PRACTICAL

RESEARCH 2
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:
CHARACTERISTICS OF
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
IMPORTANCE OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IN
DIFFERENT FIELDS
 DEFINITION OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research, according to Aliaga and

Gunderson, (2000), is “explaining phenomena by collecting
numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically
based methods. This type of research utilizes numbers and
statistical analysis. It is ideal in studying phenomena which
must contend with the problems of measurement.
Quantitative research, according to Aliaga and Gunderson,
(2000), is “explaining phenomena by collecting numerical
data that are analyzed using mathematically based
methods. This type of research utilizes numbers and
statistical analysis. It is ideal in studying phenomena which
must contend with the problems of measurement.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

It is reliable and objective.

2. It uses statistics to generalize a finding.
3. It reduces and restructures a complex problem to a
limited number of variables.
4. It looks at the connections between variables and
establishes cause and effect relationships in highly
controlled circumstances.
5. It tests theories or hypotheses.
6. It assumes that the sample is representative of the
population.
7. The subjectivity of its methodology is a secondary
concern.
8. It deals with the details of the subject.
 ADVANTAGES OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. It allows the researcher to measure and analyze the data to

arrive at an objective answer to the problem posed or
stated.
2. The result is reliable since the study uses a big sample of the
population.
3. Standards are usually used in choosing the instruments, in
sampling procedures, and in choosing the most appropriate
statistical treatment.
4. Personal biases can be avoided since personal interaction is
not part of the research process.
5. Processes involved are simplified since the steps in doing
quantitative research are made easy and systematic.
6. Results can be reduced through statistical treatments and
interpreted in a few statements.
 DISADVANTAGES OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. The context of the study or the experiment is ignored in such

a way that it does not consider the natural setting where the
study is conducted.
2. Having a large study sample requires researchers to spend
more resources.
3. Results are limited since they are usually based on the
analysis of numbers and are not obtained from detailed
narratives.
4. It provides less elaborate accounts of human perceptions.
5. In experimental research, the level of control might not be
normally placed in the real world because it is usually done in
a laboratory.
6. Preset or fixed alternative answers may not necessarily
reflect the true answers of the participants.
7. Findings can be influenced by the researcher’s perspective
since most of the time, the participants are unknown to
him/her.
 IMPORTANCE OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IN
DIGFFERENT FIELDS

The importance of quantitative research is evident in its use

in certain fields of study: In education, it can be used in
measuring the level of performance of students and teachers, and
in assessing the effectiveness of the methods and the different
programs conducted. In business, it can improve the overall
marketing strategy, and help the company make informed
decisions on how to best move forward with a particular product
or service. In medical and health allied services, it yields
statistics that can help improve the rate of recovery of patients
with illnesses and sicknesses, and the efficacy of medicines and
drugs, among others. In science and technology, it can lead to a
more responsible and accountable operation of the different
components of technology.