Senior High School

NOT

PRACTICAL
RESEARCH 2
Quarter 1 - Module 1
Nature of Inquiry and Research

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Lesson
Introduction to
1 Quantitative Research

What’s In

Practical Research I introduced you to the two main classifications of

research methods: quantitative and qualitative. You have learned that qualitative
research is more of describing a phenomenon in a narrative; hence, the data
collected can be in the form of words, images, or transcripts taken from a small
sample, not generalizable to the population. Choosing a small sample size makes
room for in-depth data collection and interpretation. In this lesson, you will learn
about quantitative analysis, a more formal, objective, and systematic approach
to obtaining answers to a question or problem of the study.

What I Need to Know

Vital to the conduct of a quantitative research project is a deep

understanding of its characteristics. When you know its strengths and different
classifications, you will be able to identify what kind of questions you should ask
and what approach is most suited to find answers to these questions. The
identification of its weaknesses on the other hand, aids in recognizing the
questions or topics that are inappropriate to this course. At the end of this
lesson, you will have a good grasp of what is quantitative research that will
prepare you in crafting a good research study and instrumental to building
lifelong skills.

What’s New
Activity 1: Finding clues

Directions: Group the following word clues if they are characteristics of

Quantitative Research (Box A) or Qualitative Research (Box B).

1. Measurable 6. Text-based 11. Subjective

2. Behavior 7. Intervention 12. Small sample
3. Statistical 8. Experimental group 13. Tables and
charts
4. Narrative 9. Unstructured 14. Deductive
observation
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5. Objective 10. Inductive 15. Generalizable

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 A. Quantitative Research B. Qualitative Research

Activity 2: Let’s match

Directions: Match the following quantitative research title under column A to its
classification (research design) in column B. Write the letter of the
correct answer on the space provided.

Column A Column B
1. Investigating the effects of formalin A.
treated eggplants on mice. Experimental
2. Factors affecting job satisfaction among Tech- B. Descriptive
Voc
graduates.
3. Prevalence of domestic violence in cities C. Ex post
declared under Enhanced Community facto
Quarantine during the
Covid-19 pandemic.
4. The effects of age on social media platform D. Quasi-
choice. experiment
al
5. The relationship between intelligence and E.
sports choices among high school Correlational
students.
F. Case Study

What Is It

Quantitative Research
You have learned from Practical Research 1 that research method is
classified into two main types: quantitative and qualitative. While both methods
utilize a specific data gathering procedure, the former is generally concerned
with understanding phenomenon relating to or involving quality or kind. The
latter, on the other hand, is based on the measurement or quantity. In this
module, we will focus on quantitative methods of research and what are its
different kinds.

Quantitative research uses scientifically collected and statistically

analyzed data to investigate observable phenomena. A phenomenon is any
existing or observable fact or situation that we want to unearth further or
understand. It is scientific for the fact that it uses a scientific method in
designing and collecting numerical data. Once data is collected, it will undergo
statistical analysis like Pearson’s r, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for
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analysis. Since data is analyzed statistically, it is imperative that the data
obtained must be numerical and quantifiable, hence its name quantitative
research.

Numerical data are generally easier to collect than descriptions or phrases

used in qualitative research. Information like student’s grades in different
subjects, number of hours

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of engagement in social media platforms of teens, percentage of consumers who
prefer the color blue for soap packaging, average daily Covid-19 patient recovery
per region are just few examples of research data expressed in numbers. Some
data on the other hand, are not directly countable and thus require conversion
from non-numerical information into numerical information. For instance,
determining which brand of canned sardines is the best choice for consumers in
terms of taste cannot be expressed in numbers unless we do a survey using a
rating scale. Several forms of rating scales are available, e.g., the Likert scale
that we can use to quantify data. Usually, they come in a selection of numbers
with a corresponding meaning for each choice, for example: 1= tastes very good,
2 = satisfactory, or 3 = undesirable. Numerical choices convert texts into
numbers so the researcher can perform mathematical operations for faster, more
accurate, and more objective analysis.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is commonly used in natural sciences

research problems
because of the following characteristics:

1. LARGE SAMPLE SIZE. To obtain more meaningful statistical result, the

data must come from a large sample size.

2. OBJECTIVE. Data gathering and analysis of results are done accurately,

objectively, and are unaffected by the researcher’s intuition and personal
guesses.

3. VISUAL RESULT PRESENTATION. Data is numerical, which makes

presentation through graphs, charts, and tables possible and for better
conveyance and interpretation.

