See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/336579877

Learning the Fundamentals of Quantitative Research

Book · October 2019

CITATIONS READS
0 9,050

4 authors, including:

Randy Tudy Ida G Tudy

Commission on Higher Education Cor Jesu College
24 PUBLICATIONS   56 CITATIONS    8 PUBLICATIONS   5 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Rogelio Bayod
Cor Jesu College, Inc.
40 PUBLICATIONS   97 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

DUTERTE LEADERSHIP: From the Perspective of Local Officials in the Philippines View project

The Future of the Environment and the Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Randy Tudy on 04 November 2019.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Introduction

Learning the Fundamentals of Quantitative Research | 1

 As you venture through your journey in
another research endeavor, particularly in
quantitative research, it is essential to learn what
quantitative research is and its importance in your
daily life. Primarily, section 1 talks about nature
and importance of quantitative research.

Chapter 1 discusses the nature and inquiry

of research. In its lessons, it specifically explains
the following: (1) Characteristics of Quantitative
Research, (2) Strengths and Weaknesses of
Quantitative Research, (3) Kinds of Quantitative
Research, (4) Importance of Quantitative Research
across Fields, and (5) Nature of Variables.

Chapter 2 deals with Identifying the Inquiry

and Stating the Problem in your research which
paves the way for you to start choosing your own
research topic. It specifically involves (6) Finding
Research Topics, (7) Formulating a Research Title,
(8) Background of the Study, (9) Statement of the
Problem, (10) Scope and Delimitation of the
Study, and (11) Significance of the Study.

2|Practical Research 2
 Lesson 1
Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
 describe the characteristics of quantitative research;
 develop interest in quantitative research;
 discuss the advantages of quantitative research based on its distinct
characteristics;
 search on the features of quantitative research and point out their similarities
and differences with its characteristics.

The Israelites, while wandering in the desert for forty years, encountered many
resistance before finally reaching the Promised Land. You might also remember the story
when they were outnumbered by the enemies and started losing, but whenever Moses
would raise his hand, they eventually won the war. There was a time when Moses felt so
tired that he could not steadily lift his hands and the Israelites began to experience defeat.
The experience of the Israelites, based on stories in the Bible, was a unique one. Though
they were few in comparison with their enemies, they still won because God was on their
side. Conversely, ancient wars
were about numbers. If a king
saw he lacked soldiers, he would
send emissaries and offer peace
instead of going to war because
he knew he would lose. In
modern times, numbers still
matter. For instance, military
strengths are determined by the
number of soldiers, guns,
warships, fighter jets, and nuclear
warfare. Today, the military have
Photo Credit: https://goo.gl/uQ8DJx

Learning the Fundamentals of Quantitative Research | 3

very sophisticated war equipment. For example, aerial bombings are controlled by
computers using calculations. Indeed, numbers are indispensable in various ways, and that
includes research.

In Practical Research 1, you learned about Qualitative Research. In this book,

Practical Research 2, you will learn about Quantitative Research. The main distinction
between those two research designs, is on the kind of data to be gathered. Quantitative
research is more on numbers while qualitative is more on words. However, this is just one
vital aspect. There are more to learn about quantitative research.

Let us discover
We now focus on quantitative research. Aside from numbers, quantitative research
has unique characteristics as compared to qualitative research. Let us learn from the
characteristics discussed by Brink and Wood (1998:305) , and Burns and Grove (1997:27-30
& 1993:192). A more detailed explanation for each characteristic will be discussed in the
subsequent chapters and lessons.

1. There is a single reality that can be defined by careful measurement.

The key here is careful measurement on a single reality. For example, Life Satisfaction is
measured using an instrument wherein respondents give their responses to questions
about how satisfied they are with their lives at present. Careful measurement here means
using appropriate statistical tools to measure.

2. It is usually concise.
Quantitative research is concise. Unlike qualitative research which requires a thick
description of reality, quantitative research derives information from the analysis using
statistics, which is direct. Though the discussion can be longer or broadened to
contextualize the study in a larger reality, the results of quantitative research cannot be
expanded because the information revolves around numbers.

3. It describes, and/or examines relationships, and determines causality among

variables, where possible.
If the study is simply descriptive, then the results could only provide a description of
reality. However, when the focus is to test the relationship between two variables, then it
will be testing a hypothesis of significant relationships. An example of this is an

4|Practical Research 2
investigation if there exists a relationship between eating durian fruit and hypertension.
The researchers would like to know if eating durian increases the likelihood of hypertension
attack.

