Practical Research 1

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 5 – PR 1 Subject Teacher:

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to be able to:

1. describe characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of quantitative research

(CS_RS12-Ia-c-1)
2. illustrate the importance of quantitative research across fields (CS_RS12-Ia-c-2)
3. differentiate kinds of variables and their uses (CS_RS12-Ia-c-3)

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH: DEFINITION, TYPES AND GOALS

Quantitative research is “explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed
using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics).” This type of research utilizes numbers
and statistical analysis. It is ideal in studying phenomenon which must contend with the problems of
measurement (Aliaga & Gunderson, 2000).
• Phenomenon --a peculiar incident that can happen anywhere, with any discipline or in any
organization. Examples: increase in sales, increase in drop-out rates, decrease in the number of
failing students in Mathematics, shift in the number of COVID-19 patients, rise in the rate of youth
suicide cases, and sudden increase in number of STEM enrollees.
** In studying a phenomenon, quantitative researchers attempt to measure relevant factors and
variables by attaching numeric values that express quantity. Analyzing numbers to answer a
scientific injury is done through mathematical formulas usually used in descriptive and inferential
statistics.

Quantitative research is a systematic way of acquiring information that are analyzed through
deductive reasoning to predict patterns or trends that are tested on real life or events.

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. It is reliable and objective.
2. It uses statistics to generalize finding.
3. It reduces and restructures a complex problem to a limited number of variables.
4. It looks at the connections between variables and establishes cause and effect relationships in
highly controlled circumstances.
5. It tests theories and hypotheses.
6. It assumes that the sample is representative of the population.
7. The subjectivity of its methodology is a secondary concern.
8. It deals with the details of the subject.

ADVANTAGES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. It allows the researcher to measure and analyze the data to arrive at an objective answer to
the problem posed or stated.
2. The result is reliable since the study uses a big sample of the population.
3. Standards are usually used in choosing the instruments, in sampling procedures, and in
choosing the most appropriate statistical treatment, thus making the research replicable.
4. Personal biases can be avoided since personal interaction is not part of the research process.
5. Processes involved are simplified since the steps in doing quantitative research are made easy
and systematic.
6. Results can be reduced through statistical treatments and interpreted in a few statements.

DISADVANTAGES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. The context of the study or the experiment is ignored in such a way that it does not consider
the natural setting where the study is conducted.
2. Having a large study sample requires researchers to spend more resources.
 Practical Research 1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 5 – PR 1 Subject Teacher:

3. Results are limited since they are usually based on the analysis of numbers and are not
obtained from detailed narratives.
4. It provides less elaborate accounts of human perceptions.
5. In experimental research, the level of control might not be normally placed in the real world
because it is usually done in a laboratory.
6. Preset or fixed alternative answers may not necessarily reflect the true answers of the
participants.
7. Findings can be influenced by the researcher’s perspective since most of the time, the
participants are unknown to him/her.

IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IN DIFFERENT FIELDS

Most areas of study have to deal with processes that involve experimentations, tests, and
research. In these situations, quantitative measures are more or less involved. In validating results or
findings, quantitative research can be useful. Whenever there are data or numbers to be surveyed,
such as the prevailing behaviors, attitudes, patterns and trends, and other quantifiable aspects,
quantitative research serves as a multi-purpose method, i.e. to test, to identify, to count, to assess, to
clarify jobs, etc. Some areas of study and the function of quantitative research in them are provided
below.

Education. Quantitative research can be used in measuring the level of performance of students as
well as the students, faculty, parents, administrators, the community, the government, and non-
governmental organizations. Through this research method, the interests of these groups can be
advanced or enhanced by implementing quantifiable best practices.

Business. Quantitative research is a very valuable tool in business when it is used intelligently. It can
improve the overall marketing strategy; help the company make informed decisions on how to move
forward with a particular product or services; and even solicit consumer’s opinions for productivity.
This type of research is largely utilized in product development and to create favourable marketing
campaigns. Data that are often used in this type of research are market size, demographics, and
user-preferences.

Medical and Health Allied Services. Since health practitioners are concerned with human life, the
discharge of their duties is very critical. Thus, healthcare procedures, routines, and other systems must
be based on the result of scientific investigation. The statistics on the rate of recovery, the number of
patients with illnesses and sicknesses, the efficacy of medicines and drugs, among others, when
analyzed, can become rich sources of information and a basis of good practices in medical
treatment and intervention. Experimental research on effective medicines, vaccines and other drugs
to cure specific sickness or illness is conducted through quantitative research. Data on the level of
satisfaction of patients on services rendered by the employees in a hospital and the patients’ profile
when treated statistically can be an ideal group for the distribution of health funds and assistance.

