What is Quantitative Research?

collects and uses numerical data to explore, describe,

explain, or predict trends or phenomena.
emphasizes objectivity and the control of
contextual factors that may impact the results.

states hypotheses and relies on statistical analysis

to support conclusions made regarding the
hypotheses.

Resea
Reasons for Quantitative Research
EXPLORATORY
• Investigate issues with the goal of providing insight and information to the
researcher.
• Use pilot studies to test feasibility or value of working in an area; focus
groups to guide a survey design.

DESCRIPTION
• Describe the current situation or classify situations, events or groups.
• Often use large scale data sets - NELS, High School and Beyond, etc..
• Survey, Correlational studies.

Resea
Reasons for Quantitative Research
EXPLANATION
• Build, enrich, and explain theories.
• Test theories using quantitative methods.

PREDICTION
• Establish predictors of some behavior.
• Two Types of variables - predictor and criterion (outcome).
• Regression analysis is one statistical procedure used for prediction.

EVALUATION
• Evaluates programs for their efficacy.
• Come in different forms and serve different functions.

Resea
 Types of Quantitative Research
SURVEY RESEARCH
• Collect quantative data to address questions about the current state of a
population or phenomena..
• Can address preferences, attitudes, opinions, concerns, and interests.

CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
• Determine if a relationship exists between two quantitative variables.
• Measure the strength of the relationship.

CASUAL-COMPARATIVE RESEARCH
• Establish a cause, or a reason, for behavior or other phenomena after the
event, or cause, has already occured.
• Involves an independent-dependent variables relationship.

Resea
 Types of Quantitative Research
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
• A collection of research designs that uses one or more variables that are
manipulated to undersatnd the effect on a dependent variable.
• Allows for control of variables not relevant to the research.

ACTION RESEARCH
• Conducted by the school administrators, teachers, or any other
stakeholder in the teaching - learning environment.
• Primary focus is on the way schools operate, teachers teach and students
learn.

Resea
 Four Parts of Quantitative Research

Measurement

Sampling

Research Design

Statistical Procedure

Resea
 Properties of Measurement
• Reliabilty
• Consistency
• Random error
• Validity
• Interpretation/Use
• Most Important Property
• Systematic error
Reliabilty is necessary but not sufficient condition
for validity.
Resea
 Properties of Sampling
• Population v Sample
• Sampling Methods
• Probabilistic
• Non-probalistic

• Key is that sample is representative of population

to make a generalization in interpretation.

Resea