Practical Research 2

Describes Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses, and Kinds of Quantitative Research

Learning Activity Sheet 1

Expectations
This LAS will help you to:
 Define quantitative research
 Describe the different characteristics of quantitative research
 Determine the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research
 Decide on suitable kinds of quantitative research in various fields of interest

Brief Introduction

Quantitative research, unlike qualitative research, uses numbers to generate a particular

inquiry based from objective scales of measurements of units called variables.
Statistical treatment is utilized to determine how significant the relationships of
differences between and among variables. Research findings serve as basis for generalization on
certain phenomena.

What is Quantitative Research?

Quantitative research through the use of computational procedures, is an objective,
methodical experimental investigation of recognizable phenomena. It is highlighted with
numerical analysis of data expecting that the results that can be generalized in some bigger
population and describe a particular observation having no biases. The primary concern of
quantitative research is numbers and its relationship with events.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

1. It is objective NOT subjective. Precision and occuracy of measurement and analysis is
the target of the concepts. Furthermore, Instuitions and guesses is not practice or used
in developing conclusions or solution to a problem.
2. Research questions are clearly defined. Familiarity of the topic of the research have to
be more focus so that it will be clear to the readers and researchers have to be advance
inwhat he is looking for. Research questions have to be precise and clear for which
objective answers are sought. All phases of the study are carefully designed before data
are gathered.
3. Research instrument is clearly structured. The instrument of the study is well-organized
and planned, and with different dimensions and scales. It is a structured research tools
like questionnaire or checklist. It also enable to gather or collect measurable
characteristics of the population like age, socio-economic status, number of children,
among others.
4. Numerical presentation of data. Data are organized and presented in the forms of
numbers and statistics. It is also presented in forms of tables, charts, graphs and figures

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 that consolidate large numbers of data to show trends, relationships, or differences
among others.
5. Large sample sizes. The greater the sample sizes the more reliable data analysis This is
to avoid biases in interpreting the results. It also requires normal population distribution
curve. A minimum of 20% of the population can be used as respondents of a research.
6. Replicated but not duplicated. Reliable quantitative studies can be replicated or
repeated but not duplicated to verify or confirm the correctness of the results in another
setting. Validity of the findings may eliminate the possibility of spurious conclusions.
7. Data can be used to predict future outcomes or forecasts. Through complex
mathematical calculations and with the aid of computers and formulated formulas
scenarios can be predicting future results.
8. Data can be used to verify existing facts and develop new concepts. A research can
validate an existing fact. In some cases, research can be used to develop new ideas to
make life more comfortable.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

The advantages of quantitative research are:
1. Since it is objective and provides numerical data, it can’t be easily misinterpreted.
2. Statistical techniques was used to facilitate sophisticated analyses and allows you to
comprehend a considerable amount of vital characteristics of data.
3. The data in quantitative research can be analyzed in a quick and easy way. With the
use of statistically valid random models, findings can be generalized to the population
about which information is necessary.
4. Replicable. This research can be replicated but with different areas of concern and
location. Dimensions can also be an additive factor to improve the previous research.
5. By using questionnaire, checklist, tests or standardized instrument the data can be
gathered in a quick and easy way.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Disadvantages of quantitative research
1. It requires a large number of respondents. The larger sample size, the more or better
the statistical findings are.
2. It is costly. Due to very large sample, the expenses will be greater in reaching out to
these people and in reproducing the questionnaire.
3. Elaboration on contextual is not factor that can help the results or to explain
variations. In quantitative research, there is no need to elaborate or have sharing of
thoughts for further information. It is a straightforward answer unlike in qualitative.
4. Information with Scientific Issues are difficult to gather when using structured research
instruments like pre-marital sex, homosexuality, domestic violence, among others.
5. If the self-made questionnaire was not done seriously and correctly the data will be
invalid and inaccurate.
6. Researchers must be watchful on respondents who are just guessing in answering the
research instrument as some of them may not reveal the real response due to ethical
issues.

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7. Research instruments preparation and validation may take time if no standardized
tools are available.

Types of Quantitative
Generally, quantitative research are classified into non-experimental ad experimental as
shown in Figure 1.

Source: National Training of Trainers for SHS Teachers on School-Based Research (May 17-21, 2018) Buruea of
Learning Delivery, Department of Education

1. Non-Experimental Research. This kind of research allows the researcher to either

describe a situation or phenomenon or the relationship between two or more variables
without any interference from the proponent. There are two major kinds of non-
experimental research. These are as follows:
A. Descriptive Research. It deals with describing the nature, characteristics and
components of the population or a phenomenon. Manipulation of variables or
search for a cause and effect is not applicable in relating to the phenomenon. This
design attempts to determine the frequency with which it occurs and to find general
attributes of the presently existing situation. Descriptive research is use, if, for
example, you want to know how many hours of senior high school students spend in
surfing the internet or the number of malnourished students who failed in the
achievement test, and how healthy is the food served during recess in the public
schools.
B. Correlational Research. It is primarily concerned with an orderly or systematic
investigation of the nature of relationships, or associations between and among
variables without necessarily investigating into causal reasons underlying them.
Furthermore, it is also concerned with, the extent of relationships that exists
between and among the variables. For example, if Performance in Mathematics can

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 be used to predict performance then, the higher the Mathematics grade, the higher
most likely be the score in Practical Research 2. Correlational Research is employed if
you like to know, for example, if the following factors are related to each other: sex
and mathematical ability, age and leadership style, and occupation and life span.

2. Experimental Research. This kind of research is centrally concerned with constructing

research that is high in causal (internal) validity. There are two major kinds of
experimental research. These are the following:
A. True Experimental Research. This kind of research can be identified by three
characteristics: randomly formed groups, manipulation of the treatment (the IV or
independent variable), and comparisons among groups. The purpose is to test the
true cause and effect relationships of variables involve in the study. According to
Prieto, e.al, it offers the highest internal validity of all the designs.
Example: The Effects of Preschool Language Program on the Language Skills of
Inner-City Children.
B. Quasi-Experimental Research. This kind of research is almost the same as that of
True Experimental Research Design. The only difference is the absence of random
assignment of subjects to other conditions. Prieto et.al, added that the commonality
between the quasi-experimental and true experimental research is that some
subjects received intervention and provide data likely to reflect its impact.
Example: The Effect of Reading Program to Students Comprehension.

Let’s Answer

Activity 1
Directions: Read each statement carefully. Identify the kind of research that is being referred to.
1. The relationships between the economic status and academic performance of the
respondents is __________________________________________________________.
2. The percentage of Grade 10 learners who will pursue academic track in Senior High
School _______________________________________________________.
3. Effects of Pandemic in the Learning Habits of Grade 12 learners.
____________________________________________________________.
4. A survey on the preferred course of Grade 12 learners in College.
____________________________________________________________.
5. The effectiveness of Content-based Instruction in teaching Social Studies Grade 11.
____________________________________________________________.

Activity 2
Directions: Write T if the statement is True, and F if False.
1. Standardized instruments ensure the accuracy, reliability, and validity of data.
2. Quantitative methods cannot be repeated to verify its findings.
3. A research design constitutes the blueprint for the selection, measurement and analysis
of data.

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 4. Quantitative research puts emphasis on proof, rather than discovery.
5. The main purpose of descriptive research design to observe, describe, and document
aspects of situations.

Write S if the statement pertains to the strength of a quantitative research, and W if it’s a
weakness.
6. It can be costly, difficult and time-consuming.
7. It is objective and provides numerical data.
8. The information on contextual factors to help interpret the results.
9. It filters out external factors.
10. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and easy way.