OVERVIEW

Human history abounds with problems. Problems are everywhere in different variety in different perspective
which affect mankind. Problems are observed along political, social, environmental and many aspects of life. This
may between individuals, groups or in an organization. In that, mankind wants solution to these problems. These
solutions should not be only effective but also be acquired and used for improvement. To be able to achieve that,
solutions must be based in knowledge, not on mere beliefs, guesses, or theories. To acquire this knowledge it
requires a well-planned and systematic procedure and should be continuously evaluated on its accuracy and
usefulness. In that, RESEARCH has been devised to meet this need.
Research is a natural day-to-day activity of gathering information. It may in the form of qualitative or
quantitative. Qualitative researches are those studies in which the data concerned can be described without the use
of numerical data while quantitative research suggests that the data concerned can be analyzed in terms of numbers.
Quantitative research designs use numbers in stating generalizations about a given problem or inquiry in contrast to
qualitative research that hardly uses statistical treatment in stating generalizations. The numbers in quantitative
research are the results of objective scales of measurements of the units of analysis called variables. Research
findings are subjected to statistical treatment to determine significant relationships or differences between variables,
the results of which are the bases for generalization about phenomena.
In this module, you will be encountering the definition, characteristics, classification and importance of
quantitative research.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:

1. define quantitative research accurately;

2. describe the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research;
3. enumerate the kinds of quantitative research;
4. illustrate the importance of quantitative research across fields through graphic organizers;
5. differentiate the kinds of variables; and
6. enumerate the uses of variables.

PRETEST
Directions: Using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast qualitative research from quantitative research.
Use the space provided in your answer sheet.

LEARNING FOCUS

Lesson 1
Quantitative Research- Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses and Kinds

Quantitative research

It is an objective, systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena through the use of

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

The quantitative research suggests that the data concerned can be analyzed in terms of numbers. An
example that we can give for this study is a study comparing the performance of Grade 12 in Upper Tumapoc
National High School and Burgos National high School in Physical Science when ICT is integrated in teaching. This
can be approached by getting the average performance of both schools before and after integrating ICT. Then the
averages can be compared and analyzed to see the differences or effectiveness. In this case, numbers are used as
data for analysis. Another is surveying what do viewers in Burgos, La Union prefer to watch: is it GMA dramarama or
ABS-CBN Golden Kapamilya noontime show. In here, it may be approached by making a survey questionnaire
asking for the preference of viewers in Burgos, La Union.

Quantitative research makes you focus your mind on specific things by means of statistics that involve
collection and study of numerical data. Thus, to give the basic meaning of quantitative research is to say that
research is a way of making any phenomenon or any sensory experience clearer or more meaningful by gathering
and examining facts and information about such person, thing, place, or event appealing to your senses. You use
mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication to study and express relationships
between quantities or magnitudes shown by numbers or symbols. Involving measurements and amounts, quantitative
research seeks to find answers to questions starting with how many, how much, how long, to what extent, and the
like. Answers to these questions come in numerals, percentages, and fractions, among others. (Suter 2012; Russell
2013)

Importance

The importance of quantitative research lies greatly in the production of results that should reflect precise
measurement and an in-depth analysis of data. It is also useful in obtaining an objective understanding of people,
things, places, and events in this world; meaning, attaching accurate or exact meanings to objects or subjects, rather
than inflated meanings resulting from the researcher’s bias or personal attachment to things related to the research.
Requiring the use of reliable measurement instruments or statistical methods, a quantitative study enables people to
study their surroundings as objective as they can. This kind of research is likewise an effective method to obtain
information about specified personality traits of a group member or of the group as a whole as regards the extent of
the relationship of their characteristics and the reason behind the instability of some people’s characteristics. (Muijs
2011; Gray 2012)

Characteristics of a Good Research

1. Research is directed towards the solution of a problem.

2. Research emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles, or theories that will help in
predicting future occurrences.
3. Research is based upon observable experiences or empirical evidence.
4. Research demands accurate observation and description.
5. Research involves gathering new data for primary or first-hand sources or using existing data for a new
purpose.
6. Although research activity may at times be somewhat random and unsystematic; it is more often
characterized by carefully designed procedures, always applying rigorous analysis.
7. Research requires expertise.
8. Research strives to be objective and logical, applying every possible test to validate the procedure
employed, the data collected, and the conclusion reached.
9. Research involves the quest for answer to unsolved problems.
10. Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.
11. Research is carefully recorded and reported.
12. Research sometimes requires courage.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

1. Empirical- It is based on observing and experimenting theories.

2. Systematic- It sorts an orderly pattern and sequential procedure.
3. 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.
4. Clearly Defined Research Questions-The researchers know in advance what they are looking for. The
research questions are well-defined for which objective answers are sought. All aspects of the study are carefully
designed before data are gathered.