4. FASTER DATA ANALYSIS. The use of a statistical tools give way for a less
time- consuming data analysis.

5. GENERALIZED DATA. Data taken from a sample can be applied to the

population if sampling is done accordingly, i.e., sufficient size and random
samples were taken.

6. FAST DATA COLLECTION. Depending on the type of data needed,

collection can be quick and easy. Quantitative research uses standardized
research instruments that allow the researcher to collect data from a large
sample size efficiently. For instance, a single survey form can be
administered simultaneously to collect various measurable characteristics
like age, gender, socio-economic status, etc.

7. RELIABLE DATA. Data is taken and analyzed objectively from a sample as

a representative of the population, making it more credible and reliable for
policymaking and decision making.

8. REPLICATION. The Quantitative method can be repeated to verify findings

enhancing its validity, free from false or immature conclusions.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

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The following are the strengths of quantitative research.

1. Quantitative research can be replicated or repeated.

2. Findings are generalizable to the population.
3. Conclusive establishment of cause and effect
4. Numerical and quantifiable data can be used to predict outcomes

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 5. Fast and easy data analysis using statistical software.
6. Fast and easy data gathering
7. Very objective
8. Validity and reliability can be established

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

The following are the disadvantages of quantitative research:

1. It lacks the necessary data to explore a problem or concept in depth.
2. It does not provide comprehensive explanation of human experiences.
3. Some information cannot be described by numerical data such as feelings,
and beliefs.
4. The research design is rigid and not very flexible.
5. The participants are limited to choose only from the given responses.
6. The respondents may tend to provide inaccurate responses.
7. A large sample size makes data collection more costly.

Kinds of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a broad spectrum that it can be classified into

smaller and more specific kinds: descriptive, correlational, ex post facto, quasi-
experimental, and experimental.

Descriptive design is used to describe a particular phenomenon by observing it as

it occurs in nature. There is no experimental manipulation and the researcher
does not start with a hypothesis. The goal of descriptive research is only to
describe the person or object of the study. An example of descriptive research
design is “the determination of the different kinds of physical activities and how
often high school students do it during the quarantine period.”

The correlational design identifies the relationship between variables. Data is

collected by observation since it does not consider the cause and effect for
example, the relationship between the amount of physical activity done and
student academic achievement.

Ex post facto design is used to investigate a possible relationship between

previous events and present conditions. The term “Ex post facto”, means after the
fact, looks at the possible causes of an already occurring phenomenon. Just like
the first two, there is no experimental manipulation in this design. An example of
this is “how does the parent’s academic achievement affect the children
obesity?”

A quasi-experimental design is used to establish the cause and effect relationship

of variables. Although it resembles the experimental design, the quasi-
experimental has lesser validity due to the absence of random selection and
assignment of subjects. Here, the independent variable is identified but not
manipulated. The researcher does not modify pre- existing groups of subjects.
The group exposed to treatment (experimental) is compared to the group
unexposed to treatment (control): example, the effects of unemployment on
attitude towards following safety protocol in ECQ declared areas.

Experimental design like quasi- experimental is used to establish the cause and
effect relationship of two or more variables. This design provides a more

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conclusive result because it uses random assignment of subjects and
experimental manipulations. For example, a comparison of the effects of various
blended learning to the reading comprehension of elementary pupils.

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 What’s More

Activity 1: True or False

Directions: On the space provided, write TRUE if the statement describes

quantitative research and FALSE if it is incorrect.

1. Quantitative data can be presented using tables and graphs.

2. The results of quantitative research can be used to generalize and predict.
3. Quantitative research is flexible so at any stage, the study may change.
4. Quantitative data are more credible, reliable, and useful than qualitative
data.
5. The research study cannot be replicated or repeated because it is
unique in every case.
6. Data are in the form of numbers and analyzed statistically.
7. Data analysis is an on-going process. It can be done at any stage of the
process.
8. The behavior of the participants is observed and is critical to the analysis
of results.
9. Analysis of data is less time-consuming.
10. In quantitative research, the researcher participates and engages the
participants in the study

Activity 2: Yes or No

Direction: Write YES on the blank if the question requires for quantitative
approach and NO if it does not.

1. Are high grades in Mathematics a good indicator for

employment after graduation?
2. Will taking brain enhancers increase examination scores?
3. Are there changes in consumer behavior before and after online
selling was popularized?
4. Do online learning materials enhance the computer skills of students?
5. Are there changes in the study habits of public school students
before and after the Covid-19 pandemic?
6. What kind of pick-up lines are most appealing to both genders at
the early adult stage?
7. Is there a difference in the academic performance of students
using online, blended and modular learning modalities?
8. Will student’s and parent’s attitudes towards distance learning
change over time?
9. Which of the four SHS tracks (Academic, Tech-Voc, Sports, Arts &
Design) is greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic?
10. What are the factors affecting the delayed completion and
submission of assignments/tasks given to students using modular
learning modality?

