Nature of Inquiry on Research
Causal-comparative Research
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
- The process of collecting and analyzing numerical data.
It can be used to find patterns and averages, make
predictions, test causal relationships, and generalize
results to wider populations.
- Is an objective, systematic, empirical investigation of
observable phenomena through the use of computational
techniques.
- It uses numbers in stating generalizations about a given
problem or inquiry in contrast.
- It highlights the numerical analysis of data hoping that
the numbers yield unbiased results that can be generalized
to some larger population and explain a particular
observation.
- The research instrument used in this kind of research is
in the form of surveys and closed-ended questionnaires.
- The data usually obtained from a large sample of the
population and is analyzed using statistical techniques
ensuring that the conclusions drawn from quantitative
research are valid and are representative of the population.
STRENGTHS OF A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
- Involves greater number of subjects & enables a broader
study.
- Results are more objective and accurate.
-When the right procedure is used, it can be replicated.
- Can summarize vast sources of information & make
comparisons across categories.
- Personal bias can be avoided.
WEAKNESSES OF A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
- Quantitative data, while they can test a hypothesis, may
be limited in explaining their context.
- The research is often conducted in an artificial setting,
where a certain level of control is exercised.
TYPES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
1. Descriptive Research
- involves the collection of data either test a hypothesis or
describe the variables mentioned in the study.
a. Correlational Research
- attempts to determine the level of relationship between
two or more variables.
b. Survey
2.
- attempts to establish cause-effect relationships among
the variables of the study.
3. Experimental Research
- also measures the effect of the independent variable
(cause) to the dependent variable (effect); however, the
researcher can control the independent variables in the
study, wherein the participants are randomly assigned.
A. True experimental
B. Quasi-experimental
IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
Research is essential for the following reasons:
1. Knowledge is established.
2. Perceptions are corrected.
3. Phenomena are validated.
4. Present solutions are tested for effectivity.
5. Problems are solved.
CONSTRUCTS AND VARIABLES
Constructs
- are mental abstractions derived from the combination of
concepts, or your mental representation of the world
around you.
Variables
- are constructs that can be understood differently because
of their differences in values
1. Independent variables – manipulated variables that
cause a change in another variable.
2. Dependent variables – those that are affected by
independent variables.
3. Confounding or extraneous variables – variables
usually indicated in an experimental research.
4. Discrete variables – quantitative or numeric variables
that are obtained by counting.
5. Continuous variables - quantitative or numeric
variables that are obtained by measuring or computation.
6. Quantitative variables – variables that give details
regarding the number or level of something.
7. Qualitative variable – variables that represent kinds or
types of objects.
8. Categorical variables – those that characterize and
describe the quality of data.
Level of measurement – the association of the values that
are linked to a variable.
Importance
• Proper interpretation of data related to the variable.
• Decisions about the proper statistical analysis to be used.
1. Nominal scales – just concerned with the names and
categories of responses. (e.g. nationality, hair color)
2. Ordinal Scales – used for data that intends to be
ranked. (e.g. first, second, third)
3. Interval Scales – use equal units of measurement and
intervals to know the distance between them more than the
sequence. (e.g. temperature, IQ)
4. Ratio scales – the highest level of measurement. (e.g.
height, weight, age)