SDO MALABON CITY

12
Practical Research 2
Quarter 1
Module 1: Nature of Quantitative Research

Senior High
School
Practical Research 2 – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1
Module 1: The Nature of Quantitative Research
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the DepEd Malabon City

Dr. Mauro C. De Gulan, SDS
Dr.Cynthia D. Ayles, ASDS

Development Team of the Module

Authors: Alyssa Dee A. Villena

Editor:
Reviewer: Cez Lacdao
Illustrator:
Layout Artist:

Management Team:
Josefina M. Pablo, CID Chief
Manolo C. Davantes, EPS Science
Dalisay E. Esguerra, EPS, LRMS
Ana Lisa M. Mesina, PDO II LRMS

Department of Education – SDO MALABON

Maya-maya St. Longos, Malabon
Printed in the Philippines
 What I Need
to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the
nature of Quantitative Research. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of
students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order
in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
The module is divided into two lessons, namely:
 Lesson 1 – Quantitative Research: Its Definition, Characteristics, Strengths,
Weaknesses and Kinds
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. describe the characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and kinds of quantitative research;
2. explain the kinds of quantitative research designs

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. What type of research investigates a certain phenomenon using numerical and

computational techniques from its data?
a. Focus Group
b. Qualitative
c. Quantitative
d. Phenomenology
2. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a quantitative research design?
a. It’s impartial, unbiased and neutral
b. It uses numerical data and statistical treatment
c. It can be replicated and repeated in another setting to verify result
d. It can be limited to small sample only
3. Which of the following illustrates a quantitative study?
a. opinions of the public regarding the cybercrime law
b. amount data usage in relation to the academic performance of the students
c. malnutrition in children and its traits
d. characteristics of the northern Filipino tribe
4. Which research probes on the significance of the relationship between two or more
factors or characteristics?
a. Correlational c. Ex-post facto
b. Experimental d. Survey
5. Which is not true in a descriptive research?
a. Limits alternative explanations
b. Observes naturally occurring phenomena
c. describes the nature of a situation or an event in relation to a population
d. there is no manipulation of the variables
Lesson Quantitative Research:
1 Characteristics, Strength,
Weaknesses and Kinds
Activity 1.1: Recall your Practical Research 1 and Statistics, the word quantitative was discussed
in your former subjects. Answer what you know about quantitative research using the KWL
chart below. Please be reminded that the “What I Learned” part is done after finishing this
lesson.
What I already know What I want to know What I learned
(finish the lesson first before
answering this)

Activity 1.2:
Given the two sets of statements, identify which provides more information.
SET A SET B
1) You got a passing grade in your 1) You got 80% in your exam.
exam.
2) Most of the Grade 11 students 2) 215 out of 285 Grade 11
prefer modular learning rather students prefer modular
than online learning. learning rather than online
learning.
3) Comparing to previous years, a
big number passed the 2019 3) The 2,103 passed the 2019 bar
bar exam. exam compared to the 1,800
passers on the previous bar
exam.

What’s In

Numbers is a language of information. This is why it is such an important part in the field
of researches. In activity 1.2, we proved that numbers make generalizations clearer and more
informative. A research that uses this kind of data, in order to be more specific and precise in its
presentation of information, exists under the quantitative research design.
But what really is quantitative research? What characteristics does it have? And what are
the strengths and weaknesses of doing a quantitative research?
This module discusses the characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and the different kinds
of quantitative research.
 What’s New