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Lesson
Importance of Quantitative
2 Research Across Fields

What’s In

You have learned from Lesson 1 that quantitative research is a formal,

deductive, and systematic process that focuses mainly on obtaining and
analyzing numerical data. The method of data collection is objective and
replicable. At the same time, its analysis is statistical and generalizable to the
population making the findings of quantitative research very credible and useful
for administrators, law makers, scientists, decision-makers and business owners.
It is for these reasons that quantitative analysis can be applied and very useful to
various fields of study. In this lesson, you will uncover the role of quantitative
research in the advancement of knowledge across disciplines.

Key Question: How is quantitative research applicable across fields?

What I Need to Know

People indulge in research to know more, to solve problems, or to improve
existing conditions. More and more institutions promote research studies while
younger individuals indulge in research projects not only because they are
required to but also because they came to realize the value and benefits
research has to offer. The quantitative research’s systematic way of finding the
answers forges its pertinence regardless of the area or sector. The more you
perceive the value of quantitative research to different groups or field of study,
the more you appreciate it, hence, igniting your interest from knowing that you
may make use of it in your own chosen track.

What’s New
Activity 1: Where do I belong?

Direction. Listed in Column A are the important inventions, innovations or

discoveries in history. Identify which field in Column B do these
discoveries have great importance.
Column A Column B
1. Vaccine A. Agriculture and Fisheries
2. Refrigeration B. Natural and Physical Science
3. Printing press C. Business and Accounting
4. Computer D. Information and Communications
Technology
5. Airplane E. Arts
6. Photo finishes F. Education
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7. Social media G. Sports
8. Paint H. Humanities and Social Science
I. Mathematics

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Activity 2: Expanding your vocabulary!

Directions: Read through the text of this lesson and look for an underlined word that
has the same meaning as the word in the list below. Write the word on
the space provided.
1. Intercession -
2. To find out –
3. Salable -
4. Quicken, expedite -
5. Relationship -
6. Create, produce -
7. Compatibility -
8. Toughest -
9. Changeable -
10.Global, widespread -

What Is It

Importance of Quantitative Research Across Fields

The value of quantitative research to man’s quest to discover the unknown

and improve underlying conditions is undeniable. Throughout history,
quantitative research has paved the way to finding meaningful solutions to
difficulties. For instance, the development of vaccines to strengthen our
immunity against viruses causing highly communicable diseases like polio,
influenza, chickenpox, and measles to name a few, underwent thorough
experimental trials. You bet, scientists and medical experts all over the world
today are working their best to fast track the development, testing and release of
the vaccine for the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (Covid-19) as the pandemic has
critically affected the world economy, education, as well as physical and
emotional well-being of people.

The findings of the quantitative study can influence leaders and law-
makers’ decisions for crafting and implementing laws for the safety and welfare
of the more significant majority. For example, a community with high cases of
Covid-19 positive patients is mandated by law to be under Enhanced Community
Quarantine where only the most essential businesses can operate. On the other
hand, cities with less or zero case will be under General Community Quarantine
where some businesses, public and private offices are already allowed to
operate.

Using quantitative design helps us determine and better understand

relationships between variables or phenomenon crucial to reducing the range of
uncertainty because the mathematics (more of this in the last module) behind
quantitative studies helps us make close estimates of the outcome (dependent
variable) from a given condition/s (independent variable). Relationship between
demand and supply, age and health, discipline and academic achievement,
practice and winning at sports, depression and suicidal rates, algae population
and Oxygen demand are just a few examples of real-life applications of
correlation studies in the past that we still apply today.

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 Most inventions and innovations are products of quantitative studies.
Before you can enjoy the uses and features of a smart phone, it took years of
research to establish compliance to standards for interoperability, to find the
most cost-effective raw materials, identify the sleekest and sturdiest design, the
fastest data saving and processing power, and most marketable add-ons
according to consumer needs. Indeed, mankind will dwell in the darkness of
ignorance if not for the people who conducted their research before reading
about it from books or manuals.

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 The table below shows some of the contributions of quantitative research
to other fields and their example.

