changes in measures and impact of
any pre-tests.

II - Non-experimental Research Design- the researcher observes the

phenomena as they occur naturally and no external variables are introduced.
Its main purpose is o appear at, describe, and document aspects of a situation
because it naturally occurs. Variables don't seem to be deliberately
manipulated neither is that the setting controlled. Collect data without making
changes or introducing treatments.

Types:
1. Survey- used when the researcher intends to supply a quantitative or
numeric description of trends, attitudes or opinions of a population by studying
a sample of that population.
 2. Correlational- it's three types:
a. Bivariate correlational studies- obtain scores from two variables
for every subject then use them to calculate a correlation.
b. Prediction studies- use statistic to point how one variable (the
predictor variable) predicts another (the criterion variable).
c. Multiple Regression Prediction Studies- overall prediction in an
equation that adds together the predictive power of every identified variable.

3. Ex-Post Facto Research Design- accustomed investigate the causal

relationships.

4. Comparative design- involves comparing and contrasting two or more

samples of study subjects on one or more variables.

5. Evaluative Research- seeks to assess or judge during a very way

providing information about something apart from might be gleaned in mere
observation or investigation of relationships.

6. Methodological- during this approach, implementation of a range of

methodologies forms a critical a part of achieving the goal of developing a
scale-matched approach, where data from different disciplines is additionally
integrated.
APPLICATION

Instructions: Determine if the description given below is a strength or

weakness of a quantitative research. Write your answer on the blank provided
for.

1. The most reliable and valid way of concluding results, giving way to a new
hypothesis or to disproving it. ___________________________
2. Since, there are more respondents compared to qualitative research, the
expenses will be greater in reaching out to these people and in reproducing
questionnaires. _______________________
3. If not done seriously and correctly, data from questionnaires may be
incomplete and inaccurate.____________________________
4. Standardized approaches allow the study to be replicated in different areas
or over time with formulation of comparable findings.
_______________________________
5. Quantitative experiments are useful for testing the results gained by a series
of qualitative experiments, leading to a final answer, and narrowing down
possible directions to follow. ___________________________.
6. It is assumed that the larger the sample is, the more statistically accurate
the findings are. _______________________
7. Researchers must be on the look-out on respondents who are just guessing
in answering the instrument. ______________________________
8. It does not consider the distinct capacity of the respondents to share and
elaborate further information unlike the qualitative research.
__________________________
9. It is real and unbiased. ____________________
10. It is costly. _____________________________

REFLECT

You did it well! Congratulations on finishing the supplementary learning

module! You have just had an amazing learning journey and for sure, you will
also do the same in the succeeding modules. For the last time, share your final
insights by completing the following sentence prompts. It was such a wonderful
learning experience with you.
LEARN MORE!

Instructions: Research at least 5 different titles of research in a research

report and classify them to any of the research designs you just have known.
Choose only quantitative research titles. Follow the format below.

REFERENCES

Babbie, E. 2014. The basics of social research. 6th ed. USA: Wadsworth
Cengage Learning.

Bernard, R. 2013. Social research method: Qualitative and quantitative

approach. Los Angeles: Sage.

Prieto, N., et al. (2017). Practical research 2 for senior high school. Lorimar
Publishing, Inc. pp.3-5.
 Research for Grade 12
Quantitative Research, STEM Capstone & Inquiry, Investigation and
Immersion - Senior High School

Title Page
Approval Sheet
Abstract
Table of Contents; List of Tables, List of Figures

Chapter 1: Introduction
Rationale
Research Objectives/ Questions
Null Hypothesis
Review of Related Literature
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms

Chapter 2: Methodology
Research Design
Research Locale
Population and Sample
Research Instrument
Data Collection
Statistical Tools
Ethical Consideration

Chapter 3: Results

Chapter 4: Discussion, Conclusion & Recommendation

References
Appendices (Questionnaire (validated)
Certificate of Statistician & Grammarian
RA-D Investigatory Project Sample Format
During an investigatory project considers as a major achievement of any
student in Science. Through scientific investigation, they learn how to apply the
acquired knowledge, scientific concepts, theories, principles and laws of
nature. They can use their higher-order process or thinking skills in conducting
a research.

