La Salette of Roxas College, Inc.

QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH

Presented by:

Nicolle Angela Ramos

Section 1.
Overview of quantitative Research
Main points for the presentation are:

 Definition and characteristics of quantitative

research
 Types of quantitative research
 Features of quantitative research
 Strengths and weaknesses of quantitative
research
 Advantages and disadvantages of quantitative
research
 Quantitative Research

“Quantitative methods emphasize objective measurements and

the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected
through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating pre-
existing statistical data using computational techniques. Quantitative
research focuses on gathering numerical data and generalizing
it
across groups of people or to explain a particular phenomenon”.

Babbie, Earl R. The Practice of Social Research. 12th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage, 2010; Muijs,
Daniel. Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS. 2nd edition. London: SAGE Publications, 2010.
What is Quantitative Research?

▪ Data Gathering Instrument

– Quantitative Research makes use of tools such as questionnaires, surveys,
measurements and other equipment to collect numerical or measurable data.

▪ Type of Data
– if you are conducting a Quantitative Research, what will most likely appear in
your discussion are tables containing data in the form of numbers and
statistics.

▪ Approach
– In Quantitative Research, researchers tend to remain objectively separated from
the subject matter. This is because Quantitative Research is objective in
approach in the sense that it only seeks precise measurements and analysis of
target concepts to answer his inquiry.
What is Quantitative Research?

▪ In a nutshell, quantitative research generates numerical data or

information that can be converted into numbers.
▪ Only measurable data are being gathered and analyzed in quantitative
research.
▪ Goal or Aim of the Research:
– The primary aim of a Quantitative Research is to focus more in counting and
classifying features and constructing statistical models and figures to explain what is
observed.
▪ Quantitative Research is highly recommended for the late phase of
research because it provides the researcher a clearer picture of what to
expect in his research compared to Qualitative Research.
The term "social phenomena' emphasizes that it is con with
people, their communities, their organizations, and even
their behavior. Quantitative research was originally used
in the natural sciences but was adopted in the social
sciences.
- The Use Of Surveys
- Descriptive statistics and interpretative
statistics on the other hand are commonly
used for analyzing data.
 Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Its main characteristics are:

▪ The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.

▪ The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population.

▪ The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.

▪ Researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought.

▪ All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected.

▪ Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts, figures, or other non-textual forms.

▪ Project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate causal relationships.

▪ Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect numerical data.

▪ The overarching aim of a quantitative research study is to classify features, count them, and construct statistical
models in an attempt to explain what is observed.
Why do Quantitative
Research
When do Quantitative Research?

▪ If your study aims to find out the answer to an inquiry through numerical
evidence, then you should make use of the Quantitative Research.
▪ In general, use qualitative research at the beginning of a design process to
uncover innovations. Use quantitative research at the end of a design
process to measure improvement.
▪ French sociology Pierre Bourdieu followed a typical arc to the narrative
research by first investigating economic class in an open-ended fashion.
Once he established what he thought was going on, he tested these ideas
with large surveys.
▪ The main activity for which quantitative research is especially suited is the
testing of hypotheses.
FEATURES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research is differentiated from

qualitative research by:
(1)the kinds of research problems it addresses:
(2) its philosophical underpinnings.
(3) its adoption of the scientific methods and
(4) its deductive orientation.
The logical steps for doing a research project
using a quantitative approach differs from a
qualitative approach. We will go through these
features of quantitative research briefly.
Measurement and quantitative research

Investing human, social, behavioral or

organizational aspects or characteristics that can
be MEASURED.
 Empiricism and Positivism:

Positivism
- Empirical observation and logic
- Discover the patterns, frameworks and Laws.

Empiricism
- Objective investigation
Scientific method in the social sciences

Social science phenomena ca be studied

similarly to natural science phenomena
 Identify
research
Conclude and problem
make and state Review
recommendations research related
literature

Scientific Method in Research Cycle Formulate

framework
Analyze and (if
data applicable)
hypothesis
Choose
data
Collect collection
data method
and
analysis
Social scientists emphasize the need to adopt a
standardized set of procedures for collecting
and analyzing data. They may also demand that
social research projects should meet the
standard of replicability. This means that
other researchers should be able to conduct a
similar study on the same subject following the
same steps and expect to get similar results.
Quantitative Research Design

▪ There are four main types of Quantitative research:

