Quantitative Research- is an objective, systematic, empirical investigation of

observable phenomena through the use of computational techniques. It highlights

numerical analysis of data hoping that the numbers yield unbiased results that can
be generalized to some larger population and explain a particular observation.
Simply quantitative research is concerned with numbers and its relationship with
events.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

1. Objective. Quantitative research seeks accurate measurement and analysis of

target concepts. It is not based on mere intuitions and guesses. Data are gathered
before proposing a conclusion or solution to a problem.

2. Clearly Defined Research Questions. In quantitative research, the researchers

know in advance what they are looking for. The research questions are well- defined
for which objective answers are sought. All aspects of the study are carefully
designed before data are gathered.

3. Structured Research Instruments. Data are normally gathered using structured

research tool such as questionnaires to collect measurable characteristics of the
population like age, socio- economic status, number of children, among others.

4. Numerical Data. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often organized
and presented using tables, charts, graphs and figures that consolidate large
numbers of data to show trend, relationship, or differences among variables.

5. Large Sample Size. To arrive at a more reliable data analysis, a normal

population distribution curve is preferred. This requires a large sample size,
depending on how the characteristics of the population vary. Random sampling is
recommended in determining the sample size to avoid researcher’s bias in
interpreting the results.

6. Replication. Reliable quantitative studies can be repeated to verify or confirm the

correctness of the result in another setting. This strengthens the validity of the
findings thus eliminating the possibility of spurious conclusions.
STRENGHTS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. It is objective. Since it provides numerical data, it can’t be easily misinterpreted.

2. The use of statistical techniques facilities sophisticated analyses and allows you to
comprehend a huge of vital characteristics of data.

3. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and easy way. By employing
statistically valid random models, findings can be generalized to the population about
which information is necessary.

4. Quantitative studies are replicable. Standardized approaches allow the study to be

replicated in different areas or over time with the formulation of comparable findings.

WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. Quantitative research requires a large number of respondents.

2. It is costly.

3. The information contextual factors to help interpret the results or to explain

variations are usually ignored.

4. Many information are difficult to gather using structured research instruments

specifically on sensitive issues.

5. If not done seriously and correctly, data from questionnaires may be incomplete
and inaccurate.

IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

IN TEACHERS (HEls and Basic Education):

1. To improve educational practices that may lead to more quality learning of the
students.

2. Because there is a serious need to identify the problems of the deteriorating

quality of education, they can be addressed systematically and educational decisions
are assured to be sound.

3. Innovative teaching strategies are product of researches.

4. Researchers also validate, test and challenge existing educational practices that
may lead to reforms which are more contextualized, localized, and responsive to the
needs of the learners.

IN ACCOUNTING, BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT (ABM)

1. Researches can help design a new product or service, figuring out what is needed
and ensure that the development of a product is highly targeted towards demand.

2. Businessman can utilize research results to guarantee sufficient distribution of

their products and decide where they need to increase their product distribution.

3. Conducting researches can also help a business determine whether now is the
proper time to open another branch or whether it needs to apply for a new loan.

4. It may also help a small business decide if a procedure or strategy should be

changed to meet the requirements of the customer or base.

5. Research is very important for any organization to remain competitive in the

market.

6. The primary function of research in ABM is to correctly determine its customers

and their preferences, establish the enterprise in the most feasible location, deliver
quality goods and services, analyze what the competitors are doing and find ways on
how to continuously satisfy the growing and varied needs of the clients.

IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)

1. Medical practitioners conduct researches to obtain significant information about

disease trends and risk factors, results of various health interventions, patterns of
care, and health care costs and use.

2. Researches help in determining the effectiveness and even side effect of drugs
and therapies in different population.

3. Researches are also necessary in evaluating experiences in clinical practice in

order to develop mechanisms

 Researches in this field ultimately aim for man’s longevity.

FOR ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, AND OTHER BUILDERS:

1. Research helps in providing designs which are creatively beautiful and at the
same time give more convenience and efficiency as they utilize modern technology
to adapt to the everchanging society.

2. New materials can be developed through research so as to further strengthen the

structural materials that can withstand various calamities and disasters.

IN HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES:

1. Research aim to provide solutions to the social problems directly felt by people.
Researches in this field deal more on societal behaviors and social issues such as
stress, worker ethics, organizational commitment. Leadership style, child labor,
teenage pregnancy, human trafficking to drugs and other forms of criminality.

2. Social science researches lead to the understanding of social interactions that

may lead to the formation of new theories and practices that contribute to societal
development and welfare.

3. As a whole, research can help us understand and assess the things and
occurrences around us. It provides us with rationale and justifications for our
decision and actions.

4. It gives us the opportunity to discover various means of identifying problems to

find new ways of dealing with life’s challenges, and to come up with innovative
materials and mechanisms that can improve the quality of our lives.