Quantitative Research Defined

Quantitative research utilizes numerical values to try and confirm the existence of
and ascertain the characteristics of any given hypothetical phenomena in relation to any
given population. As the name suggests, the objective use of numbers is essential to this
type of study and it is what differentiates it from qualitative research.
Quantitative research uses numbers to express data gathered from portions of
particular populations. This numerical data, that would have been otherwise difficult to
fully understand, is broken up through mathematical analysis and computational
techniques into more comprehensible trends and patterns. With these findings,
conclusions are then able to be made regarding the relationships between particular
populations and specific events and/or circumstances that surround them.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
There are particular characteristics inherent to quantitative research. Mariano (n.d.) lists
some of these below:
1. Objective – Unlike qualitative research, the nature of using numerical values in
accurately measuring aspects of data means that it is less reliant in the
researcher’s opinions and perception.
2. Specific – Since the subject of the research is decided by the author from the very
start of the study, they can produce research questions that are designed to
specifically target their decided topics.
3. Capable of illustration – Through the use of charts, tables and graphs, the
numerical nature of data gathered by studies of this type mean that it can be
easily illustrated in more comprehensible figures.
4. Large Sample Sizes – To ensure that participants’ responses are conclusive enough
to draw findings from, a large and diverse sample size should be used, especially
in studies concerning large populations. Random sampling should also be
employed to ensure that biases in the selection process of participants is
eliminated.
5. Standardized – Primary data gathering tools for this type of research, such as
questionnaires and surveys, have to be standardized in order for them to be
effective. This structured approach to the subject population, regardless of their
diversity in age, socio-economic status or any other unrelated denomination,
ensures the validity, accuracy and reliability of the gathered data.
6. Replicable – In order for a quantitative research to be considered as valid, it
should be replicable in other settings as long as all the key variables of the
research remain the same.
7. Simulatable – Because findings come from definitive numerical evidence , future
outcomes can be theoretically predicted through the use of complicated
mathematical calculations with the aid of computers.
 What is it?

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Strengths of Quantitative Research
1. The quantitative nature of this type of research makes it less susceptible to
misinterpretations and wrong conclusions. The objectivity of this type of research
can also be further reinforced by ensuring that sample sizes from particular
populations are large and diverse enough to avoid drawing generalized conclusions
from otherwise niche phenomena. Properly designed data gathering tools can also
strengthen this objectivity.
2. The use of statistical techniques in quantitative research makes it perfect for
drawing conclusions from large amounts of data.
3. The replicability of this type of research means comparisons concerning similar
topics can be done either with a difference in the timeframe or even slight
variations on the study itself. This standardized approach can help entire bodies of
studies be in relation with one another and may reveal relationships that wouldn’t
have been evident otherwise.
4. Quantitative researches can also be used to support series of qualitative
researches by helping prove or disprove different aspects of a qualitative approach,
helping to narrow down the qualitative researches into the most relevant and
significant factors

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

1. The quantitative research’s need for large amounts of participants results in
increased difficulty in terms of both logistics and cost. Reaching out to more
participants yields to more statistically accurate data but it also means greater
expenses.
2. Although less susceptible to bias, quantitative research can be prone to leaving
out important contextual factors. Elaborations from the respondents are generally
ignored and so part of the whole picture might be missed.
3. For sensitive subjects, where the identification of a population can be difficult or
incomplete, there is a tendency to come up with a flawed sample group. For
example, if a researcher plans to study victims of domestic violence, it is only
reasonable to assume that a significant part of the whole victim population would
be unwilling to participate. And so, those victims who are able to participate might
provide responses that would have been otherwise considered as outlying, painting
an incomplete picture for the researcher.
4. Potentially the weakest part of a quantitative research is the questionnaire. Unless
properly done, it can become incomplete and inaccurate. It is also susceptible to
participants who are apathetic to the study. These types of participants might just
provide their answers through guessing.
 What’s More

Kinds of Quantitative Research

Depending on the subject of a research, there are many ways for a researcher to
strategize their data collection, measurement and analysis. This is sometimes called as
research design. A research has a lot of different parts and a researcher must always
prioritize the coherence and effectiveness of the integration and presentation of these
parts into one complete research in their choice of research design.
Quantitative research designs are primarily divided into two, namely, experimental and
non-experimental. These are both elaborated on below (Mariano, n.d.):

I. Experimental Research Design – This type of design lets the researcher

determine the entire situation being investigated in a study. It is ultimately up
to the researcher to introduce external variables and factors for the study. This
type of research design is particularly effective in determining the existence of
cause and effect relationships between variables as well as the removal of
placebo effect inducing factors. The aim of this research design is to narrow
down direct cause and effect relationships, limiting alternative explanations
and revealing the underlying processes in complicated phenomena.