Field Contribution/Application Example

Social Science  Effects of intervention to The effects of
group behavior. pandemic on social
 Understanding cultural or behavior and economic
racial conflicts. stability.
 Human satisfaction
and stressors
Natural and  Investigate the Antidiabetic properties
Physical Sciences effectiveness of a product of common Philippine
or treatment to illnesses. herbs.
 Finding or enhancing
alternative energy sources.
 Advancement in material
science.
Agriculture  Increase the yield of crops The effectiveness of
 Prevention and cure for organic and inorganic
and Fisheries crops and livestock fertilizer to vegetable
diseases production.
Sports  Enhance athletic Diet and exercise
performance techniques for
different
kinds of sports.
Business  Device marketing strategies Effectiveness of
 Improve marketability Facebook ads on sales.
Arts and Design  Relationship between color The effects of music
and architectural space on learning and
 Multimedia use and behavior.
adaptation
for recreation,
business marketing
and lifestyle changes.
Environmental  Causes and effects of The environmental
Science climate change factors affecting natural
calamities

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 A. Explain briefly, the importance or contribution of quantitative research to
each of the following fields of study.

Field Importance / contribution

Natural and Physical
Science

Education

Sports

Arts and Design

Agriculture and Fisheries

Information and
Communication
Technology

Social Science

Business and Accounting

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 Lesson Variables in
3 Quantitative Research

What’s In

You have learned from the previous lessons that quantitative research is
concerned about numerical or measurable values that we can analyze
statistically. How do we measure such values? Is it measurable at all times? Do
these values change? Are these values applicable for descriptive, correlational,
ex post facto, quasi-experimental and experimental research? In this lesson, you
will learn about the different classifications of data used in quantitative research
and their examples.

What I Need to Know

Variables play a significant role in quantitative research. When you intend
to accomplish something through research, the boundaries of your goal must be
defined first to direct your focus into a specific characteristic or condition through
identifying the variables of your research study. Doing such eliminates
complexities and elaborate work especially for a senior high school student like
you. Knowing the different kinds of research variables also aids in smooth data
collection and analysis.

What’s New

Activity 1: Let’s review!

Directions: Read and analyze the following questions. Choose the letter of the
correct answer.

1. Which variable is manipulated by the researcher?

A. Extraneous variable C. Dependent variable
B. Independent variable D. Confounding variable

2. Which of the following is an example of a quantitative variable?

A. Plant variety C. Hair color
B. IQ D. Race

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3. Which of the following is an example qualitative variable?
A. Monthly sales C. gender
B. Basketball player number D. IQ

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4. The variable is the presumed effect of the manipulation on the
object/subject of the experiment.
A. Extraneous variable C. Dependent variable
B. Independent variable D. Confounding variable

5. A type of variable that represent categories and can be ordered.

A. Nominal C. Ordinal
B. Discrete D. Ratio

6. What type of variable is characterized by evenly dispersed range of numbers?

A. Nominal C. Dichotomous
B. Interval D. Ratio

7. The variable that have potential effect on the dependent variable that are not
part of the study.
A. Extraneous variable C. Dependent variable
B. Independent variable D. Confounding variable

8. A variable that is used to name, categorize, or label the attributes being

measured.
A. Nominal C. Ordinal
B. Interval D. Ratio

9. What type of variable is gender?

A. Nominal C. Dichotomous
B. Interval D. Continuous

10.The height of students before and after taking growth enhancers for 2 months
is what type of variable?
A. Nominal C. Dichotomous
B. Interval D. Continuous

What Is It
In order to get an answer to an inquiry that they are investigating,
researchers will observe and measure the quality or quantity of the object of the
study. It is therefore imperative for the researcher to identify the variables
significant in explaining observed effects or behavior.

A Variable is anything that has a quantity or quality that varies. For

instance, during the quarantine period, your mother planted tomato seedlings in
pots. Now common understanding from science tells you that several factors are
affecting the growth of tomatoes: sunlight, water, kind of soil, and nutrients in
soil. How fast the tomato seedlings will grow and bear fruits will depend on these
factors. The growth of tomatoes and the number of fruits produced are examples
of the Dependent Variables. The amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients in the
soil are the Independent Variables. If there is an existing relationship between the
independent and dependent variables, then the value of the dependent variable
varies in response to the manipulation done on the independent variable. The
independent variable is also identified as the presumed cause while the

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dependent variable is the presumed effect. In an experimental quantitative
design, the independent variable is pre-defined and manipulated by the
researcher while the dependent variable is observed and measured. For
descriptive, correlational and ex post facto quantitative research designs,
independent and dependent variables simply do not apply.

