The learner should be able to:

1. Describes characteristics, strengths,

weaknesses, and kinds of quantitative
research
2. Illustrates the importance of quantitative
research across fields
3. Differentiates kinds of variables and their
uses
The Nature of Inquiry
and Research
Ms. Melody T. Zafe
HUMANS ARE NATURALLY CURIOUS!
INQUIRY
•an act of asking
for information
 Nature & Importance
Research is a systematic process of
solving a problem or finding answers
to an inquiry.
“Most of the society’s major problems are resolved,
needs are satisfied, and demands are met.”
Prefix “Again” “To look for something”

“To look for something again.”

What is to look for in the research?
 WHAT IS
QUANTITATIV
E RESEARCH
?
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

- phenomena by collecting numerical

data that are analyzed using
mathematically – based methods
(particularly statistics).
- can gather a large amount of data
that can be easily organized,
analyzed and interpreted.
 Characteristics of
Quantitative Research
1. Objective- impartial, unbiased and neutral
2. Clearly defined questions (What, Which, how
much)
3. Structured research instruments (surveys
questionnaires, software)
4. Numerical data and statistical treatment (unbiased
results)
5. Large sample size (represents a population)
6. Replication (high reliability — stable and consistent)
7. Future outcomes (new concepts & further studies)
STRENGTHS:
1. It is objective.
2. The use of statistical techniques facilitates
analyses and allows you to comprehend a huge
amount of vital characteristics of data.
3. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and
easy way.
4. Quantitative studies are
replicable.
 WEAKNESSES:
1. It 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.
5. If not done seriously and correctly, data from
 Importance of
Quantitative
Research
• More reliable and objective
• Can use statistics to generalize a
finding
• Often reduces and restructures a
complex problem to a limited
number of variables
• Looks at relationships between
variables and can establish cause
and effect in highly controlled
circumstances
• Tests theories or hypotheses
• Subjectivity of researcher in
methodology is recognized less
• Less detailed than qualitative data
and may miss a desired response
from the participant
Quantitative
Research
Variables
Variables refer to factors or
conditions that can change
during the course of an
experiment.
Types of Variables
Independent variable is a variable in
research that causes change esp. on other
variables. It can be controlled to monitor
such changes.

Dependent variables result from the

independent variables. It is the variable
being tested and monitored.
The effect of temperature on
plant pigmentation
IV = temperature
DV= plant pigmentation or
color
Effects of fertilizer on
plant growth
IV = brand/amount of fertilizer
DV= plant growth
Time spent studying and its
effects the test scores of
students
IV = time spent studying
DV = test scores
Salary and job
satisfaction among Tondo
residents
IV = salary
DV = job satisfaction
Three types of variables defined by the context
within which the variable is discussed
– Independent and dependent variables (i.e., cause
and effect)
– Extraneous and confounding variables
– Continuous and categorical variables
Extraneous and confounding variables –
Extraneous variables are those that affect the dependent
variable but are not controlled adequately by the researcher
• Not controlling for the key-boarding skills of students in a
study of computer- assisted instruction
Confounding variables are those that vary
systematically with the independent variable and exert
influence of the dependent variable

• Not using counselors with similar levels of experience

in a study comparing the effectiveness of two
counseling approaches
Continuous and categorical variables –
Continuous variables are measured on a scale that theoretically can take on an infinite number of
values
Test scores range from a low of 0 to a high of 100 Attitude scales that range from very negative at 0
to very positive at 5 Students‘ ages
Categorical variables are measured and assigned to groups on the basis of specific characteristics
Examples:
 Gender: male and female
 Socio-economic status: low middle, and high

NOTE:
Continuous variables can be converted to categorical variables, but categorical variables cannot be
converted to continuous variables IQ is a continuous variable, but the researcher can choose to group
students into three levels based on IQ scores - low is below a score of 84, middle is between 85 and
115, and high is above 116 Test scores are continuous, but teachers typically assign letter grades on a
ten point scale (i.e., at or below 59 is an F, 60 to 69 is a D, 70 to 79 is a C, 80-89 is a B, and 90 to
100 is an A
Categorical and Continuous Variables Categorical variables are also known as discrete or
qualitative variables.

Categorical variables can be further categorized as nominal, ordinal or dichotomous.

1. Nominal variables are variables that have two or more categories, but which do not have
an intrinsic order. For example, a real estate agent could classify their types of property
into distinct categories such as houses, condos, co-ops or bungalows. So "type of
property" is a nominal variable with 4 categories called houses, condos, co-ops and
bungalows. Of note, the different categories of a nominal variable can also be referred to
as groups or levels of the nominal variable. Another example of a nominal variable would
be classifying where people live in the USA by state. In this case there will be many more
levels of the nominal variable (50 in fact).
2. Dichotomous variables are nominal variables which have only two categories or levels.
1.Continuous variables are also known as quantitative
variables. Continuous variables can be further categorized
as either interval or ratio variables.
o Interval variables are variables for which their central
characteristic is that they can be measured along a
continuum and they have a numerical value
o Ratio variables are interval variables, but with the added
condition that 0 (zero) of the measurement indicates that
there is none of that variable.
Activity 1:
Using google docs, create an essay
showing the importance of quantitative
research across the different fields.
 3 2 1 Total

Ideas This paper is clear and The writer is beginning As yet, the paper has no
focused. It holds the to define the topic, clear sense of purpose or
reader's even though central theme.
attention. development is still
basic or general.
Organization The organization The organizational The writing lacks a clear
enhances and showcases structure is strong sense of direction. Ideas,
the central idea or theme. enough to move the details, or events seem
The order, structure of reader through the text strung together in a loose
information is compelling without too much or random fashion; there is
and moves the reader confusion. no identifiable internal
through the text. structure.

Sentence Sentences are well built, The text hums along The reader has to practice
Fluency with strong and varied with a steady beat, but quite a bit in order to give
structure that invites tends to be more this paper a fair
expressive oral reading. mechanical than fluid. interpretive reading.