1. Descriptive
2. Co relational
3. Causal-Comparative/Quasi-Experimental
4. Experimental Research.
 DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
▪ This type of research describes what exists and may help to uncover new facts and
meaning. The purpose of descriptive research is to observe, describe, document
aspects of a situation as it naturally occurs.
▪ This involves the collection of data that will provide an account or description of
individuals, groups or situations. Instruments we use to obtain data in descriptive
studies include questionnaires, interviews (closed questions), observation
(checklists, etc.)
▪ There is no experimental manipulation or indeed any random selection to
groups, as
there is in experimental research.
▪ The characteristics of individuals and groups such as nurses, patients and families
may be the focus of descriptive research. It can provide a knowledge base which can
act as a springboard for other types of quantitative research methods.
 CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
▪ Quantitative correlational research aims to systematically investigate and explain the
nature of the relationship between variables in the real world. Often the quantifiable
data (i.e. data that we can quantify or count) from descriptive studies are frequently
analysed in this way.
▪ Correlational research studies go beyond simply describing what exists and are
concerned with systematically investigating relationships between two or more
variables of interest (Porter & Carter 2000).
▪ Such studies only describe and attempt to explain the nature of relationships that exist,
and do not examine causality (i.e. whether one variable causes the other).
 Causal-comparative/quasi-experimental
research
▪ Quasi-experimental research attempts to establish cause-effect relationships among the variables.
These types of design are very similar to true experiments, but with some key differences.
▪ An independent variable is identified but not manipulated by the experimenter, and effects of the
independent variable on the dependent variable are measured.
▪ It is not the same as true experimental research because quasi-experimental research studies lack
one or both of the essential properties of randomisation and a control group.
▪ The researcher does not randomly assign groups and must use ones that are naturally formed or
pre-existing groups.
▪ The major drawback with quasi-experimental research is that, compared to experimental research,
it has a weakness in that is not possible to deliver 'cause and effect' results.
▪ In other words, we cannot infer from quasi-experimental research that, for example, doing one
thing causes a particular phenomenon (e.g. smoking cigarettes causes cancer).
▪ Identified control groups exposed to the treatment variable are studied and compared to groups
who are not.
 Experimental research
▪ often called true experimentation, uses the scientific method to establish the cause-
effect relationship among a group of variables that make up a study.
▪ The true experiment is often thought of as a laboratory study, but this is not always the
case; a laboratory setting has nothing to do with it. A true experiment is any study where
an effort is made to identify and impose control over all other variables except one.
▪ An independent variable is manipulated to determine the effects on the dependent
variables. Subjects are randomly assigned to experimental treatments rather than
identified in naturally occurring groups
 Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative
Research

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods

have their own distinct strengths, weaknesses, and
limitations. Which method is "better" is dependent
on the nature of the inquiry, the resources, and
the preferences of the researcher. To aid you,
below is a list of the strengths and weaknesses of
quantitative methods.
 1. Quantitative methods offer breadth. With enough
samples and data, it is easier to draw
generalizable conclusions using quantitative
research methods compared to single-case or small
population studies using qualitative research
methods.
2. Studies using quantitative research approaches
are generally easier to replicate compared to those
that use qualitative research. Furthermore, the
results also tend to be somewhat more consistent
when the same data and same methods are followed.
3. Communicating data, procedures, and results are
easier because the statistical terminologies,
analytical techniques, and procedures are generally
consistent across disciplines.
4. It is generally easier to summarize, describe,
process, and analyze large volumes of information
when they are in numerical form. Analysis can also
be faster, especially when spreadsheets or
statistical software are used.
 5. Quantitative research is better for projects
where objectivity is desired. This is because
quantitative methods are designed to minimize
biases, influence, and subjective interpretations
of the researchers. In comparison, qualitative
research methods may embrace subjectivity and
accept the biases, worldviews and experiences of
the researcher as an integral part of the research
process
On the other hand, quantitative research also
has several weaknesses and disadvantages

 Some aspects of people, human behavior and interactions are often difficult
or impossible to measure. Qualitative approaches help study these in greater
detail

 Emphasis on generalizability and trends hinders the deeper examination of

nuanced factors that affect specific cases, especially those that deviate from
the general trend
 Context and other information that provide a richer understanding of
observed trends and patterns can get lost in the measurement and
macro examination of data.

Errors in the measurement or modelling or the omission of data can

easily lead to the misinterpretation of results.