5. Structured Research Instruments-Standardized instruments guide data collection, thus, ensuring the
accuracy, reliability and validity of data. 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.
6. Numerical Data- Figures, tables or graphs showcase summarized data collection in order to show trends,
relationships or differences among variables. In sum, the charts and tables allow you to see the evidence
collected.
7. 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 size to avoid researcher’s bias in interpreting the
results.
8. Replication- Quantitative methods can be repeated to verify findings in another setting, thus strengthen and
reinforcing validity of findings eliminating the possibility of spurious conclusions.
9. Future Outcomes- By using complex mathematical calculations and with the aid of computers, if-then scenarios
may be formulated thus predicting future results. Quantitative research puts emphasis on proof, rather than
discovery.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

The advantages of quantitative research include the following:

1. It is objective. The most reliable and valid way of concluding results, giving way to a new hypothesis or
to disproving it. Because of bigger number of the sample of a population, the results or generalizations
are more reliable and valid. Since it provides numerical data, it can’t be easily misinterpreted.
2. The use of statistical techniques facilitates sophisticated analyses and allows you to comprehend a
huge amount of vital characteristics of data.
3. It is real and unbiased. If the research is properly designed it filters out external factors, and so can be
seen as real and unbiased.
4. The numerical data can be analyzed in a quick and easy way. By employing statistically valid random
models, findings can be generalized to the population about which information is necessary.
5. Quantitative studies are replicable. Standardized approaches allow the study to be replicated in
different areas or over time with formulation of comparable findings.
6. Quantitative experiments are useful for testing the results gained by a series of qualitative experiments,
leading to a final answer, and narrowing down of possible directions to follow.

The disadvantages of quantitative research are as follows:

1. Quantitative research requires a large number of respondents. It is assumed that the larger the sample
is, the more statistically accurate the findings are.
2. It is costly. Since, there are more respondents compared to qualitative research, the expenses will be
greater in reaching out to these people and in reproducing questionnaires.
3. The information is contextual factors to help interpret the results or to explain variations are usually
ignored. It does not consider the distinct capacity of the respondents to share and elaborate further
information unlike the qualitative research.
4. Much information are difficult to gather using structured research instruments, specifically on sensitive
issues like pre-marital sex, domestic violence, among others.
5. If not done seriously and correctly, data from questionnaires may be incomplete and inaccurate.
Researchers must be on the look-out on respondents who are just guessing in answering the
instrument.
Learning Activity

1. What is the main focus of quantitative research?

A. Exploring subjective experiences

B. Understanding cultural perspectives
C. Analyzing data through computational techniques
D. Observing natural phenomena

2. Which type of research emphasizes the use of numerical data for analysis?

A. Qualitative research
B. Ethnographic research
C. Quantitative research
D. Descriptive research

3. Which of the following is an example of quantitative research?

A. Analyzing personal anecdotes

B. Exploring cultural rituals
C. Surveying preferences for TV shows
D. Studying historical narratives

4. What kind of questions does quantitative research seek to answer?

A. What are the underlying meanings?

B. How do people experience phenomena?
C. How many, how much, to what extent?
D. What are the cultural implications?

5. What is the importance of quantitative research?

A. To explore subjective experiences

B. To understand cultural perspectives
C. To produce precise measurement and analysis
D. To uncover hidden motives

6. Which characteristic is NOT associated with quantitative research?

A. Empirical
B. Systematic
C. Subjective
D. Objective

7. What type of data is often showcased using figures, tables, or graphs in quantitative research?

A. Personal stories
B. Cultural practices
C. Numerical data
D. Ethnographic observations
8. Why is a large sample size recommended in quantitative research?

A. To increase researcher bias

B. To validate qualitative findings
C. To observe subjective experiences
D. To strengthen data analysis

9. What is the purpose of replication in quantitative research?

A. To introduce bias in findings

B. To verify and reinforce validity
C. To explore cultural nuances
D. To focus on discovery

10. Which research type involves the use of statistical treatment for generalizations?

A. Qualitative research
B. Case study research
C. Ethnographic research
D. Quantitative research

11. What does quantitative research focus on when analyzing data?

A. Narratives and stories

B. Numeric relationships
C. Subjective interpretations
D. Cultural symbolism

12. Which statement is true about quantitative research instruments?

A. They are unstructured and open-ended

B. They guide data collection and ensure accuracy
C. They emphasize intuitive responses
D. They explore complex cultural behaviors

13. What is the primary emphasis of quantitative research?

A. Discovery of new phenomena

B. Exploration of cultural contexts
C. Objective measurement and analysis
D. Subjective interpretations

14. What type of research focuses on observing and experimenting with theories?

A. Qualitative research
B. Quantitative research
C. Comparative research
D. Cross-cultural research

15. Which aspect of quantitative research involves using mathematical operations?

 A. Analyzing narratives
B. Observing rituals
C. Studying sensory experiences
D. Measuring relationships between quantities

16. Which type of data is commonly presented using figures and charts in quantitative research?

A. Personal opinions
B. Cultural values
C. Numeric data
D. Ethnographic descriptions

17. Why is replication important in quantitative research?

A. To introduce subjectivity
B. To verify findings in another setting
C. To focus on discovery
D. To uncover hidden motives

18. What does quantitative research strive to be in its analysis?

A. Subjective
B. Inaccurate
C. Logical and objective
D. Biased

19 Which type of research involves predicting future outcomes using mathematical calculations?

A. Qualitative research
B. Descriptive research
C. Quantitative research
D. Ethnographic research

20. What is the primary goal of quantitative research?

A. To explore cultural practices

B. To analyze narratives
C. To provide accurate measurement and analysis
D. To uncover subjective meanings