QUANTITATIVE

RESEARCH

BY: RHENN B. SONGCO

DEFINITION

 Explainingphenomena by collecting
numerical data that are analysed using
mathematically based methods (Alinga
and Gunderson, 2000)
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
1. The data is usually gathered using
structured research instruments
2. The results are based on larger sample
sizes that are representative of the
population
3. The research study can usually be
replicated or repeated, given it’s reliability
4. Researcher has a clearly defined research
question to which objective answers are
sought
 5. All aspects of the study are carefully
designed before data is collected
 6. Data are in the form of numbers and
statistics, often arranged in tables, charts,
figures, or other non-textual forms
 7. Researcher uses tools, such as
questionnaires or computer software, to
collect numerical data
 8. Project can be used to generalize
concepts more widely, predict future
results or investigate causal relationships
STRENGTHS OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH

 1. Eliminates bias
 2. Greater accuracy
 3. Summarize large information
 4. Allows for a broader study,
involving a greater number of
subjects, and enhancing the
generalization of the results
WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
 1. Limited outcomes in a quantitative
research
 2. Preset answers will not necessarily reflect
how people really feel about a subject and, in
some cases, might just be the closest match to
the preconceived hypothesis
 3. Researcher may collect a much narrower
and sometimes superficial data set
 4. Quantitative data is more efficient and
able to test hypotheses, but may miss
contextual detail