PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Content: Nature of Inquiry and Research

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
Performance Standard: The learner is able to decide on suitable quantitative research in different areas of interest
Learning Competencies:
--Describes characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of quantitative research CS_RS12-Ia-c-1

LESSON 1: Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses, and Kinds Of Quantitative Research

Time Frame: Week One

OVERVIEW
Humans are 'intuitive' scientists ....always asking questions and testing theories about themselves, others, events,
the environment and the world around them.
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 behaviour, 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 behaviour
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.

The researcher is hoping the numbers will yield an unbiased result that can be generalized to some larger
population.

"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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Your goal in conducting quantitative research study is to determine the relationship between one thing [an
independent variable] and another [a dependent or outcome variable] within a population. Quantitative research
designs are either descriptive [subjects usually measured once] or experimental [subjects measured before and
after a treatment]. A descriptive study establishes only associations between variables; an experimental study
establishes causality.
Quantitative research deals in numbers, logic, and an objective stance. Quantitative research focuses on numeric
and unchanging data and detailed, convergent reasoning rather than divergent reasoning [i.e., the generation of a
variety of ideas about a research problem in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner].

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.
 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.
  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 AND WEAKNESSES 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.

 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.

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.

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/s 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.

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.
Content: Nature of Inquiry and Research
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
Performance Standard: The learner is able to decide on suitable
quantitative research in different areas of interest

Learning Competencies:
--Illustrates the importance of quantitative research across fields CS_RS12-Ia-c-2

LESSON 1: Importance of Quantitative Research

Time Frame: Week Two

Importance of Quantitative Research

1. More reliable and objective
2. Can use statistics to generalise 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 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.
Quantitative research is widely used in both the natural and social sciences, from physics and biology to sociology
and journalism.
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.

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.
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?).

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.

Examples of Quantitative research

1. Has the change in household size over the years affected the economy?
2. Is the price of gasoline related to demand or price of oil?
3. Has public consumption changed over the years?
4. How has the increase in minimum wage affected small business?
5. Has the new health insurance laws threatening small business?
6. What happens to student loans if students fail to graduate from college?
7. Does unemployment directly affect changes in consumption?
8. Is the economy causing some home health care workers to disappear?