Kinds of Quantitative Research

1. Quantitative research is the
systematic empirical
investigation of observable
phenomena via statistical,
mathematical or
computational techniques.

2. 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)

3. Quantitative research is
generally made
using scientific methods,
which can include:
The generation of models,
theories and hypotheses

4. The development of
instruments and methods for
measurement
Experimental control and
manipulation of variables
Collection of empirical data
Modeling and analysis of data

5. CHARACTERISTICS
OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH

6. 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.

7. 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.

8.  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.

9.  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.

10. KINDS OF
QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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).

14. 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;

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
1. 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

21. IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
ACROSS FIELDS
SOCIAL SCIENCE
NATURAL SCIENCE