STUDY GUIDE 1

For the upcoming 1ST Summative Exam, here are the topics / pointers to review:

Types of Research design

Descriptive Research- It describes the current status of an Identified variable. It is also to provide
systematic information about a phenomenon.

Correlational Research- It is to determine the extent relationship between two or more variables using
statistical data.

Quasi-Experimental Research-It attempts to establish cause-effect relationships among the variables. It

is also similar to true experiments but with some key differences.

Experimental Research- It is called “True experimentation” which it uses scientific method to establish
cause-effect relationship among a group of variables that make up a study.

Strengths of Quantitative research

1. Large populations can be studies using a relatively smaller sample size, based on Power analysis

2. The manuscript itself are generally fewer pages than qualitative

3. It can be generally completed in less time than qualitative

4. Complement and refine quantitative data

5. Provide more detailed information to explain complex issues

6. Multiple methods for gathering data on sensitive subjects

Weaknesses of quantitative research

1. Errors can be huge while there are chances of having inaccurate outputs

2. Expensive and it requires a lot of time

3. Limited number of quants supply and also involves complex discipline which are hard to master

4. Findings usually cannot be generalized to the study population or community

5. More difficult to analyse; don’t fit neatly in standard categories

6. Data collection is usually time consuming

Independent variable- It is an experiment that purposefully change one variable

Dependent variable- A variable that changes in direct response to the independent variable.

Constant variable- Sometimes certain characteristics of the objects under scrutiny are deliberately left
unchanged.

A well-designed experiment eliminates as many unmeasured Extraneous variables as possible.

Lurking variables- It is a subset of extraneous variables represent the unforeseen factors in the
experiment.

Quantitative research- It is defined as a systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering

quantifiable data and performing statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques.Quantitative
research is mostly conducted in the social sciences using the statistical methods used above to collect
Data Analysis.

Characteristics of Quantitative research

A. All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected

B. The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability

C. The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments

The distinct feature of Primary research is that the researcher focuses on collecting data directly rather
than depending on data collected from previously done research.

Survey research- it is the most fundamental tool for all quantitative research.

Cross-sectional survey- An Observational survey conducted in situations where the researcher intends
to collect data from a sample of the target population at a given point in time.

Longitudinal survey- It is also observational survey but unlike cross-sectional survey, it is conducted
across various time durations to observe a change in respondent behavior and thought processes.
Correlational research- comparison between two entities is invariable