Lesson 1

Quantitative Research: Its Definition, Characteristics, Types and Purpose

Definition of Quantitative Research

By definition, quantitative research is an objective, systematic empirical investigation of

observable phenomena through the use of computational techniques. It highlights numerical analysis
of data hoping that numbers yield unbiased result that can be generalized to some larger population
and explain a particular observation. Simply, quantitative research is concerned with numbers and
the relationship with events.

According to Aliaga and Gunderson (2020), quantitative research is explaining a phenomenon

by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based methods (in particular
statistics). This type of research utilizes numbers and statistical analysis. It is ideal in studying
phenomenon which must contend with problems of measurement.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

1. Objective. Quantitative research seeks accurate measurement and analysis of target concepts. It
is not based on mere intuition and guesses. Data are gathered before proposing a conclusion or
solution to a problem.
2. Clearly Defined Research Questions. In quantitative research, the researchers know in advance
what they are looking for. The research questions are well-defined for which objective answers are
sought.
3. Structured Research Instruments. Data are normally gathered using structured research tools
such as questionnaires to collect measurable characteristics of the population like age, socio-
economic status, number of children, among others.

4. Numerical Data. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often organized and presented
using tables, charts, graphs and figures that consolidate large numbers of data to show trends,
relationships, or differences among variables.

5. Large Sample Sizes. To arrive at a more reliable data analysis, a normal population distribution
curve is preferred. This requires a large sample size, depending on how the characteristics of the
population vary. Random Sampling is recommended in determining the sample to avoid
researcher’s bias in interpreting the result.

6. Replication. Reliable quantitative studies can be repeated to verify or confirm the correctness
of the results in another setting.

7. Future Outcomes. By using complex mathematical calculations and with the aid of statistical
software, if-then scenarios may be formulated thus predicting future results.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Quantitative Research

Advantages (Strengths) Disadvantages (Weaknesses)

1. It allows the researcher to measure and 1. The context of the study or the experiment is
analyze the data arrive at an objective answer ignored in such a way that it does not consider
to the problem posed or stated. the natural setting where the study is
conducted.
2. The result is reliable since the study uses a big
sample of the population. 2. Having a large study sample requires
researchers to spend more resources.
3. Standards are usually used in choosing the
instruments, in sampling procedures, and in 3. Results are limited since they are usually
choosing the most appropriate statistical based on the analysis of numbers and are not
treatment, thus making the research obtained from detailed narratives.
replicable.
4. It provides less elaborate accounts of human
4. Personal biases can be avoided since personal perceptions.
interaction is not part of the research process.
5. In experimental research, the level of control
5. Processes involved are simplified since the might not be normally placed in the real world
steps in doing the quantitative research are because it is usually done in a laboratory.
made easy and systematic.
6. Preset or fixed alternative answers may not
6. Results can be reduced through statistical necessarily reflect the true answers of the
treatments and interpreted in a few participants.
statements.
7. Findings can be influenced by the researcher’s
perspective since most of the time, the
participants are unknown to him/her.

Kinds of Quantitative Research

The kind of research is dependent on the researcher’s aim in conducting the study and the extent
to which the findings will be used. The following are the various kinds of quantitative research that a
researcher my employ:

1. Descriptive Research. This design is concerned with describing the nature, characteristics and
components of the population or a phenomenon. There is no manipulation of variables or search for
cause and effect related to the phenomenon. This design attempts to find general attributes of the
presently existing situation and determine the frequency with which it occurs.

2. Correlational Research. It is the systematic investigation of the nature of relationships, or associations

between and among variables without necessarily investigating into causal reasons underlying them. It
is also concerned with the extent of relationships that exists between or among the variables.
Correlational research is employed if you like to know, for example, if the following factors are related to
each other: sex and mathematical ability, marriage and cancer recovery, occupation and life span.

3. Evaluation Research. This kind of research aims to assess the effects, impacts or outcomes of
practices, policies or programs. Assessing the implementation of nursing care in a hospital and
determining impact of a new treatment procedure for patients are examples of evaluation research.

4. Survey Research. A survey research is used to gather information from groups of people by selecting
and studying samples chosen from a population. It may be done in various ways like face-to-face, phone,
mail, and online. A survey research may be cross-sectional if the information is collected from a sample
in just single point in time. A survey research is considered longitudinal if the researcher collects
information on the same subjects over a period of time, sometimes lasting many years in order to study
the changes through the years.

5. Causal-Comparative Research. It is also known as ex post facto (after the fact) research. This kind of
research derives from conclusion from observations and manifestations that already occurred in the
past and now compared to some dependent variables. It discusses why and how a phenomenon occur.

6. Experimental Research. This research utilizes scientific method to test cause-and-effect relationships
under conditions controlled by the researcher. In this case an effort is made to determine the impose
control over all other variables except one. An independent variable is manipulated to determine the
effects on the dependent variables.

Student Activity 1

Write your concise learning about the following questions. Limit your answer to 3 – 5 sentences.

1. In your own words, defined quantitative research.

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2. Explain at least two (2) characteristics of research.

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b.

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3. Explain at least two (2) advantages and disadvantages of quantitative research.

a.
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b.

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4. What kind of quantitative research are you interested at? Why?

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