RESEARCH VARIABLES

VARIABLE

- a central concept in research

- a measurable characteristic that changes in value

- it may vary from one group to another group, one person to another or even with
the same person over time

- anything that may assume varied numerical or categorical values

Ex. Sex, socioeconomic status. Educational attainment of parents.

TYPES OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Phenomenological model

The phenomenological model seeks to identify how participants feel about certain
occurrences or activities. Researchers study the unique ways individuals experience
events through observation and interviews before, during, and after an event. The
phenomenological approach focuses on subjective descriptions of experiences of
participants.

Ethnographic model

In an ethnographic study, researchers immerse themselves within a distinct culture

to study the group's patterns, behaviors, rules, and communication. Researchers are
less interested in testing a theory with this method, and more interested in observing
how subjects react and interact with one another or with a product. Sometimes,
researchers may also take part in the group's activities to experience them firsthand.

Grounded theory model

The grounded theory model uses a systematic review of existing data in large
quantities to develop theories about why events transpired in a certain way or what
causes led to certain results. Data analysis in this method helps identify trends and
commonalities that provide insights into questions of “why” and “how” about the data.
Researchers and organizations can determine the practical applications of this
information when using this approach.

Case study model

Case studies follow a single subject and collect in-depth data to determine more
general conclusions. Subjects may be individuals, families, businesses, or cities.
Researchers typically gather, report, and analyze an extensive amount of data using
this method. Case studies are often longer than other types of research studies,
some lasting a year or more, because researchers seek to measure changes or
results over time.
Narrative model

The narrative model tracks a few participants from a single point in time through the
study's endpoint, relying on in-depth interviews over weeks, months, or years to
collect data about subjects' feelings and reactions. Researchers monitor, discuss,
and record how subjects navigate their lives. The results of narrative studies aren't
necessarily in chronological order. Rather, researchers want to tell the subject's story
by using themes and challenges that may offer opportunities for growth and
development.

Historical model

The historical model attempts to predict future results by studying and interpreting
historical data. Researchers analyze previous trends and results to create current
strategies. Historical research studies begin with a hypothesis or research question
that you want to test. Once you know what question to answer, you can decide what
sources to use for your research. This often involves reading firsthand accounts,
interviewing people who experienced a particular phenomenon, and reviewing other
research about the topic. Once you examine your sources' reliability, you can
analyze your data and develop a theory to answer your initial research question.

Focus groups

Focus groups are small groups of individuals within the study's target demographic
who provide feedback on a product or service before it's available to the public. For
example, participants may test a new product, provide their reactions to a new
commercial or movie, or use a new computer or phone application. Researchers
often observe subjects using the product and conduct in-depth interviews after their
experience to learn how they felt about the product or service, what they liked and
didn't like, and how the company can improve the product.
TYPES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Experimental design

With experimental design, researchers test one or more hypotheses in an

experiment by creating a model and testing it in a controlled environment to
determine cause-and-effect relationships. In this type of study, researchers randomly
assign participants to groups that compare different treatments of the subject. For
example, in a study comparing children who drink soda vs. children who drink juice,
researchers might assign one group to drink only soda and the other group only juice
to measure results.

Correlational study

A correlation study examines whether there's a connection between two variables.

Researchers may use existing data or conduct their own research. They look for
patterns to determine the connection, review how closely they relate to each other,
and discover whether one variable causes another. For example, if a company wants
to determine whether there's a link between higher ticket prices and better box office
results, they might use historical data to compare ticket sales from a popular movie
that costs $10 and a less popular movie that costs $15 to determine the answer.

Survey research

Businesses can use survey research in both correlational and experimental studies.
It involves using a questionnaire to gather specific types of information about a
particular subject. For example, researchers might give subjects a survey asking for
their feelings on gun control policies or survey moviegoers about which showtimes
they prefer.

Quasi-experimental design

A quasi-experimental design is like an experiment, except researchers cannot

control experimental variables or examine cause and effect. There may be
confounding factors that affect the study, such as if researchers cannot assign
participants to groups because of ethical concerns. Researchers may also use a
quasi-experimental design when they have incomplete information about a subject's
experience, or when it may be dangerous to test a hypothesis in an experiment.

Examples of types of research

Here's a list of examples when researchers may use qualitative, quantitative, and
mixed-methods research:

Qualitative research

You can use qualitative research to explore opinions and thoughts about a product.
Here are some examples of projects that use qualitative research:

-companies asking for input on new products or marketing techniques

-history students wanting to describe the changing roles of women in society during
a particular period

-researchers wanting to know how people feel about different housing options

Quantitative research

You may use quantitative research to analyze numerical data and determine the
cause and effect of a phenomenon. Here are some examples of projects that use
quantitative research:

-businesses wanting to determine how many sales they lose because of poor
product packaging

-suppliers testing the strength of their material before selling it to customers

-researchers measuring online shoppers' retention of information on a website based

on different designs