Unit I.

Nature of
Inquiry and
Research
Ma. Catherine T. Ratin
 EXPECTED OUTCOME

The learner should be able to:

 describe the
characteristics, strengths,
and weaknesses of
quantitative research
 Let’s Warm Up...
Form groups with ten
members each. As a group,
select a TV program and
evaluate it based on its
content, message, and
presentation.
 TV Program: TV Patrol
Indicator/ RATING Average
Score
Item 5 4 3 2 1
(Strongly (Agree) (Neutral) (Disagree) (Strongly
agree) disagree)

The program delivers

news objectively.
The news anchors
speak clearly.
The reporting is
accurate.
The program is
visually appealing to
the viewer.
Overall Mean Score
 Directions: Tick the column that best describes your understanding of the
nature of quantitative inquiry and research. You can use your output in
Let’s Warm Up as one of the bases in completing this task.
Usually Sometimes Seldom Never
3 2 1 0
I effectively use quantitative data
(numbers and statistical data) when
investigating relationships between two
items (variables).
I know when to use quantitative
research.
When conducting quantitative research,
I address the weaknesses attendant to it.
The variables that I use in my research
are clear to me.
I recognize the importance of
quantitative research in our daily lives.
TOTAL
Score Level of Proficiency
14-15 Advanced
12-13 Proficient
10-11 Approaching Proficiency
8-9 Developing
7 and below Beginning
 WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH?
 It is a systematic investigation
of observable phenomena
where the researcher gathers
quantitative or numerical data
and subjects them to statistical
methods.
 WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH?
 It is uses statistical methods such as the Pearson’s r,
which measures the relationship between two
variables; t-test, which examines the presence of a
statistical differences between two means; analysis of
variance (ANOVA), which looks into the statistical
difference among the means of two or more groups;
and multiple regression, which tests the relationship
between several independent variables and one
dependent variable.
 WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH?
 The main goals of quantitative
research are to test hypotheses,
explore causal relationships,
make predictions, and generalize
the findings within a population.
 WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH?
 It typically uses larger samples
(or sets of participants in the
study), and primarily utilizes
probability sampling. This type of
sampling is highly randomized.
 WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH?
 It is often said to exhibit a lower level
of subjectivity and a higher rate of
generalizability. Generalizability
refers to the extent to which the
findings not only represent the samples
but also the population at large.
Strengths of Quantitative
Research
 It can be replicated or repeated in other
contexts.
 It provides findings that are generalizable to
a large population.
 It can establish causality more conclusively.
 I can make predictions based on numerical,
quantifiable data.
Strengths of Quantitative
Research
 Data analysis using statistical software is
faster.
 Data-gathering techniques are typically less
demanding, compared with those in qualitative
research.
 It has a low degree of subjectivity.
 Its validity and reliability can be measured.
Weaknesses of Quantitative
Research
 It cannot adequately provide in-depth information
necessary for describing and explaining a complex
phenomenon.
 It lacks the ability to provide a comprehensive
textual description of human experiences.
 Numerical data may be insufficient in analyzing
intangible factors, such as gender roles, socio-
economic status, and social norms of a given
population.
Weaknesses of Quantitative
Research
 It has less flexibility in terms of study design.
 Responses of participants are strictly limited to
what has been asked. These responses may not
be extensive n some cases.
 Self-reported data may not be very accurate as
respondents may have the tendency to
underestimate or overestimate their skills and
behavior during self-assessment tasks.
 Journal No. 1
A. Directions: Write S on the blank if a
quantitative approach is suitable for the given
question and N if it is not.
______ 1. Does the environmental literacy of an individual
increase with age?
______ 2. What are the challenges experienced by student-
athletes?
______3. Does exposure to CNN programs improve
students’ speaking skills?
______4. What are the factors that affect the decision-
making of parents regarding the education of their children?
______5. How reliable are admission tests in predicting the
future performance of students in school?
 Exercise 1.1
A. Directions: Write S on the blank if a
quantitative approach is suitable for the given
question and N if it is not.
______ 6. What are the features of narcissist posts on
Facebook?
______7. Do online materials enhance the computer skills
of students?
______8. Is there a relationship between milk consumption
and incidence of osteoporosis.
______9. What are the study habits of public school
students?
______10. What are the experiences of police officers in
arresting criminals?
 Exercise 1.1
B. Directions: Using the same groupings, discuss the ways to
correct or make up for the weaknesses or inadequacies of
quantitative research. Write two-three sentences for each of the
weaknesses. Discuss your answers in class.

1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________
4. _____________________________________
5. _____________________________________
6. _____________________________________
7. _____________________________________
Thank you!