A. Pre- Experimental design – This design’s essence is the pre-test post-test

design. Participants are divided into two groups. While both are examined
before and after the intervention of the researcher, only one of them are truly
interfered upon. The other becomes a control group or a group where the
researcher has had no intervention at all. To avoid the placebo effect,
participants are often made unaware on which group they belong to.

The comparison of the data, particularly the posttest results, between the two
participant groups is ultimately where much of the findings of the research will
come from.
Researches using this design can be called one shot case studies as participant
groups are only needed to be examined by a pretest and a posttest once.

It should be noted that, among experimental designs, pre-experimental designs

have the least internal validity. The two other experimental designs which provide
better internal validity are as follows:
 B. Quasi – Experimental Design – With the introduction of more instances of
observation and more variables to measure, the quasi-experimental design can
greatly increase the amount of data coming from a subject population.
Participants in this design are divided into several groups, without a pre-
selection process and often with the least amount of inconvenience as possible.
Just as in any other experiment, the effects of a researcher’s intervention are
examined among the different groups over a certain amount of time. There are
two kinds of quasi-experimental designs:

a. Matched Comparison – It uses two groups of respondents with significant

similarities.
b. Interrupted Time Series Design – This type of quasi-experimental design
puts emphasis on employing several pretests and posttests before and after
the researcher’s intervention. This is used to determine whether an
intervention’s effects are really significant changes from the norm or if
they’re just an acceleration of the subject’s maturation.

C. True Experimental – Finally, with the true experiment design, groups are
randomly assigned, regardless of inconvenience, and two or more of these
groups are treated with differing interventions. Just as in the quasi-
experimental design, all of these groups are subjected to multiple pretests and
posttests to ensure that the experiment is protected from time-related
alternative explanations.
Out of all the experimental designs, the true experiment has the best internal
validity.

II. Non- Experimental Design – Also called as descriptive research design, this
design restricts researchers from introducing external variables. Instead, this
design aims to study supposed phenomena concerning the subjects as they
occur naturally. The emphasis is on proper observation and description,
removing the researcher’s ability of intervention.
A. Survey. – This design gathers information from a sample of a population in
order to produce a general picture of that population’s knowledge and behavior
towards a certain subject. Other important measurements often gathered by
surveys are the population’s socio-economic status and gender,
B. Correlational – This research design is to determine the relationship and
connections, or lack thereof, between different variables or different respondent
groups in a particular study. There are three types:
a. Bivariate Correlational Studies – This is concerned with two supposedly
connected variables and aims to determine the strength and nature of
their correlation towards another variable or phenomenon. These two
variables obtain scores which are then calculated into a correlation
coefficient.
b. Prediction Studies – It determines whether two correlated variables can
predict another
c. Multiple Regression Prediction Studies – This design determines several
predictor variables that can be observed as having additive influences in
the prediction of another variable.
C. Causal-Comparative – In this research design, participant groups are formed
based on identifiers that are the result of the participants’ histories. A
dependent variable is then measured across the different groups in order to
ascertain whether the difference in the histories of the groups have also
resulted in a difference in the measured dependent variable. This is also
 referred to as the Ex-Post Facto design as it uses pre-existing characteristics in
the selection of its participants.

For example, How does weight influence stress-coping levels in adults? In this
example, participants would be grouped according to whether they’re
underweight, normal or overweight. Then, their stress-coping levels would be
measured. A pre-existing characteristic, in this instance weight, is used to
group the participants while a dependent variable, such as their stress-coping
levels is measured (Mariano, n.d.).
D. Comparative – As its name suggests, the purpose of this design is to compare
how two or more distinct sample groups compare in relation to a particular
subject. The distinction between these groups can be based on socio-economic
context, knowledge level or even their physical and psychological wellness.
E. Normative – This design aims to describe a norm level of characteristics of a
population for a given behavior and/or attribute.
F. Evaluative – A research design that is used to determine the success and
effectiveness of a particular program or event on a population or institution.
This is similar to a conventional class quiz or test, where an educator can
determine whether their teaching process has been effective or not.
G. Methodological – This kind of research design approaches the problem with the
integration of different methodologies from different disciplines.