4. Statistical analysis is conducted to reduce and organize data, determine significant

relationships and identify differences and/or similarities within and between different
categories of data.
Quantitative research is used to analyze large or huge data into manageable ones.
For instance, a group of researchers analyzed the data based on health records of teachers
all over the Philippines. Particularly, they investigated on common ailments of teachers in
the country for the past 10 years. Using statistics, they could produce data which could be
easily understandable to concerned agencies for possible policy directions and
interventions. Also, quantitative research is used not only to determine relationships among
variables but also differences among them. For example, researchers would like to
determine if there is a significant difference on the state of health among teachers in the
Philippines when they are grouped by sex, and geographical location.

5. The sample should be representative of a large population.

One of the advantages of quantitative research is studying a large population by
using only a representative sample. It is best exemplified in a study which was conducted
to determine the level of Catholicity among Catholic schools in Region XI. The respondents
were students, teachers, staff, administrators, alumni, and parents. Now, imagine how many
Catholic schools and their stakeholders are there in Region XI. Surely, it is not possible for
the researchers to interview nor administer the instruments to all of them. Simply, using a
sample population is the solution. It is done through a careful statistical analysis to get
sample which can truly represent the entire population. You actually learn this in your
statistics subject.

6. Reliability and validity of the instruments are crucial.

In qualitative research, we discuss about trustworthiness, particularly on
dependability (reliability), credibility (internal validity) and confirmability (external validity).
Likewise, in quantitative research, reliability and validity are very important. Without
establishing these two, the study loses its credibility and scientific rigor. Hence,
instruments to be used in the study must first pass validity and reliability testing. We will
discuss these two further in Methodology.

7. Comprehensive data collected by employing different methods and/or instruments

should result in a complete description of the variable or the population studied.
Another benefit of quantitative research is the availability of different methods or
instruments in collecting data. These methods will paint a clear picture of reality of the
population under investigation. Going back to our discussion on a study among teachers in

Learning the Fundamentals of Quantitative Research | 5

the Philippines, the researchers use the data based on health records. However, they can
also use other available secondary data which can be of help in the study. They can use
data from each school about teachers‘ involvement in different physical activities since the
goal is to have a complete description of the teachers‘ health status using different
instruments or data sources.

8. It provides an accurate account of characteristics of particular individuals,

situations, or groups.
Since quantitative data include numbers, analyses of such using statistical tools are
accurate. Hence, quantitative results cannot be subjected to debate as long as analysis of
data is correct.

Let us generalize

One of the strengths of quantitative research is accuracy. When data are carefully
analyzed using appropriate tools, results are accurate. Also, large or huge data are easily
evaluated using quantitative approach.

Let us apply what we learn

In this lesson, we only presented the characteristics discussed by Brink and Wood
(1998:305) and Burns and Grove (1997:27-30 & 1993:192). For you to learn more about the
characteristics of quantitative research, analyze the features enumerated by eResearch
Methods (https://goo.gl/wxro7a). Go to activity 1.

6|Practical Research 2
 Activity 1.1
Direction. Search for the features of quantitative research by eResearch Methods
(https://goo.gl/wxro7a). Using the tables below, point out their similarities and differences
with the characteristics discussed by Brink and Wood (1998), and Burns and Grove (1993,
1997).

SIMILARITIES
BRINK AND WOOD, AND BURNS AND ERESEARCH METHODS
GROVE

Learning the Fundamentals of Quantitative Research | 7

 Activity 1.2
Direction: Identify what are the features of quantitative in eResearch Methods that are
dissimilar to Brink and Wood (1998), and Burns and Grove (1993, 1997).

.
eRESEARCH METHODS

Activity 1.3

Direction: Knowing the characteristics of quantitative research, what for you are its main
advantages?

8|Practical Research 2
 Lesson 2
Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
 describe the strengths of quantitative research;
 point out the weaknesses of quantitative research;
 contrast the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research with that of
qualitative research.

Conversation among three students:

Glenda: Hi Bren. Are you enrolled in research subject this semester?

Brenda: Yes, Glen. What about you?
Glenda: I am. My companions are Arlene, Dessie and Romel.
Brenda: Oh, I see. We are also four in our group. I will be working with Mylene, Eden
and Jeric.
Glenda: What is your study?
Brenda: We have not chosen yet. Mylene and Eden wanted to do a qualitative study but
Jeric preferred quantitative.
Glenda: You said it girl. We have the same problem with my group. Arlene and I are
comfortable with qualitative data but Dessie and Romel aren’t.
Brenda: It is really confusing.
While they were discussing, Alen their classmate, with another group for their thesis,
heard and interrupted them.
Alen: You seemed to be very serious with your study.
Glenda: Hi Alen. I know you do not have problems with your thesis because you are
there. You are very intelligent.
Brenda: Oh yes. With you, Alen, in the group, for sure you are almost done with the
Conceptualization, hehehe.
Alen: Well, not yet but we already agreed what to study about.
Glenda: What is your study? Is it qualitative or quantitative?