Science and Technology. The noted observation for a phenomenon, the rate of processing of certain
devices, and the time consumed for any procedure are factors to be considered. The data
collected will lead to a more responsible and accountable operation of the different components of
technology. During experiments on the new devices, inventions, discoveries, and innovations, the
recorded data are very vital for any test of efficiency.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH RESEARCH DESIGNS

1. Non-experimental Research Design
Non-experimental research design is an approach in quatitative research where data are
gathered in a natural set-up where no variables are manipulated. This is possible when the
 Practical Research 1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

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variables are already “manipulated” (meaning changed or altered) naturally before the study
began, or it is really not possible for the researcher to manipulate them (Mertler, 2014).

a. Descriptive Research
-The purpose of a descriptive study is to describe, and interpret the current status of an
individual, settings, conditions, or events (Mertler, 2014).
a.1. Survey Research- encompasses the use of scientific sampling method with a designed
questionnaire to measure a given population's characteristics through the utilization of
statistical methods (Sukamolson, 2007).
Example:

a.2. Observational Research- the use of observation to gather data. While this may sound
more of a qualitative approach, it becomes quantitative when the researcher focuses on
information that can be quantified or recorded as numerical data.
Example: Multi-Sensory Intervention Observational Research by Carla Thompson
See methods part of the article
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d4PBxTxccbe_3vIVlbsI18ceSwjkNqrS/view?usp=sharing
b. Causal-Comparative Research/Ex-post Facto
-Ex post facto implies "from after the fact" (Gay, 1976). In simple terms, in ex-post facto
research, the researcher investigates a problem by studying the variables in retrospect. It is
research in which the dependent variable is immediately observable and now your main
concern is to find out the antecedents that gave rise to this consequence. It tries to identify
and determine the cause and effect of the relationship between two or more groups. This is a
study in which the researcher attempts to determine the cause, or reason, for pre-existing
differences in groups of individuals.
Example:
 Practical Research 1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
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c. Correlational Research
- A quantitative methodology used to determine whether, and to what degree, a relationship
exists between two or more variables within a population (or a sample). The degree of
relationships is expressed by correlation coefficients. Coefficients range from +1.00 to -1.00.
Higher correlations (coefficients closer to +1.00 or -1.00) indicate stronger relationships. Positive
correlations indicate that as the values associated with one variable go up, so do the values
associated with the other. e.g., higher grades are associated with higher ___. Negative
correlations indicate that as the values associated with one variable go up, the values
associated with the other go down e.g., higher grades are associated with lower___.

c.1. descriptive-aims to comprehend or describe certain related events, conditions or

behaviors.
c.2. predictive- aims to predict future conditions or behaviors in a variable from what we
presently know of another variable.
Example of Correlational Study:
 Practical Research 1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

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2. Experimental Research Design

Experimental design is an approach where the researcher investigates the treatment of an
intervention into the study group and then measures the outcomes of the treatment.
It is 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. The effect of
the independent variables on the dependent variables is usually observed and recorded over some
time, to aid researchers in drawing a reasonable conclusion regarding the relationship between
these 2 variable types.

VARIABLE
A variable is any factor or property that a researcher measures, controls, and/or manipulates.
It is also the changing quantity or measure of any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in
differing amounts or types. It is also a logical set of attributes, characteristics, numbers, or
quantities that can be measures or counted. It is also called a data item.
Classifications of Variables
1. Numeric variables. These are variables with values that describe a measurable numerical
quantity and answer the questions “how many” or “how much”. These values are considered
as quantitative data.
a. Continuous variables. These variables can assume any value between a certain set of real
numbers. The values depend on the scale used. Continuous variables are also called
interval variables. Some examples are time, age, temperature, height, and weight.
b. Discrete variables. These variables can only assume any whole value within the limits of the
given variables. Some examples are the number of registered cars, number of business
 Practical Research 1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

