Characteristics of Quantitative
Lesson 1
Introduction to
Quantitative
Research
What is Quantitative Research
It is a systematic empirical
investigation of occurrences that
is observable using ;
-Statistical
-Mathematical or Computational
Techniques
The objective of this kind of
research is to employ theories,
models and hypothesis to test
the phenomena.
Quantitative research is
numerical in nature. Meaning
and results are expressed using
numerals that show the
specificity of something.
It also directs you to focus
on things through statistical
( means through the collection
and interpretation of numerical
data gathered ). It can be
gathered through examining
facts and information about a
person, things, place, or events.
Research
Structured
Research Instrument
The data used are
gathered using structured
research instrument
( questionnaires : Census
Questionnaire )
Sample Size
This kind of research is
conducted on significant sample
size which represents the
population to assure
the reliability of results
Appropriate sampling
methods are used as well to
fortify the objective.
The results are based on
larger sample sizes that are
representative of the population
Replicable
The study could be
repeated that gives a high
reliability of results.
Clearly Defines Questions
The researcher has a
clearly defined research question
to which objective answers are
sought.
Numerical
Data are in the form of
numbers and statistics that
arranged in tables, charts and
figures or in other textual forms.
Which makes it easy to
understand and proves the
validity of the research.
Objective
The main objective of this
research is to seek accurate
measurement and analysis of
target concepts.
Generalization of Results
The results can be
generalized to take appropriate
actions for improvement
Strengths of Quantitative
Research
Quantitative Research allows you to
reach a higher sample size
Which leads to an easier way to
reach an accurate generalized
conclusion. The additional data
gives you greater credibility
because it has more depth to
review.
You can collect more information
quickly
Experiments, surveys and
interviews provide immediate
answers that become useful from
a data centered approach.
Quantitative Research uses
randomized samples in collecting
information
This excluding bias from
appearing in most situations
provides an advantage in the fact
that the data can then get the
rest of the demographic being
studied.
Results duplication is possible
Qualitative research only focuses
on the actual data. The work
validates itself because the
results always point towards the
same data even though
randomized conditions exist.
Quantitative research can focus on
facts or a series of information
Quantitative approaches are
used by the researchers to focus
on a specific fact that they want
to study in a given population.
Quantitative approach does not
requires direct observation
Study can be done without the
need of someone. This advantage
creates a better response rate
because people have more time
and less pressure to complete the
work.
Weakness of Quantitative
Research
1. This method does not
consider the meaning
behind social
phenomenon.
2. Quantitative research
studies can be very
expensive.
3. There is no access to
specific feedback in
quantitative
 4. Some efforts at
randomization will not
create usable information.
5. Quantitative research
requires a large sample
Kinds of Qualitative Research
Design
Research Design
Considered as the
framework of research
It is termed as the “GLUE” that
holds each of the elements of
research as one.
It is the plan of the
proposed research work. It is the
overall strategy that is being
integrated in the different
components of the study in a
coherent and logical way.
The function of research
design is to assure that evidence
obtained enables the researchers
to effectively address the problem
as unambiguously as possible.
2 Kinds of Qualitative Research
Design
EXPERIMENTAL
Pre-Experimental
True experimental
Quasi- Experimental
NON-EXPERIMENTAL
Descriptive
Correlational
Developmental
Epidemiological
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Is a quantitative research design
that deals with the object or
subject of a research in an exact
manner
2 groups involved in
experimental research design
Experimental Group- the one in
which treatment is applied
Control Group- does not receive
any treatment
a. Pre-Experimental
Research Design
A group or various groups are
kept under observation after
implementing factors of cause
and effect.
The purpose of this is to
understand whether further
investigations are necessary for
particular groups.
b. True Experimental on
Research Design
This type relies on statistical
analysis to prove or disprove a
hypothesis, making it the most
accurate type of research.
This type can establish a cause-
effect relationship with-in a
group. In a true experiment,
there are factors that need to be
considered.
- There is a control group
which won’t be subject to
changes and an
experimental group which
will experience the
changed variables.
 - A variable that could be
manipulated by the
researcher
- Random Distribution
c. Quasi-Experimental
Research Design
Quasi- indicates similarity
In this research, independent
variables are manipulated but
participants of the group are not
randomly assigned.
It is used in field settings where
random assignment is either
irrelevant or not required.
NON- EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH DESIGN
Is one of the broad
categories of research design in
which the researcher observes
the phenomena as they occur
naturally and no external
variables are introduced.
It is a research design in
which variables are not
deliberately manipulated nor is
the setting controlled.
a. Descriptive Research
Design
The purpose of this is to
observe, describe and
document aspects of a
situation as it naturally
occurs and sometimes to
serve as a starting point
for hypothesis generation
or theory development.
Type of Descriptive Research
Design
1. Univarient Descriptive Design
It is used to describe the
frequency of occurrence of
phenomenon.
It does not necessarily focus on a
single variable; there maybe one
or more variables involved in the
study.
2.Exploratory Design
It is used to identify, explore and
describe the existing
phenomenon and its related
factors. It is not simply a
description or the frequency of
phenomenon but its in depth
exploration of its related factors
to improve further understanding
of a phenomenon.
3.Comparative Design
This involves comparing and
contrasting two or more samples
of study subjects on one or more
variables.
It is used to compare two distinct
groups in terms of knowledge,
perceptions,attitude and physical
or psychological symptoms.
b. Correlational Design
The researcher examines
the relations between two
or more variables in a
natural setting without
manipulation of the
control.
In short it is a study
conducted to determine
the relationship of two or
more variables without
any intervention
Type of Correlational Research 1. Cohort Studies
Design
A longitudinal approach is
1.Prospective Research Design used to investigate the
occurrence of a disease in
A design that lets the existing presumed causes.
researcher connect the present to
the future. It starts with the 2. Case-control Studies
cause and arrives with presumed
effects. The cause of the disease is
investigated after the
2.Retrospective Research Design occurence of the disease.
A design where the
researcher studies the current
situation by seeking facts and
figures from the past.
c.Development Research Design
This research examines the
phenomenon with reference to
time. It is generally used as an
aide research design with other
designs.
Type of Developmental Research
Design
1. Cross-Sectional Design
The researcher collects
data at a particular point
of time
2. Longitudinal Design
Design to collect data over
an extended period ( long
term study ). Its value is in
its ability to demonstrate
change over a period of
time.
Epidemiological Research Design
A study done to investigate the
distribution and causes of the
disease in a population.
Type of Epidemiological Research
Design