Learning the Fundamentals of Quantitative Research | 9

 Alen: Well, we have not decided yet because we are still discussing on what kind of
data we are going to collect. Besides, our teacher told us not to worry first on
what design to use, either qualitative or quantitative, because it depends on
the kind of data we are going to collect.
Brenda: Hmmmmn. You nailed it Alen. We were debating on what kind of design we’re
comfortable with, and yet, we haven’t really thought of what to study about.
Hehehe.
Glenda: hahaha! Same here.
Alen: So, what are you waiting for? Meet your group and start brainstorming what
to study and later decide what kind of design you are going to use.
Glenda & Brenda: Thank you so much, Alen.
Brenda: Alen, do you have a girlfriend now?
Alen: You better focus on your thesis rather than talking about lovelife.
Brenda: Hahaha! Just joking. But yes, you are very handsome and yet no gf?
Alen: Hey Brenda. Thesis or lovelife?
Brenda: Ok, ok. Thanks. But be sure to help us.
Alen: In your love life? Ah ok, in your thesis, yes, no problem.
Glenda: Bye, Alen.
Brenda: (Giggling)
Glenda: How I wish, I would have a place in his heart. Hahaha!
Brenda: Hahaha!

This conversation of three students tells us of the ladies‘ little knowledge about
research. Yes, Alen was right about brainstorming first about what to study and later
identify what data to collect before deciding on the appropriate research design. In this
chapter, we will talk about strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research design.

Let us discover
In Practical Research 1, we discussed the differences between qualitative and
quantitative research. Part of the discussion was identifying the strengths of both. Here,
we will identify some of the strengths, as well as weaknesses, of quantitative research.

Strengths

1. Quantitative research validates or invalidates existing theories.

2. It explains a phenomenon expressed in numbers and analyzed using statistical tools.

10 | P r a c t i c a l R e s e a r c h 2
 Photo Credit: https://goo.gl/JvnWmN

3. It can be used in studying a huge number of respondents.

4. It is a design which tests a hypothesis which is already formulated before the actual
conduct of the study.
5. Findings can be generalized.
6. Since it uses numbers, it can provide precise numerical data.
7. It can make statistical comparisons between groups.
8. With the use of statistical tools, analysis is less time consuming.
9. There is a strong sense of objectivity since the researcher is independent from the
study.

Considering the identified strengths, let us take an example of the surveys

conducted by different agencies such as Social Weather Station (SWS) and Pulse Asia. For
example, during campaign periods, there were surveys conducted to determine the leading
candidates. Did you know that it only took around 1,200 respondents all over the
Philippines to complete the survey? The result, most of the time, gives a clearer picture of
the people‘s choice if the election is held at the time the survey is conducted. With only
1,200 respondents, the result can be generalized for the whole country. How can the
1,200 respondents represent more than 100 million people? This is one of the strengths of
quantitative research.

Weaknesses

1. Quantitative research is based on existing theories. It cannot fully explain a certain

phenomenon and generate a new theory.
2. It is only possible if the phenomenon is measurable.
3. It cannot fully explain the perception and meaning of realities.

L e a r n i n g t h e F u n d a m e n t a l s o f Q u a n t i t a t i v e R e s e a r c h | 11
 One criticism of quantitative research is the question of ―what is something new?‖ If
there is already an existing theory, a researcher is simply validating or invalidating the
existing theory. As mentioned above, quantitative research cannot explain fully the
phenomenon. For example, President Duterte was not leading in the surveys on the early
days of the campaign period. In fact, his name was not even included at first. However, as
the campaign period is about to end, Duterte took the number one spot. Quantitative
surveys can only compute the number of people who preferred Duterte as compared to
other candidates. However, as to why these people preferred him, it cannot be explained
fully through quantitative research.

Let us generalize

One of the main advantages of quantitative research is the guidance of theory.

In preparing a research proposal, a researcher has a clear direction since there is already an
existing theory. Quantitative research can explain phenomena with measurable variables
and indicators. In Practical Research 1, we discussed the advantages of qualitative research.
Here we will learn what quantitative research can do which cannot be done in qualitative
research.

Let us apply what we learn

Go to activity 2.

12 | P r a c t i c a l R e s e a r c h 2
 Activity 2.1
Direction: To deepen your understanding on the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative
research, search for the disadvantages of qualitative research. Write these on the left
column. On the right column, write your own explanation on the advantage/strength of
quantitative research as against the weakness of qualitative research.

