DEFINITION OF QUANTITATIVE

RESEARCH
STRENGTHS OF QUANTITATIVE
Quantitative research is an objective, systematic RESEARCH
empirical investigation of observable phenomena
The strengths of quantitative research are the
through the use of computational techniques. It
following:
highlights the numerical analysis of data hoping that
the numbers yield unbiased results that can be 1. It is objective. The most reliable and valid way of
generalized to some larger population and explain a concluding results, giving way to a new hypothesis
particular observation. Simply, quantitative research or to disproving it. Because of the bigger number of
is concerned with numbers and their relationship the sample of a population, the results or
with events. generalizations are more reliable and valid. Since it
provides numerical data, it can’t be easily
misinterpreted.
CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE
2. The use of statistical techniques facilitates
RESEARCH
sophisticated analyses and allows you to
1. OBJECTIVE. Quantitative research seeks comprehend a huge amount of vital characteristics
accurate measurement and analysis of target of data.
concepts. It is not based on mere intuition and
3. It is real and unbiased. If the research is properly
guesses. Data are gathered before proposing a
designed it filters out external factors, and so can be
conclusion or solution to a problem.
seen as real and unbiased.
2. CLEARLY DEFINED RESEARCH
4. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick
QUESTIONS. The researchers know in advance
and easy way. By employing statistically valid
what they are looking for. The research questions
random models, findings can be generalized to the
are well-defined for which objective answers are
population about which information is necessary.
sought. All aspects of the study are carefully
designed before data are gathered. 5. Quantitative studies are replicable. Standardized
approaches allow the study to be replicated in
3. STRUCTURED RESEARCH
different areas or over time with formulation of
INSTRUMENTS. Standardized instruments guide
comparable findings.
data collection, thus, ensuring the accuracy,
reliability and validity of data. Data are normally 6. Quantitative experiments are useful for testing
gathered using structured research tools such as the results gained by a series of qualitative
questionnaires to collect measurable characteristics experiments, leading to a final answer, and
of the population like age, socio-economic status, narrowing down possible directions to follow.
number of children, among others.
4. NUMERICAL DATA. Figures, tables or graphs
showcase summarized data collection in order to WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE
show trends, relationships or differences among RESEARCH
variables. In sum, the charts and tables allow you to The weaknesses of quantitative research are as
see the evidence collected. follows:
5. LARGE SAMPLE SIZES. To arrive at a more 1. Quantitative research requires a large number of
reliable data analysis, a normal population respondents. It is assumed that the larger the sample
distribution curve is preferred. This requires a large is, the more statistically accurate the findings are.
sample size, depending on how the characteristics
of the population vary. Random sampling is 2. It is costly. Since, there are more respondents
recommended in determining the sample size to compared to qualitative research, the expenses will
avoid the researcher’s bias in interpreting the be greater in reaching out to these people and in
results. reproducing questionnaires.

6. REPLICATION. Quantitative methods can be 3. The information is contextual factors to help

repeated to verify findings in another setting, thus interpret the results or to explain variations are
strengthening and reinforcing validity of findings usually ignored. It does not consider the distinct
eliminating the possibility of spurious conclusions. capacity of the respondents to share and elaborate
further information unlike the qualitative research.
7. FUTURE OUTCOMES. By using complex
mathematical calculations and with the aid of 4. Much information are difficult to gather using
computers, if-then scenarios may be formulated thus structured research instruments, specifically on
predicting future results. Quantitative research puts sensitive issues like pre-marital sex, domestic
emphasis on proof, rather than discovery. violence, among others.
5. If not done seriously and correctly, data from researcher manipulates one or more variables, and
questionnaires may be incomplete and inaccurate. controls and measures any change in other
Researchers must be on the look-out. variables.
The word experimental research has a range of
definitions. In the strict sense, experimental
KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
research is what we call a true experiment.
DESIGNS
This is an experiment where the researcher
1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH is a study
manipulates one variable, and controls/randomizes
designed to depict the participants in an accurate
the rest of the variables. It has a control group, the
way. More simply put, descriptive research is all
subjects have been randomly assigned between the
about describing people who take part in the study.
groups, and the researcher only tests one effect at a
There are three ways a researcher can go about time. It is also important to know what variable(s)
doing a descriptive research project, and they are: you want to test and measure.