Some tools utilized in this quantitative research (e.g., self-

accomplished survey questionnaires) may yield limited or even
inaccurate information! due to human nature. For instance, some
respondents may fill up the questionnaire with what they believe is
socially desirable. Others may simply make errors in filling out the
questionnaire.
 Advantages of Quantitative Research

▪ Quantitative research design is an excellent way of finalizing results and

proving or disproving a hypothesis. The structure has not changed for
centuries, so is standard across many scientific fields and disciplines.
▪ After statistical analysis of the results, a comprehensive answer is reached,
and the results can be legitimately discussed and published.
▪ Quantitative experiments also filter out external factors, if properly
designed, and so the results gained can be seen as real and unbiased.
▪ Quantitative experiments are useful for testing the results gained by a series
of qualitative experiments, leading to a final answer, and a narrowing down
of possible directions for follow up research to take.
 Disadvantages of Quantitative Research

▪ Quantitative experiments can be difficult and expensive and require a lot of time to perform.
▪ They must be carefully planned to ensure that there is complete randomization and correct
designation of control groups.
▪ Quantitative studies usually require extensive statistical analysis, which can be difficult, due to
most scientists not being statisticians. The field of statistical study is a whole scientific discipline
and can be difficult for non-mathematicians
▪ The requirements for the successful statistical confirmation of results are very stringent, with very
few experiments comprehensively proving a hypothesis; there is usually some ambiguity, which
requires retesting and refinement to the design. This means another investment of time and
resources must be committed to fine-tune the results.
▪ Quantitative research design also tends to generate only proved or unproven results, with there
being very little room for grey areas and uncertainty. For the social sciences, education,
anthropology and psychology, human nature is a lot more complex than just a simple yes or no
response.
SECTION 2
The Importance of Quantitative Research Across Fields

This section covers the importance of quantitative research across fields and
covers...

Politics governance, and public administration

 Business management, and economics
Environment and development studies
Education, sociology, and psychology
 Politics, Governance, and Public
Administration

- Indispensable tool
- Rely on the results of surveys results to
changes of winning and the place to develop.
 Business Management, and Economics

• Customer’s Preference
• Product and business performance
• Economics
• NEDA and BSP
Environment and Development Studies

• Tracks the development of a place

• Monitor progress
• Environment issues
• Status of animal Species
Education, Sociology and Psychology

Academic purposes
- Assessment of learnings
- Effectiveness of different teaching and
pedagogical approaches
 
SECTION 3
The Uses of Variables in Quantitative
Research
 This section discusses variables and covers.
 The uses of variables in quantitative research
 Definition of variables
 The types of variables
 Levels of measurement of variables
 Variables

measurement of one or more observable characteristics of

people, groups, or communities these are referred to as
variables.
For example, we can study how much money the
residents in our barangay earn in one month
using the variable income. We can focus on
their monthly earnings to observe, measure,
and describe them.
 Four Types of Operational Variables
There are four sets of operational variables in studies that attempt to investigate
causal relationship or association. They are as follows:

1. Independent variables or change variables

2. Dependent Variables or outcome variables
3. Intervening variables
4. Antecedent variables
 Independent Variable

• Changes phenomena situation

• Treatment, antecedent, manipulated and predictor variables.
Dependent variables or outcome variables

-These are effects brought by the independent

variables.
- outcome, effect or response variable.
Intervening Variables

- Links between dependent and independent

variables
- Existing basis
Antecedent variables

-antecedent variables are independent variables

which precede other independent variables.
Measuring Variables

Group according to their categorical and numerical variables.

Categorical – qualitative
Numerical - quantitative
Taxonomy of
Statistical Data
Variables

Categorical Variable Numerical Variable

Nominal Ordinal Interval Ratio

Nominal Variables

Nominal variables enable the classification of individuals, objects, of

responses based on a common property or characteristic. Nominal
measures are limited to descriptive categories.

Examples: Gender (male or female): College Major (English,

Political Science, Mathematics, etc); Religion (Catholic, Muslim.
Sikh)
Ordinal Variables

Ordinal variables have all the characteristics of a

nominal variable but ranked in a certain order. The
relative position of one case is known.

Examples: Social class (upper, middle, low):

Competition results such as election results (first,
second, third): Typhoon signal number (1.2.3.4)
 Interval Variables
An interval measure describes a variable whose attributes are rank-
ordered and have equal distances between adjacent attributes.

Examples: Fahrenheit temperature scale (the difference between 70

and 80 degrees is the same as 30 and 40 degrees; but 0 degree does
not mean no temperature); Standardized intelligence test cores (1Q
scores): Age
Ratio Variables

Ratio variables have the characteristics of nominal, ordinal, and

interval measures. They are based on a fixed starting point or a true
zero point"(Kumar 1996; Babbie 2010). The value of zero represents
none or nothing.

Examples: Annual Family Income in Thousands of Pesos (PHP 1200,

PHP 2,750, PHP 5.644); Number of students per classroom
(38,47,54):Voter turnout per presidential election (38,162,985,
33,510,092, 27.782,735).
 
Uses of Variables in Quantitative Research
Classifying
Measuring
Explaining
Assessing Relationships