What I Have
Learned
1. Quantitative research uses numbers and computational techniques to break down
data gathered from sample groups of a population into more comprehensible
patterns that can be used to form conclusions.

2. The characteristics of quantitative research is as follows:

a. Objective
b. Specific
c. Capable of Illustration
d. Large Sample Sizes
e. Standardized
f. Replicable
g. Simulatable

3. The strengths of quantitative research include being less susceptible to

misinterpretation, being inherently objective, being able to make sense out of
significant amounts of data, being replicable and being a useful tool in supporting
qualitative researches.

4. On the other hand, the weaknesses of quantitative research include difficulty in

logistics and costs, being prone to excluding important contextual factors, having
a potentially flawed sample group and being vulnerable to a weak questionnaire or
careless respondents.

5. The two major types of quantitative research designs are experimental and non-
experimental. The experimental research design provides the researcher control in
the introduction of variables and the grouping of the participants. This is opposed
 to non-expiremental designs where researchers are only able to observe
phenomena as they naturally occur.

6. Experimental research designs are further subdivided into three groups:

a. Pre-experimental
b. Quasi-experimental
c. True Experimental

7. Non-experimental research designs are subdivided into the following categories:

a. Survey
b. Correlational - (Bivariate Correlational Studies, Prediction Studies and Multiple
Regression Prediction Studies)
c. Causal – Comparative
d. Comparative
e. Normative
f. Evaluative
g. Methodological

What I Can Do

Activity 1.3 Answer the following questions in 3-5 sentences. Use separate sheet of
paper.
1) What is a quantitative research?
2) Choose three characteristics of quantitative research and explain them.
3) What are the strengths of using quantitative research?
4) What are the weaknesses of using quantitative research?
5) Differentiate experimental design from non-experimental.

Activity 1.4 Identify the kind of research described. By writing the letter of the correct
answer on the space provided.

A. Bivariate Correlational B. Normative C. Comparative

D. Correlational E. Descriptive F. Evaluative
G. Causal Comparative H. Multiple Regression I. Normative
J. Prediction K. Pre-Experimental L. Quasi Experimental
M. Quantitative N. Survey O. True Experimental
1) The term that also means Ex-Post Facto research.
2) The design that uses randomly assigned participant groups along with numerous
measurements before and after the researcher’s intervention.
 3) It deals with selecting groups, upon which a variable is tested, without any
random pre-selection processes
4) What kind of research can be use when conducting a research on the study habits
of the high school students you are to use the range of score to describe the level
of their study habits.
5) It uses correlation coefficient to show how one variable predicts another.
6) The kind of research that is useful when the objective of the study is to gather
information from a sample of a population in order to produce a general picture of
that population’s knowledge and behavior towards a certain subject. Other
important measurements often gathered by surveys are the population’s socio-
economic status and gender,
7) It discusses the differences between distinct groups of participants in relation to a
particular subject.

8) a test of children in school is used to assess the effectiveness of teaching or the

deployment of a curriculum
9) It obtains score from two variables for each subject, and then uses them to
calculate a correlation coefficient.
10) The kind of research where the findings ultimately come from the comparison of the
posttest results of the control and non-control groups.

Additional
Activities
Activity 1.5
Research on 5 quantitative research titles and identify what kind of quantitative
research was used in the study. Justify your answer in 2-5 sentences.

References
Practical Research for Senior High School. Prieto, Naval, Carey. pp. 1 – 7
Mariano, J. V. (2017). Quantitative Research: Compilation in Practical Research 2 [PDF].
Baraceros, E. L. (2016). Practical Research 2. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store.