Weaknesses of Qualitative Research Strengths of Quantitative Research

L e a r n i n g t h e F u n d a m e n t a l s o f Q u a n t i t a t i v e R e s e a r c h | 13
 Activity 2.2
Direction: Search for other weaknesses of quantitative research. Write these on the left
column. Then, explain the advantage of qualitative research as against the weakness of a
quantitative research. You may consider searching for the article written by Sudeshna and
Sharuti Datt (2016) at https://www.projectguru.in/publications/limitations-quantitative-research/.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research Strengths of Qualitative Research

14 | P r a c t i c a l R e s e a r c h 2
 Activity 2.3
Direction: For more information about the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative
research, refer to USC Libraries Research Guides. Refer to this link:
http://libguides.usc.edu/c.php?g=235034&p=1561756.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research Strengths of Quantitative Research

L e a r n i n g t h e F u n d a m e n t a l s o f Q u a n t i t a t i v e R e s e a r c h | 15
16 | P r a c t i c a l R e s e a r c h 2
 Lesson 3
Kinds of Quantitative Research
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:

 identify the different kinds of quantitative research;

 relate the kinds of research with the objectives of the study;
 search for studies and provide an example for each kind of quantitative
research;
 gain insights on what kind of quantitative research is fitted for a proposed
study.

Every now and then the Social Weather Station (SWS) or Pulse Asia releases reports
of their research results on the satisfaction of Filipino people about the performance of
government officials or agencies. For those who are not familiar with research, they will
wonder how these research companies are able to get the pulse of the entire Filipino
people. How much more if they know that, in most cases, the respondents are only 1,200?
Well, the method is done scientifically, that is why, these companies are able to get an
almost accurate result of their investigation.

In lesson 2, we considered the conversation of students arguing on what kind of

study they want to pursue. If ever they have already chosen a topic and it happened to be
quantitative research, the next question is what kind of quantitative research? In this
lesson, we will discuss the most common types of quantitative research.

Let us discover
Several authors would present different ways of classifying the types of quantitative
research. For the purpose of our discussion, we will use the most common types of
quantitative research. These are: 1) survey research, 2) correlational research, 3) causal-
comparative research, and 4) experimental research.

L e a r n i n g t h e F u n d a m e n t a l s o f Q u a n t i t a t i v e R e s e a r c h | 17
Survey Research
This type of quantitative research usually involves a big population. Hence, the
respondents of this research are randomly selected so that everyone in the entire
population has the equal chance of being selected. (A more detailed discussion about this
can be found on the lesson about sampling.) Moreover, it uses a validated questionnaire
or research instrument. Survey research ―is an instrument to collect data that describe one
or more characteristics of a specific population‖ (Gay, Mills & Airasian, 2011:184).

Examples of survey research are those which answer questions such as ―How many
people preferred a particular brand of soap?‖ ―Who are the most affected individuals on
the implementation of a new policy?‖

Correlational Research
It is a type of research which tests if relationship exists between two variables. Look
at this example of a research question for correlational research- ―Is there a relationship
between the rise of crimes and the proliferation of drugs?‘ Another example is on the study
whether there is a relationship between spiritual intelligence and emotional intelligence.
The most popular statistical tool in this kind of research is the Pearson r Product Moment
Correlation.

Causal-Comparative Research

This type of research tests the cause and effect relationship. Unlike correlational
research which only focuses on the degree of relationship between variables, causal
research looks at how a certain variable affects the other. For example, a researcher would
like to see if spiritual intelligence affects work performance. The hypothesis here is the
higher the spiritual intelligence, the higher the work performance. The statistical tool fitted
for the analysis is the Regression Analysis.

Comparative is used to test how two or more groups look or behave in certain
phenomenon. For example, a researcher would like to test people‘s behavior about money
spending between male and female respondents or level of stress among employees
according to age. The most common statistical tools in this kind of research are t-test and
ANOVA or Analysis of Variance. There are also studies which employ both causal and
comparative.

18 | P r a c t i c a l R e s e a r c h 2
Experimental Research
It is a type of research which tests if a certain intervention is
effective or not. It is very popular in natural sciences. For sure, you
experienced this kind of research in your Science Investigatory Project
(SIP).

Let us generalize

There are different kinds or types of quantitative research. The researcher can
only choose which kind depending on the objectives of the study. There are studies which
are purely survey, just like the works of SWS and Pulse Asia, but produce very powerful
data/results. Again, it all depends on the intention of the study.

Let us apply what we learn

Go to activity 3.

L e a r n i n g t h e F u n d a m e n t a l s o f Q u a n t i t a t i v e R e s e a r c h | 19
 Activity 3
Direction. Let us test your knowledge about the kinds of quantitative research. Search for
studies and select one for each kind of quantitative research.

Type of Research Example with Complete Bibliographic Entry

20 | P r a c t i c a l R e s e a r c h 2

View publication stats