CONTENT STANDARD:

• The learner demonstrates understanding of:

• 1. The characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of quantitative research
• 2. The importance of quantitative research across fields
• 3. The nature of variables
LESSON 1:
CHARACTERISTICS,
STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES,
AND KINDS OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
Research is asking a question
and finding out the answer…
1.It is looking into something.
2.It is looking for something.
3.It is comparing and contrasting things.
4.It is finding out more information...It is counting things ...Making inquiries...Being
curious...Finding out what people think...Finding out what people do....Finding out
what works.... Finding out what doesn't work...Finding out what people want...
WHAT RESEARCH HAVE YOU
CONDUCTED RECENTLY?
1.What decisions have you made about your day?
2.What decisions have you made today?
3.What influenced your decision to take this course?
4.How do you prepare and write assignments?
5.How do you decide how to provide the best quality of service for your service users?
•WE ALL ENGAGE IN OR DO SOCIAL
RESEARCH AS WE ACT ON THE BASIS AND
RESULTS OF OUR OWN RESEARCH AND
THEORIZING, THEREFORE, WHAT WE
THINK AFFECTS THE WAY WE BEHAVE....
WHAT DO WE RESEARCH?
• We research people and their behavior, opinions, attitudes, trends and patterns, also
politics, animals, health and illness. Research can be conducted either informally for our
own benefit, through asking questions, watching, counting or reading and formally, for
medical or academic purposes, as a marketing strategy, to inform and influence politics
and policy.
• Research may be carried out in our own lives, through the media, in our place of work,
with our friends and family or through reading past research.
• Our views - personal, social, community and worldwide and our own identities are
socially constructed through our own theorizing.
RESEARCH GIVES US
INFORMATION ABOUT:
1. Thoughts and opinions
2. Attitudes
3. Habits
4. Culture
5. Norms
6. Scientific facts
7. Medical information
WHAT DO WE DO WITH
RESEARCH?
1.Have it as interesting fact
2.Use it to make decisions
3.Use it to persuade influence others
4.Use it to affect change
5.Use it to change behavior
6.Use it to better use...Medical ...Improve customer care...Write better funding
applications....Monitor and evaluate our provision....
• We research in order to understand society and social processes, as well as to test
and or create theories in order that we are better able to inform about social action
and potentially 'improve' social conditions.
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
•Quantitative research is defined by Bryman and
Bell (2005, p. 154) that ‘entailing the collection
of numerical data and exhibiting the view of
relationship between theory and research as
deductive, a predilection for natural science
approach, and as having an objectivist
conception of social reality’.
•Quantitative research is influenced by the
empiricist paradigm, which means that it is
concerned with cause and effect of social
phenomena and uses the data - which is based on
empirical observation and their critical
interpretation.
•Quantitative research is the systematic
empirical investigation of observable
phenomena via statistical, mathematical or
computational techniques.
• The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ
mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining
to phenomena. The process of measurement is central to
quantitative research because it provides the fundamental
connection between empirical observation and mathematical
expression of quantitative relationships. Quantitative data is
any data that is in numerical form such as statistics,
percentages, etc. The researcher analyzes the data with the
help of statistics.
•Qualitative research, on the other hand, asks broad
questions and collects word data from phenomena or
participants. The researcher looks for themes and
describes the information in themes and patterns
exclusive to that set of participants. "
•This research method is used:
 To describe variables;
 To examine relationships among variables;
•To determine cause-and-effect interactions between
variables.' (Burns & Grove 2005:23
•Quantitative research is generally made
using scientific methods, which can include:
 The generation of models, theories and hypotheses
 The development of instruments and methods for
measurement
 Experimental control and manipulation of variables
 Collection of empirical data
 Modeling and analysis of data
USE OF STATISTICS
•Statistics is the most widely used branch of
mathematics in quantitative research outside
of the physical sciences, and also finds
applications within the physical sciences.
•Quantitative research using statistical methods
starts with the collection of data, based on the
hypothesis or theory. Usually a big sample of data is
collected – this would require verification, validation
and recording before the analysis can take place.
Software packages such as SPSS and R are typically
used for this purpose.
• SPSS statistics is a software package used for logical batched and non-
batched statistical analysis. Long produced by SPSS inc., It was acquired by IBM in
2009. The current versions (2015) are officially named IBM SPSS statistics.
Companion products in the same family are used for survey authoring and
deployment (IBM SPSS data collection), data mining (IBM SPSS modeler), text
analytics, and collaboration and deployment (batch and automated scoring services).
• The software name originally stood for statistical package for the social
sciences (spss),[2] reflecting the original market, although the software is now
popular in other fields as well, including the health sciences and marketing.