• Observational, defined as a method of viewing and

recording the participants
Why is research important?
• Case study, defined as an in-depth study of an
individual or group of individuals It was said that human needs never end. Humans
were engineered to adapt to new things, as our
• Survey, defined as a brief interview or discussion
desires, wants, and curiosity increase and change
with an individual about a specific topic
day by day.
2. CORRELATIONAL STUDY is a quantitative
The importance of quantitative research is evident
method of research in which you have 2 or more
in its use in certain fields of study:
quantitative variables from the same group of
subjects, & you are trying to determine if there is a 1. In education, it can be used in measuring the
relationship (or co-variation) between the 2 level of performance of students and teachers, and
variables (a similarity between them, not a in assessing the effectiveness of the methods and
difference between their means). the different programs conducted, and the
satisfaction of all stakeholders in the educational
Theoretically, any 2 quantitative variables can be
sector including the parents, administrators,
correlated (for example, midterm scores & number
community, the government, and non-governmental
of body piercings!) as long as you have scores on
organization. Through this research method, the
these variables from the same participants; however,
interests of all stakeholders can be advanced or
it is probably a waste of time to collect & analyze
enhanced by implementing quantifiable best
data when there is little reason to think these two
practices.
variables would be related to each other.
2. In business, quantitative research is a very
3. QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN involves
valuable tool when it is used intelligently. It can
selecting groups, upon which a variable is tested,
improve the overall marketing; help the company
without any random pre-selection processes.
make informed decisions on how to move forward
For example, to perform an educational experiment, with a particular product or service; and even solicit
a class might be arbitrarily divided by alphabetical consumers’ opinions for productivity.
selection or by seating arrangement. The division is
This type of research is largely utilized in product
often convenient and, especially in an educational
development and to create favorable marketing
situation, causes as little disruption as possible.
strategies. Data that are often used in this research
After this selection, the experiment proceeds in a are market size, demographics, and user
very similar way to any other experiment, with a preferences.
variable being compared between different groups,
3. In medical and health allied services; since
or over a period of time.
health practitioners are concerned with human life,
4. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH is commonly the discharge of their duties is very critical. Thus,
used in sciences such as sociology and psychology, health care procedures, routines, and other systems
physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, etc. It is must be based on the result of scientific
a collection of research designs that use investigation. The statistics on the rate of recovery,
manipulation and controlled testing to understand the number of patients with illnesses and sicknesses,
causal processes. and the efficacy of medicines and drugs, among
others when analyzed, can become rich sources of
Generally, one or more variables are manipulated to information and a basis for good practices in
determine their effect on a dependent variable. medical treatment and intervention. Experimental
The experimental method is a systematic and research on effective medicines, vaccines, and other
scientific approach to research in which the drugs to cure specific illnesses and sicknesses is
conducted through quantitative research. Data on
the level of satisfaction of patients on services 2) CATEGORICAL VARIABLES – answer
rendered by the employees in a hospital and the “what type” or “which category”
patients’ profiles when treated statistically can be an
 Ordinal Variables – can be logically
ideal group for the distribution of health funds and
ordered or ranked (e.g., clothing size,
assistance.
academic grades)
4. In science and technology, the data collected  Nominal Variables – cannot be organized
from observations of a phenomenon, rate of in a logical sequence (e.g., business types,
processing of certain devices, and the time eye colors, kind of religion).
consumed for any procedures, can lead to a more
responsible and accountable operation of the
different components of technology. During
experiments on new devices, inventions,  Dichotomous Variables – present only in
discoveries, and innovations, the recorded data are two categories (e.g., gender [male or
very vital for any test of efficiency. female], answer [yes or no], and veracity
5. In anthropology, a quantitative research [true or false]).
approach can be used to establish methods that will
help us find the bigger picture, create demographic  Polychotomous Variables – have many
characterizations that will be helpful when categories (e.g., educational attainment and
understanding how a specific society is organized, level performance).
or organize reactions and opinions towards some
critical topics in ways that we can be sure are 3) EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLES
veridical among society (for example, religious or
political affiliations). (Moreno, S. 2012. quora.com)  Independent Variables – usually
manipulated in an experiment.
6. In engineering, experimental tests on the  Dependent Variables – usually affected by
durability, hardness, strength, and elasticity of the manipulation of the independent
materials are conducted. The quantitative method of variables. Also called “response” or
research is also done to determine the population a “predicted variable”.
gymnasium can cater to or the weight of cars a
 Extraneous Variables – also called
bridge can hold. The data become the basis of the
“mediating” or “intervening variables.”
mechanical properties of materials and designs that
are the heart of engineering.
4. NON-EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLES

What is Variable?  Predictor Variables – changes the other

variable/s in a non-experimental study.
 A variable is any factor or property that a  Criterion Variables – usually influenced by
researcher measures, controls and/or manipulates. the predictor variables
 It is referred as the changing quantity or measure EXAMPLES:
of any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in
1. Title of Research: Competencies of Teachers and
different amounts or types.
Students’ Behavior in Selected Private Schools
 Variable is also a logical set of attributes,
a. Predictor Variable: competencies of
characteristics, numbers, or quantities that can be
teachers
measured or counted also called a data item.
b. Criterion Variable: students’ behavior

CLASSIFICATIONS OF VARIABLES
2. Title of Research: The types of Facilities,
1) NUMERIC VARIABLES – answer “how
Administrator’s Profile and Parents’ Support
many” or “how much”
Towards School Effectiveness Among Public
 Continuous Variables – can assume any Senior High Schools
value between a certain set of real numbers.
a. Predictor Variable: Types of facilities,
They depend on the scale used (e.g., Time,
administrator’s profile; parents’ support
Age, Temperature, Height, and Weight)
 Discrete Variables – can only assume any b. Criterion Variable: School Effectiveness
whole value within the limits of the given
variables (e.g., number of business locations,
number of children in the family, total 5. Variables according to the number being
number of faculty members). studied
 Univariate study: Only one variable is being
studied
 Bivariate study: Two variables are being
studied
 Polyvariate: More than two variables are
being studied.