PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

WHAT IT IS
a structured method of collecting and analyzing data from various sources using computational,
statistical, and mathematical tools. It aims to quantify problems and understand their prevalence,
using surveys and expeSourceriments as data collection tools.

CHARACTERISTICS

● data is gathered using structured research instruments

● reuslts are based on larger sample sizes (representation of the population)

● usually replicated/repeated = high reliability

● researchers clearly define research questions to which objective answers are sought

study is carefully designed before data is collected

● data are in the form of numbers and statistics arranged in tables, charts, figures and

other non-textual forms

● results can be used to genereralize concepts

● researchers use tools such as questionnaires, or computer software to collect

numerical data (Babbie, 2011)

STRENGTHS
● ability to test and validate theories,

● generalize findings,

● provide precise data, and

● establish cause-and-effect relationships

● highlights quick data collection methods,

● less time-consuming data analysis,

● independent research results,

● potential credibility with power figures, and

● usefulness for studying large populations.

WEAKNESSES

● researcher's categories and theories may not reflect local constituencies'

understandings - leading to bias

● knowledge produced may be too abstract for specific local situations

KINDS: EXPERIMENTAL
➔ TRUE EXPERIMENTAL
The experiment requires random assignment of sample groups, a viable control group,

and manipulation of only one variable.

➔ QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL
Real-world constructions are used, but categories may not meet the criteria for true

experimental groups, and control and experimental groups may not be randomly

selected.
 ➔ PRE-EXPERIMENTAL
research involving a single group receiving treatment without a control group, often
found in pilot studies, one-shot case studies, most research.

KINDS: NON-EXPERIMENTAL

➔ DESCRIPTIVE
involves collecting data from respondents to understand and predict their behavior,

involving sampling, questionnaire design, administration, and data analysis.

➔ CORRELATIONAL
a quantitative research method that examines the relationship between two or more

quantitative variables from the same group of subjects.

➔ CAUSAL COMPARATIVE "ex post facto" research

basic causal-comparative approach involves starting with an effect and seeking possible
causes (It starts with cause and investigates effects on some variable).

➔ COMPARATIVE / SURVEY

analyzes similarities and differences across a moderate number of cases, typically

ranging from a few to fifty or more.

➔ EVALUATIVE

A study utilizing standard social research methods for evaluating social programs,

using unique techniques for assessment and specific research methodology.

CONTRIBUTIONS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS

Social Sciences - The procedures used to gather vital data about a culture or community that
cannot be gathered from observation alone include surveys, inspections, records, or censuses.

Natural & Physical Sciences - Developing and using mathematical theories, models, and
hypotheses to understand natural occurrences in a variety of disciplines, including physics,
biology, psychology, sociology, geology, education, and journalism, is known as quantitative
research.

Business and Accounting - Quantitative research provides reliable, objective insights into
market trends and patterns, enabling the application of accounting knowledge and practice in
both historical and contemporary studies.

Arts & Design - The research aims to evaluate the influence of the arts on student learning
through controlled, experimental methods.

WHAT ARE VARIABLES?

Variables define your direct focus into a specific characteristic or condition.
● anything that has a quantity or quality that varies
● it eliminates complexities and elaborate work
● aids in smooth data collection and analysis

EXTRANEOUS VARIABLE
● variables affect the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable.
● variables are to be controlled by you, the experimenter
● Random sampling
biggest way with which you can control the extraneous variables
● Inclusion or Exclusion
● Variables causing threat
 ● Consistency in environment - such as noise, temperature, and lighting, is crucial for
minimizing distrcations and ensuring accurate results.
● Design of the experiment - randomly assigning participants to groups, reducing
extraneous variables and making researchers unaware of group assignments.
● Randomization - divides participants based on their unique personalities and abilities -
ensuring a diverse group with diverse aspects.

WAYS TO CONTROL
- keeping the variable constant through th eexperiment

CONFOUNDING VARIABLE - dont give in to control

INEPENDENT VARIABLE - manipulation is intentional or direct

DEPENDENT VARIABLE - variables that are measured to come to a conclusion

QUANTITATIVE VARIABLES
● Numerical variables, also known as discrete and continuous variables, are used in
quantitative research due to their numeric nature and ability to be measured.
1. DISCREET VARIABLES

➔ refers to the use of countable whole numbers, which do not include negative or fixed
points, such as class size, group size, or frequency.
2. CONTINUOUS VARIABLES

➔ such as height and temperature

➔ can take non-whole numbers/fractions
➔ either be positive or negative

● Numerical data have two levels of measurement, namely:

1. INTERVALS

➔ Quantitative variables with equal and meaningful differences between consecutive

values, such as temperature, year, or IQ score.
➔ Numbers are arbitrary/random, and zero points do not indicate absence of a property.
2. RATIO
➔ similar to interval data
➔ has a true zero value indicating the absence of a measured quantity, like age, height,
weight and distance.

● also known as categorical variables

● are descriptions or categories that can be divided into dichotomous, nominal, or ordinal
categories.
1. DICHOTOMOUS VARIABLES
➔ A question can be answered with either a yes or no response.
2. NOMINAL VARIABLES
➔ categorizes subjects into groups using factors like number, blood type, hair color, and
mode of transportation to differentiate between different individuals.
3. ORDINAL VARIABLES
➔ rank variables in a specific order, either qualitatively or quantitatively.
➔ examples include numerical or categorical ratings in surveys (cancer stage, Spotify Top
20 hits or academic honors)

SUMMARY
● Quantitative research uses scientifically collected and statistically analyzed data

to investigate observable phenomena.

● Characteristics of quantitative research are (7) Large sample size, (2) Objective,

(3) Visual result presentation, (4) Faster data analysis, (5) Generalized data, (6)

Fast data collection, (7) Reliable data, and (8) Replication.

● Strengths and weaknesses

● Kinds of quantitative research are (1) Descriptive, (2) Correlational, (3) Ex post

facto design, (4) quasi-experimental, and (5) experimental.

● Types of Variables: (1) Independent, (2) Dependent, (3) Extraneous, (4)

Continuous, (5) Discrete, (6) Dichotomous, (7) Nominal variable and (8) Ordinal

variable.