Quantitative research is the systematic investigation that plays attention to numerical or statistical values in a bid to find answers to research questions.
2. DEFINITION
Quantitative research is the systematic investigation
that plays attention to numerical or statistical values in
a bid to find answers to research questions.
It is numerical in nature.
Typically involves counting or measuring.
Quantitative research collects and uses numerical data
to explore, describe, explain or predict trends or
phenomena.
3.
4. CHARACTERESTICS
Used to determine the extend of a problem.
The results are based on larger sample sizes, that are
representative of population.
Data is usually gathered using structured research
instruments.
The research study can be usually be replicated or
repeated.
Researcher uses tools such as questionnaires or
computer software to collect numerical data.
5. Close ended questions
All aspects of study are carefully designed before
data is collected-prior studies.
Data are in the form of numbers & statistics , often
arranged in tables , charts, figures or other non-
textural forms.
Generalization of results.
9. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
Exploration and description of phenomenon in real- life
situations.
Purpose of descriptive research is to observe,
describe, document aspect of a situation as it naturally
occurs.
Tools used to obtain data include questionnaire,
interviews (closed questions), observation.
Helps to identify relationships.
10. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Looks at cause-and-effect relationships
In experimental research, analysis is done around
proving or disproving the statement.
Highly controlled, objective ,systematic studies.
Involves the measurement of independent and
dependent variable.
11. QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL
This method mainly depends on factor of
comparison
Examines cause-and-effect relationships
Less control by researcher than true experimental
designs
Samples are not randomly selected.
All variables in the study cannot be controlled by
the researcher.
12. CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
Attempts to determine the extent of a relationship
between two or more variables using statistical data
In this type of design, relationships between and
among a number of facts are sought and interpreted.
Cause and effect is not the basis of this type of
observational research.
Researchers use this research design to correlate two
or more variables using mathematical analysis
method.
13. The data, relationships, and distributions of variables
are studied only.
Sometimes correlational research is considered a
type of descriptive research , and not as its own type
of research, as no variables are manipulated in the
study.
14. ADVANTAGES
Findings can be generalised if selection process is
well designed and sample is representative of study
population.
Relatively faster and easy to analyse.
Eliminate bias.
Data can be very accurate and reliable.
Cost effective.
15. LIMITATIONS
Related secondary data is sometimes not available
or accessing available data is difficult/ impossible .
Difficult to understand context of a phenomenon.
Data may not be robust enough to explain complex
issues.
Its somewhat artificial.
Get a less detailed picture.
