2. • Quantitative Research is a systematic investigation of phenomena by
gathering quantifiable data and performing statistical, mathematical,
or computational techniques. It collects information from existing and
potential respondents using sampling methods, and surveys, or
questionnaires; the results of which can be depicted in the form of
numerical values (Bhat, 2020).
• Its purpose is to generate conclusion or to make some inferential
conclusion by trying to quantify the problem and understand how
prevalent it is by looking for projectable results to a larger population.
4. Four main types of quantitative research
Descriptive Research
Correlational Research
Causal-Comparative Research or Quasi-Experimental Research,
Experimental Research.
5. Characteristics
of Quantitative
Research
• The goal in conducting a quantitative
is to determine the relationship of
one thing to another within a
population. It is descriptive,
correlational, quasi-experimental or
experimental in nature. Descriptive
and correlation researches establish
associations between things under
study while quasi-experimental and
experimental studies establish
causality.
6. 1.The data is usually gathered
using structured research
instruments.
7. 2.The results are based on larger
sample sizes that are
representative of the population.
8. 3.The research study can usually
be replicated or repeated, given its
high reliability.
9. 4.Researcher has a clearly defined
research question to which
objective answers are sought.
10. 5.Data are in the
form of numbers
and statistics, often
arranged in tables,
charts, figures, or
other non-textual
forms.
11. 6.Project can be used to generalize
concepts more widely, predict
future results, or investigate causal
relationships.
13. Tips in
reporting
results of
quantitative
research
• A researcher should explain the data collected
how they are collected and how they are
treated.
• It is also advisable to include all relevant
results to the research questions under study.
• It is a must also to report all the procedure
used in data collection to establish among
readers the validity and reliability of results.
• The trustworthiness of the data is the goal.
Statistical treatment must also be appropriate
and be explained carefully.
• When using table or any non-textual
presentation, make sure to present it with
clarity.
Quantitative research is widely used in psychology, economics, demography, marketing, political science, and educational studies. Depending on the nature of the study, a researcher can use any of the following four main types of quantitative research, namely: Descriptive Research, Correlational Research, Causal-Comparative Research or Quasi-Experimental Research, and Experimental Research.
Depending on the nature of the study, a researcher can use any of the following four main types of quantitative research, namely:
As researchers, we should know the characteristics of a quantitative research.
Before conducting a data gathering, it is a must for a researcher to have his or her research instrument validated by experts. This validation process for the structured research instruments is necessary to ensure the reliability and validity of the results.
It is necessary for a researcher to correctly determine the number of respondents in the research to be conducted in order to absolutely represent the population.
Between qualitative and quantitative research, the latter is easier to replicate than the former. Since, quantitative research uses a structured research instrument, and deals with numbers and systematic procedure; it is highly replicative in nature. The procedure used in a quantitative research can be repeatedly done to measure the validity of previous results.
This research questions serve as the backbone of the research. These are the bases of the structured research questions developed and validated.
Unlike in qualitative research where data and responses are in text form, or non-numerical data, in quantitative research data are definitely numbers which are subject to statistical treatment to interpret and generate conclusion.
As mentioned, since the results of a quantitative research are based on larger sample sizes hence it can be used to make inference to a population.
Examples of these are questionnaires, survey forms, and alike which are validated prior the conduct of the study.
Now, when reporting the results of a quantitative research conducted, it is necessary to a researcher to remember some tips.
To ensure that researchers really can conduct a study using quantitative research, they must know its strengths and weaknesses.