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Background
Quantitative Concerns
The first major planning phase of a quantitative research involves identifying the problem
statement, purpose of the research, and research design (Whittemore & Melkus, 2008).
Study designs are categorized into three major categories; experimental, quasi-
experimental, and non-experimental designs. The design of a study is geared by the
purpose of a study (Whittemore & Melkus, 2008). For instance, if the purpose of the study
were to understand the effect of a new medication on certain diseases, then an
experimental design may be the most suitable design for such an investigation.
Quantitative researchers must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their chosen
designs (Nodd, 2008). This translates into understanding the reliability and validity or rigor
and relevance of data collected. This is further explained by the consistency of data
collection standards and the degree of representation of data (Whittemore & Melkus,
2008, Bielefeld, 2006).
Much concern is awarded to the internal and external validity. Dodd (2008) posited that
internal validity concerns the effects of variables in the study on the matter studied,
whereas external validity is in regards to the generalization of study inferences to the
larger population. Other validity issues are construct validity and statistical validity that
reflect appropriateness of measurement tools and statistical representation of reality
respectively (Whittemore & Melkus, 2008).
Conclusion