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locations, number of children in the family, population of students, and total number of
faculty members.
2. Categorical variables. These are variables with values that describe a quality or characteristic
of a data unit like “what type” or “which category.”
a. Ordinal variables. These variables can take a value which can be logically ordered or
ranked. Some examples are academic grades such as A, B, C; clothing size such as X, L, M,
S; and measures attitude like strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree.
b. Nominal variables. These are variables whose values cannot be organized in a logical
sequence. Some examples are business types, eye colors, kinds of religion, various
languages, and types of learners.
c. Dichotomous variables. These variables represent only two categories. Some examples are
gender (male and female), answer (yes or no), and veracity (true or false).
d. Polychotomous variables. These are variables that have many categories. Some examples
are educational attainment ( elementary, high school, college, graduate, and
postgraduate), level of performance (excellent, very good, good, satisfactory, or poor).
3. Experimental variables
a. Independent variables. These variables are usually manipulates in an experiment. Thus, it is
also called manipulated or explanatory variable.
b. Dependent variables. These variables are usually affected by the manipulation of the
independent variables. They are also called response or predicted variable.
c. Extraneous variables. These variables are also called mediating or intervening variables.
These variables are already existing during the conduct of an experiment and could
influence the result of the study. They are also known as covariate variables.
Examples:
a. Title of Research: An Experiment on the Methods of Teaching and Language
Achievement Among Elementary Pupils
Independent Variable: Method of teaching
Dependent Variable: Language achievement
Extraneous Variables: Ventilation facilities; Physical ambiance
b. Title of Research: Use of Gardening Tools and Types of Fertilizer: Their Effects on the
Amount of Harvest
Independent Variable: Use of gardening tools, types of fertilizer
Dependent Variable: Amount of harvest
Extraneous Variables: Humidity level; Types of seeds/plants
4. Non-experimental Variables
a. Predictor Variables. These variables change the other variable/s in a non-experimental
study.
b. Criterion Variables. These variables are usually influenced by the predictor variables.
Examples:
a. Title of Research: Competencies of Teachers and Students’ Behavior in Selected Private
Schools.
Predicator Variable: Competencies of teachers
Criterion Variable: Students’ behaviour
b. Title of Research: Conduct of Guidance Counselling Programs and Degree of
Absenteeism and Drop-out Rate Among Grade 8 Classes
Predicator Variable: Conduct of guidance counselling programs
Criterion Variable: Degree of absenteeism and drop-out rate
c. Title of Research: The Types of Facilities, Administrator’s Profile, and Parents’ Support
Towards School Effectiveness Among Public Senior High Schools
Predicator Variable: Types of facilities; Administrator’s profile; Parent’s support
Criterion Variable: School effectiveness
5. Variables according to the number being studied
a. Univariate study. Only one variable is being studied.
 Practical Research 1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

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b. Bivariate study. Two variables are being studied

c. Polyvariate study. More than two variables are being studied.

Types of Experimental Research Design:

a. Pre-experimental- In pre-experimental research design, either a group or various dependent
groups are observed for the effect of the application of an independent variable which is
presumed to cause change. It is the simplest form of experimental research design and is
treated with no control group. They are preparatory or prerequisite to true experimental
designs.
Example: check methodology of this study https://drive.google.com/file/d/11tqLhg_aTgz-
VEZde5fr9mjuCpCLcALU/view?usp=sharing

b. Quasi-Experimental - The word "quasi" means partial, half, or pseudo. Therefore, the quasi-
experimental research bearing a resemblance to the true experimental research, but not the
same. In quasi-experiments, the participants are not randomly assigned, and as such, they are
used in settings where randomization is difficult or impossible.

c. True Experimental- studies with at least one independent variable that is experimentally
manipulated and with at least one dependent or outcome variable. It is also important to
note that variables are randomly assigned.
Example: Read article thru this link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.3823
 Practical Research 1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 12- STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 5 – PR 1 Subject Teacher:

REFERENCES

Books
Cristobal, A. & Cruz-Cristobal, M. (2017). Practical Research for Senior High School 2. C & E Publishing,
Inc. pp.2-16

Journals

Apuke, O. (2017. Quantitative Research Methods a Synopsis Approach. Arabian Journal of Business
and Management Review (Kuwait Chapter. Vol. 6(10). pp. 40-46 doi: : 10.12816/0040336
Garrosa, E., Rainho, C., Moreno-Jiménez, B., & Monteiro, M. (2010). The relationship between job
stressors, hardy personality, coping resources and burnout in a sample of nurses: A correlational study
at two time points. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 47(2) pp. 205-215.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.05.014
Locklear, T.M. (2012). A Descriptive, Survey Research Study of the Student Characteristics Influencing
the Four Theoretical Sources of Mathematical Self-Efficacy of College Freshmen. Theses and
Dissertations--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem) Education 1.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/stem_etds/1/
Saarinen , K., Laakso, J., Lindström, L., Ketola, T. (2018). Adaptation to fluctuations in temperature by
nine species of bacteria. Ecology and Evolution 8(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3823
Sajjadi, H., Ghaedamini Harouni, G., & Sharifian Sani, M. (2015). Personal, familial and environmental
determinants of drug abuse: a causal-comparative study. Global journal of health science, 7(4), 367–
374. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v7n4p367
Thompson, C. (2011). Multi-Sensory Intervention Observational Research. International Journal of
Special Education 26(1). pp. 201-214. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ921210.pdf
Zolfaghari, M., Eybpoosh, S., & Hazrati, M. (2012). Effects of Therapeutic Touch on Anxiety, Vital Signs,
and Cardiac Dysrhythmia in a Sample of Iranian Women Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization: A
Quasi-Experimental Study. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 30(4), 225–
234. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010112453325

Websites

Mauldin, R. (n.d). Quasi-Experimental and Pre-Experimental Designs retrieved from

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/foundationsofsocialworkresearch/chapter/8-2-quasi-experimental-and-
pre-experimental-designs/

Experimental Research Designs: Types, Examples & Methods from

https://www.formpl.us/blog/experimental-research

E-book

Mertler (2016). Quantitative Research Methods. Sage Publishing. pp. 107-139

Salkind, N. (2010) Encyclopedia of Research Designs. https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412961288.n472