• International business machines corporation (commonly referred to as ibm) is an

americ an multinational technology company headquartered in armonk, new
york, united states, with operations in over 170 countries
•R is an open source programming language and
software environment for statistical computing and
graphics that is supported by the R foundation for
statistical computing.[6] the R language is widely used
among statisticians and data miners for
developing statistical software[7] and data
analysis.[8] polls, surveys of data miners, and studies of
scholarly literature databases show that r's popularity
has increased substantially in recent years.[9]
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
• Its main characteristics are:

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
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.
EXAMPLES
 The weight of a person (in kilograms)
 The height of a person (in metres)
 The age of a person (in years and months)
 The gender of a person (using a numerical system of categorisation, e.G. 1 for female, 2
for male)
 A person’s education (e.G. Number and grade of school certificates; classification of
undergraduate degree)

• A person’s political views (e.G. Using a scale that goes from 0 for extreme left-wing to 10
for extreme right-wing)
STRENGTHS OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
 Allows for a broader study, involving a greater number of subjects, and enhancing the
generalization of the results;
 Allows for greater objectivity and accuracy of results. Generally, quantitative methods
are designed to provide summaries of data that support generalizations about the
phenomenon under study. In order to accomplish this, quantitative research usually
involves few variables and many cases, and employs prescribed procedures to ensure
validity and reliability;
 Applying well-established standards means that the research can be replicated, and
then analyzed and compared with similar studies;
 You can summarize vast sources of information and make comparisons across categories
and over time; and,
 Personal bias can be avoided by keeping a 'distance' from participating subjects and
using accepted computational techniques.
 WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
 Quantitative data is more efficient and able to test hypotheses, but may miss contextual detail;
 Uses a static and rigid approach and so employs an inflexible process of discovery;
 The development of standard questions by researchers can lead to "structural bias" and false
representation, where the data actually reflects the view of the researcher instead of the participating
subject;
 Results provide less detail on behavior, attitudes, and motivation;
 Researcher may collect a much narrower and sometimes superficial dataset;
 Results are limited as they provide numerical descriptions rather than detailed narrative and generally
provide less elaborate accounts of human perception;
 The research is often carried out in an unnatural, artificial environment so that a level of control can be
applied to the exercise. This level of control might not normally be in place in the real world thus
yielding "laboratory results" as opposed to "real world results"; and,
 Preset answers will not necessarily reflect how people really feel about a subject and, in some cases,
might just be the closest match to the preconceived hypothesis.
KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
There are four (4) main types of
quantitative designs:
descriptive, correlational,
quasi-experimental, and
experimental.
• Descriptive research is a study designed to depict the
participants in an accurate way. More simply put, descriptive
research is all about describing people who take part in the study.
• There are three ways a researcher can go about doing a
descriptive research project, and they are:
 Observational, defined as a method of viewing and recording the
participants
 Case study, defined as an in-depth study of an individual or
group of individuals
 Survey, defined as a brief interview or discussion with an
individual about a specific topic
• Correlational study is a quantitative method of research in
which you have 2 or more quantitative variables from the same
group of subjects, & you are trying to determine if there is a
relationship (or covariation) between the 2 variables (a similarity
between them, not a difference between their means).
• Theoretically, any 2 quantitative variables can be correlated
(for example, midterm scores & number of body piercings!) As
long as you have scores on these variables from the same
participants; however, it is probably a waste of time to collect &
analyze data when there is little reason to think these two
variables would be related to each other.
• Quasi-experimental design involves selecting groups, upon
which a variable is tested, without any random pre-selection
processes.
• For example, to perform an educational experiment, a class
might be arbitrarily divided by alphabetical selection or by
seating arrangement. The division is often convenient and,
especially in an educational situation, causes as little
disruption as possible.
• After this selection, the experiment proceeds in a very similar
way to any other experiment, with a variable being compared
between different groups, or over a period of time.
• Experimental research is commonly used in sciences such as sociology and psychology,
physics, chemistry, biology and medicine etc. It is a collection of research designs which
use manipulation and controlled testing to understand causal processes. Generally, one or
more variables are manipulated to determine their effect on a dependent variable.
• The experimental method is a systematic and scientific approach to research in which
the researcher manipulates one or more variables, and controls and measures any change
in other variables.
• The word experimental research has a range of definitions. In the strict sense,
experimental research is what we call a true experiment.
• This is an experiment where the researcher manipulates one variable,
and control/randomizes the rest of the variables. It has a control group, the subjects have
been randomly assigned between the groups, and the researcher only tests one effect at a
time. It is also important to know what variable(s) you want to test and measure.
ACTIVITY 1A.1.1
• DIRECTION: PUT A TICK (/) IF IT DESCRIBES THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH.
1. Data is in the form of words, pictures or objects.
2. The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.
3. It is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers and statistical
methods as key research indicators and tools.
4. It tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic perspective, often studying a