Description of the parts of the Science Investigatory Project Report

Title
The Title should be clear and precise. It has an objective or purpose. It should
not be written too long or too short. Just by reading the title, you can determine
what the investigative study is all about.

Abstract
The Abstract should be or two paragraphs only. It includes your research
problems,the method or procedure that you used and the findings or
conclusion of the study.

Chapter 1

1. Introduction and Its Background

The Introduction is about one page only wherein it includes the background of
the study and its rationale. It usually leads into research problem.

2. Statement of the Problem

The Statement of the Problem has two categories namely: the general problem
and specific problems. Usually, one general problem and three specific
problems which derived from the general problem. The research problems
should be specific, reliable, valid , measurable, objectively stated. It can be a
question form or in a declarative statement.

3. Formulation of the Hypothesis

The Formulation of the Hypothesis has two types namely: the null hypothesis
and affirmative hypothesis.Hypothesis is a scientific guess which intends
subject for thorough investigation. It is recommended to use null hypothesis in
your research project.

4. Significance of the Study

The Significance of the Study indicates how important is your investigatory

project for the people, environment and community as a whole. It is really
relevant in the changing world or global impact into the field of technology.
 5. Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The Scope and Delimitation of the study covers the range of your research. It
includes the period of research, the materials and equipment to be used,the
subject of the study or sample of the study, the procedures and the statistical
treatment to be used.

6. Definition of Terms

The Definition of Terms has two types : the Dictionary-derived definitions and
the Operational definitions which derived from how these terms were used in
your research.

Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Related Literature

The Related literature are statements taken from Science books, journals,
magazines, newspapers and any documents from authorized scientists,
Science experts or well known Science agencies. These statements can
support your study through theri concepts, theories, principles and laws.
Footnoting is important on this part.

Related Studies

The Related Studies are those researches which may be local and foreign
studies who can attribute to your research or can support your investigation
scientifically. Footnoting is also important on this part.

Chapter III

Methodology

It has several parts namely: the subject of the study, the procedure and the
statistical treatment.

1. The Subject of the Study

The Subject of the Study includes your population and the sample. It applies
the sampling techniques to obtain a good sample of the study. Your sample
should be valid and reliable.
2. The Procedure

The Procedure is the step by step and systematic process of doing your
research. It includes the materials with right amount of measurements, the
appropriate equipment to be used in doing the scientific investigation. It
consists of several trials with control variables, independent variables and
dependent variables. Gathering of data is essential in any kind of research. It
is recommended to use control and experimental set-ups to arrive at valid
conclusion.

3. Research Design

The Research Design may be shown through theoretical framework or

Conceptual framework wherein the researcher plans and designs his study
with significant theories, concepts and connections. It shows the input,
interventions and output of the study.

4. The Statistical Treatment (No Need)

The Statistical Treatment comes in various ways. It can be mean, median,

mode, percentage, Chi-square, standard deviation, T-test, Pearson r,
Spearman rank or ANOVA I or ANOVA II. It is recommended to use T-test in
any experimental research.

Chapter IV

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

1. Presentation of Data, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

The data gathered should be presented in order to be analyzed. It maybe

presented in two forms namely through: through table or graph. You may use
both f them if you want to clearly figure out your data.
A table has labels with quantity, description and units of measurements.
Graph has several types namely: the line graph bar graph, pie graph and
pictograph. Choose what type of graph that you prefer to use. Analyze the data
that had been gathered, presented in table or graph scientifically. You interpret
the data according to what had been quantified and measured. The numerical
data should be interpreted clearly in simple and descriptive statements.

2. Results

Results show the findings or outcomes of your investigation. The result must
be based according to the interpreted data.
 Chapter V
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

1. Summary

The Summary briefly sumarizes your research from Chapter 1 to Chapter IV

which includes the research problems, methodology and findings. It consist of
one or two paragraphs only.

2. Conclusion

The Conclusion is the direct statement based on findings or results.It should

answer your hypothesis and research problems.

3. Recommendation

The recommendation is given based on your conclusion. You may give few
recommendations which youthink can help the fellow Science students,
researchers, consumers or entire community where people live in.