QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN

Quantitative Research Design

 A research design that is defined as a systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable data
and performing statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques.
Experimental Research Design
 A research design that is defined as a scientific approach to research, where one or more independent
variables are manipulated and applied to one or more dependent variables to measure their effect on the latter.
Non-experimental Research Design
 A research design that is defined as research that lacks the manipulation of an independent variable, control of
extraneous variables through random assignment, or both.
Correlational Research Design
 A research design that measures a relationship between two variables without the researcher controlling either
of them.
Comparative Research Design
 A research design that compares groups in an attempt to draw a conclusion about them.
Positive Correlation
 The relationship that exists when one variable decreases as the other variable decreases, or one variable
increases while the other increases.
Negative Correlation
 The relationship that exists between two variables in which one variable increases as the other decreases, and
vice versa
No Correlation
 exists when there is no relationship between two variables.
Sampling
 is a process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of observations are taken from a
larger population
Sampling Plan
 is a detailed outline of which measurements will be taken at what times, on which material, in what manner, and
by whom.
Population
 an aggregate observation of subjects grouped together by a common feature.
Accessible Population
 a portion of the target population to which the researcher has reasonable access
Target Population
 is the total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn.
Sample
 is a set of individuals or objects collected or selected from a statistical population by a defined procedure.
Representative Sample
 is a subset of a population that seeks to accurately reflect the characteristics of the larger group.
Probability Sampling
 A type of sampling where everyone in the population has a known and equal chance of getting selected
Nonprobability Sampling
 Is a type of sampling where the odds of any member being selected for a sample cannot be calculated. it relies
on the subjective judgement of the researcher.
Sampling Bias
 occurs when some members of a population are systematically more likely to be selected in a sample than
others
Convenience Sampling
 is a type of non-probability sampling that involves the sample being drawn from that part of the population that
is close to hand.
Snowball Sampling
 is a type of non-probability sampling where research participants recruit other participants for a test or study.
Quota Sampling
 is a method of non-probability sampling when the samples are selected based on the probability proportionate
to the distribution of a variable in the population.
Consecutive Sampling
 is a type of non-probability sampling where all accessible subjects are part of a sample
Purposive Sampling
 is a type of non-probability sampling where there is intentional selection of informants based on their ability to
elucidate a specific theme, concept, or phenomenon.
Stratified Random Sampling
 is a method of probability sampling that involves the division of a population into smaller sub-groups known as
strata
Multistage Cluster Sampling
 divides large populations into stages to make the sampling process more practical. A combination of stratified
sampling or cluster sampling and simple random sampling is usually used.
Systematic Sampling
 is a type of probability sampling method in which sample members from a larger population are selected
according to a random starting point but with a fixed, periodic interval.
Data Collection
 is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic
fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.
True or False: a general recommendation, you should use the smallest sample possible. FALSE
True or False: Instruments must be chosen with the characteristics of the target population in mind. TRUE
True or False: Researcher-made questionnaires do not need to undergo validity and reliability before they can be used
in a research study. FALSE

INFERENTIAL STATISTICS
Inferential Statistics
 A type of statistics that takes data from a sample and makes inferences about the larger population from which
the sample was drawn.
Laws of Probability
 Tells us about the probability of specific events occurring.
Laws of Probability
 Inferential statistics is based on these
Random Sampling
 What type of sampling should be used when using Inferential Statistics?
Sampling Error
 Is a statistical error that occurs when an analyst does not select a sample that represents the entire population
of data and the results found in the sample do not represent the results that would be obtained from the entire
population.
Interval Estimation
 Is the use of sample data to calculate an interval of possible (or probable) values of an unknown population
parameter
Confidence Interval
 Is a range of values that's likely to include a population value with a certain degree of confidence.
Hypothesis Testing
 Is an act in statistics whereby an analyst tests an assumption regarding a population parameter
Null Hypothesis
 Is a type of hypothesis used in statistics that proposes that there is no difference/relationship between certain
characteristics of a population
Alternative Hypothesis
 Is a type of hypothesis used in statistics that proposes that there is a difference/relationship between certain
characteristics of a population
Type I error
 What type of error occurs when there is rejection of a null hypothesis that is true?
Type II error
 What type of error occurs when there is failure to reject a false null hypothesis?
Significance Level
 Is the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true.
0.05 and 0.01
 What are the two most frequently used significance levels?
Pick a smaller significance level
 How to reduce committing a Type I error?
Increase sample size
 How to reduce committing a Type II error?
Statistical Tests
 Provide a method for making quantitative decisions about a particular sample
Parametric Tests
 Is a type of statistical test that assumes sample data follow a probability distribution based on a fixed set of
parameters.
Nonparametric Tests
 A type of statistical test that does not assume anything about the underlying distribution
Normality
 Happens when the data roughly follows a bell-shaped curve