single occurrence or small number of occurrences/case studies in great depth.
5. The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.
6. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts, figures,
or other non-textual forms.
7. Emphasis is on discovery rather than proof.
8. The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population.
9. It tends to be associated with emergent research design, using a wide range of approaches
10. Researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought.
ACTIVITY 1A.1.2
• Answer the following questions comprehensively.
• 1. Discuss the strengths of a quantitative research.
• ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• 2. Discuss the weaknesses of a quantitative research.
• ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ACTIVITY 1A.1.3
DESCRIBE THE FOLLOWING KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH.
1. DESCRIPTIVE - __________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. CORRELATIONAL - ________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL - _________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. EXPERIMENTAL - _______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
LESSON 2: IMPORTANCE
OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
• More reliable and objective
• 2. Can use statistics to generalize a finding
• 3. Often reduces and restructures a complex problem to a limited number of variables
• 4. Looks at relationships between variables and can establish cause and effect in highly
controlled circumstances
• 5. Tests theories or hypotheses
• 6. Assumes sample is representative of the population
• 7. Subjectivity of researcher in methodology is recognized less
• 8. Less detailed than qualitative data and may miss a desired response from the participant
IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS
In the SOCIAL SCIENCES, it is also common to count frequencies of
observations; i.e. Frequencies of observable outcomes in an experiment.
Examples include the number of correct scores on an assessment of an ability, and the
number of statements on a questionnaire endorsed by respondents.
Provided each observable outcome is the manifestation of an underlying
quantitative attribute, such frequencies will generally indicate relative magnitudes of
that attribute.
Strictly speaking, however, counts and frequencies do not constitute
measurement in terms of a unit of continuous quantity.
USE IN PROSODY AND POETRY
• In prosody and poetic meter, syllable weight can be a governing
principle.
• Many linguists use morae as a unit of syllable weight—a syllable with
more morae is heavier than one with fewer morae.
• Commonly, syllables with naturally long vowels, diphthongs, and
vowels followed by two or more consonants are said to be “heavy”,
“long”, or “bimoraic”, whereas syllables with naturally short vowels,
followed by only one or no consonant, are said to be “light”, “short”, or
“monomoraic”.
Quantitative research is widely used in both the natural and social sciences, from
physics and biology to sociology and journalism.
It is also used as a way to research different aspects of music education.
The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models,
theories and hypotheses pertaining to natural phenomena.
The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides the
fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression
of quantitative relationships.
The term quantitative research is most often used in the social sciences in contrast to
qualitative research.
Virtually all research in physics is quantitative whereas research in other scientific
disciplines, such as taxonomy and anatomy, may involve a combination of
quantitative and other analytic approaches and methods.
• In the social sciences particularly, quantitative research is
often contrasted with qualitative research which is the
examination, analysis and interpretation of observations for
the purpose of discovering underlying meanings and patterns
of relationships, ……
• …….. including classifications of types of phenomena and
entities, in a manner that does not involve mathematical
models.
• Approaches to quantitative psychology were first modelled on
quantitative approaches in the physical sciences by Gustav Fechner in
his work on psychophysics, which built on the work of Ernst Heinrich
Weber.
• Although a distinction is commonly drawn between qualitative and
quantitative aspects of scientific investigation, it has been argued that
the two go hand in hand.
• For example, based on analysis of the history of science, Kuhn (1961,
p. 162) concludes that “large amounts of qualitative work have usually
been prerequisite to fruitful quantification in the physical sciences”.
• Qualitative research is often used to gain a general
sense of phenomena and to form theories that can be
tested using further quantitative research.
•For instance, in the social sciences qualitative
research methods are often used to gain better
understanding of such things as intentionality (from
the speech response of the researcher) and meaning
(why did this person/group say something and what did
it mean to them?).
• Although quantitative investigation of the
world has existed since people first began to
record events or objects that had been counted,
•The modern idea of quantitative processes
have their roots in Auguste Comte's positivist
framework.
• Quantitative Research Using Statistical Methods Typically Begins
With The Collection Of Data Based On A Theory Or Hypothesis,
Followed By The Application Of Descriptive Or Inferential Statistical
Methods.
• Causal Relationships Are Studied By Manipulating Factors Thought
To Influence The Phenomena Of Interest While Controlling Other
Variables Relevant To The Experimental Outcomes.
• In The Field Of Health, For Example, Researchers Might Measure
And Study The Relationship Between Dietary Intake And Measurable
Physiological Effects Such As Weight Loss, Controlling For Other Key
Variables Such As Exercise.
• Quantitatively based opinion surveys are widely
used in the media, with statistics such as the
proportion of respondents in favor of A position
commonly reported.
•In opinion surveys, respondents are asked a set of
structured questions and their responses are
tabulated. In the field of climate science, researchers
compile and compare statistics such as temperature
or atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide.
ACTIVITY 1A.2.1
EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH. ANSWER IN 3 TO 5 SENTENCES.
• ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
ACTIVITY 1A.2.2
• CHOOSE ONE FIELD AND EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH.
• ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________