V.

1 Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is the systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena

using statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. It deals with numbers, logic, and an
objective stance. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical
models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The goal in conducting
quantitative research study is to determine the dependent or outcome variable within a
population.
Quantitative research has the following main characteristics:

 Objective
The research aims for objectivity and is separated from the data. Quantitative
research seeks accurate measurement and analysis of target concepts. Prior to
proposing a conclusion or solution to a problem, data are gathered beforehand. It is not
based on mere guesses and intuitions.

 Structured Research instruments.

Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect
numerical data. The overarching aim of a quantitative research study is to classify
features, count them, and construct statistical models in an attempt to explain what is
observed.

 Larger Sample Sizes

The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the
population in order to come up with a more reliable data analysis. A large sample size is
required, depending on how the characteristics and the variations of the population. To
avoid the researcher’s bias in interpreting the results, Random Sampling is
recommended in determining the sample size.

 Replicated or Repeated
Given its high reliability, quantitative research study can usually be replicated or
repeated to confirm or to verify the correctness of the results in a different or another
 setting. In this manner, the validity of the findings is being strengthened in order to
eliminate the possibility of spurious conclusions.
 Clearly Defined Research Questions
Prior to the gathering of data, all aspects of the study are carefully designed by
the researcher. In quantitative research, the researchers know in advance what they are
looking for. Questionnaires are well defined for which objective answers are sought.

 Numerical Data
Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often organized and presented
using tables, charts, graphs, figures, or other non-textual forms that consolidate large
numbers of data to show trends, relationships, or differences among variables.

 Future Outcomes
Research paper can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future
results, or investigate causal relationships. Future scenarios of the study maybe
formulated by using complex mathematical calculations and with the aid of computers,
thus, predicting future outcomes.

V.3 Kinds of Quantitative Research

There are four (4) main kinds of quantitative designs –

descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental.

1. Descriptive Research is a study designed to depict the participants in an accurate way.

More simply, descriptive research is all about describing people who take part in the
study.
There are three ways a researcher can go about doing a descriptive research
project, and they are:
o Observational - defined as a method of viewing and recording the participants
o Case Study - defined as an in-depth study of an individual or group of
individuals
 o Survey - defined as a brief interview or discussion with an individual about a
specific topic

Examples of Descriptive Research

 Comparing Students’ Performance

An academic institution may wish to compare the performance of its junior high
school students in English language and Mathematics. This may be used to classify
students based on 2 major groups, with one group going ahead to study while courses,
while the other study courses in the Arts & Humanities field. Students who are more
proficient in mathematics will be encouraged to go into STEM and vice versa. Institutions
may also use this data to identify student's weak points and work on ways to assist
them.

2. Correlational Research is a quantitative method of research in which you have 2 or

more quantitative variables from the same group of subjects, and you are trying to
determine if there is a relationship (or co variation) between the 2 variables (a similarity
between them, not a difference between their means). Theoretically, any 2 quantitative
variables can be correlated (for example, midterm scores & number of body piercings)
as long as you have scores on these variables from the same participants; however, it is
probably a waste of time to collect & analyze data when there is little reason to think
these two variables would be related to each other.

Examples of Correlational Research

 Example 1.
To find out if there is a correlation between gender and class participation, you
observe college seminars, note the frequency and duration of students’ contributions,
and categorize them based on gender. You statistically analyze the data to determine
whether men are more likely to speak up in class than women.
 3. Quasi-experimental Research involves selecting groups, upon which a variable is
tested, without any random pre-selection processes. For example, to perform an
educational experiment, a class might be arbitrarily divided by alphabetical selection or
by seating arrangement. The division is often convenient and, especially in an
educational situation, causes as little disruption as possible. After this selection, the
experiment proceeds in a very similar way to any other experiment, with a variable being
compared between different groups, or over a period of time.

Examples of Quasi-Experimental Research

Activity: (From the given examples, write details to formulate a topic on quasi-experimental
research based from the given information. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper
which will serve as your answer sheet. Be sure not to write anything on this learning module.)

 Example 1
Imagine that a group of obese children is recruited for a study in which their
weight is measured, then they participate for 3 months in a program that encourages
them to be more active, and finally their weight is measured again. Explain how each of
the following might affect the results:
 regression to the mean
 spontaneous remission
 history
 maturation

4, Experimental Research is commonly used in sciences such as sociology and

psychology, physics, chemistry, biology and medicine etc. It is a collection of research
designs which use manipulation and controlled testing to understand causal processes.
Generally, one or more variables are manipulated to determine their effect on a dependent
variable. The experimental method is a systematic and scientific approach to research in
which the researcher manipulates one or more variables, and controls and measures any
change in other variables. The word experimental research has a range of definitions. In the
strict sense, experimental research is what we call a true experiment. This is an experiment
where the researcher manipulates one variable, and control/randomizes the rest of the
variables