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 It is important to note other factors that may influence the outcome
(dependent variable) which are not manipulated or pre-defined by the
researcher. These factors are called Extraneous Variables. In our example above,
the presence of pests and environmental stressors (e.g. pets, extreme weather)
are the extraneous variables. Since extraneous variables may affect the result of
the experiment, it is crucial for the researcher to identify them prior to
conducting the experiment and control them in such a way that they do not
threaten the internal validity (i.e. accurate conclusion) of the result. Controlling
the extraneous variable can be done by holding it constant or distribute its effect
across the treatment. When the researcher fails to control the extraneous
variable that it caused considerable effect to the outcome, the extraneous
variable becomes a Confounding Variable. For example, if the tomato had been
infested by pests (confounding variable) then you cannot conclude that
manipulations in sunlight, water and soil nutrients (independent variable) are the
only contributing factors for the stunted growth and poor yield (dependent
variable) of the plant or is it the result of both the independent variables and the
confounding variable.

The variables can also be classified according to their nature. The diagram
below shows the different classifications:

VARIABLE

QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE
(NUMERICAL) (CATEGORICAL)

DISCREET CONTINUOUS NOMINAL ORDINAL DICHOTOMOUS

Quantitative Variables, also called numerical variables are the type of variables
used in quantitative research because they are numeric and can be measured.
Under this category are discrete and continuous variables.

A. Discrete variables are countable whole numbers. It does not take negative
values or values between fixed points. For example: number of students in
a class, group size and frequency.
B. Continuous variables take fractional (non-whole number) values that can
either be a positive or a negative. Example: height, temperature.

Numerical data have two levels of measurement, namely:

A. Interval are quantitative variables where the interval or differences

between consecutive values are equal and meaningful but the numbers
are arbitrary. For example, the difference between 36 degrees and 37
degrees is the same as between 100 degrees and 101 degrees. The zero
point does not suggest the absence of a property being measured.
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Temperature at 0 degree Celsius is assigned as the melting point of ice.
Other examples of interval data would be year and IQ score.

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 B. Ratio type of data is similar to interval, the only difference is the presence
of a true zero value. The zero point in this scale indicates the absence of
the quantity being measured. Examples are age, height, weight and
distance.

II. Qualitative Variables are also referred to as Categorical Variables are not
expressed in numbers but are descriptions or categories. It can be further
divided into nominal, ordinal or dichotomous.

C. Dichotomous are consisting of only two distinct categories or values. For

example, a response to a question either be a yes or no.

D. Nominal variable simply defines groups of subjects. Here you may have
more than 2 categories of equivalent magnitude. For example, a
basketball player’s number is used to distinguish him from other players. It
certainly does not follow that player 10 is better than player 8. Other
examples are blood type, hair color and mode of transportation.

E. Ordinal variable, from the name itself denotes that a variable is ranked in a
certain order. This variable can have a qualitative or quantitative attribute.
For example, a survey questionnaire may have a numerical rating as
choices like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5ranked accordingly (5=highest, 1=lowest) or
categorical rating like strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree and strongly
disagree. Other examples or ordinal variable: cancer stage (Stage I, Stage
II, Stage III), Spotify Top 20 hits, academic honors (with highest, with high,
with honors).

Activity 2: Classifying variables

Directions: Identify the following variable as either qualitative or quantitative.

Then classify which specific category they belong.

Data Type of variable Classification

(Qualitative/Quantitati (Discrete,
ve)
continuous, interval,
ratio, nominal,
dichotomous, ordinal)
Ex. Number of eggs laid by Quantitative Discrete, interval
chickens
1. Amount of fertilizer given to
plants
2. Weight of Pechay harvested
(in
grams)
3. Speed of car
4. Tomato plant variety

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 5. Color of alcohol packaging
(blue, orange, white, pink)
6. Educational level of parents
(high
school grad, college grad,
MS, PhD)
7. Online seller satisfaction
rating (1-
5 stars)
8. Cellphone brand
9. Number of Covid-19 positive
cases
10. Type of music
11. Number of passengers in a PUJ
12. Socio-economic status
13. Gender
14. Temperature in Fahrenheit
15. Civil Status

Summary
 Quantitative research uses scientifically collected and statistically analyzed
data to investigate observable phenomena.
 Characteristics of quantitative research are (1) Large sample size, (2) Objective,
(3)
Visual result presentation, (4) Faster data analysis, (5) Generalized data, (6) Fast
data collection, (7) Reliable data, and (8) Replication.
 Kinds of quantitative research are (1) Descriptive, (2) Correlational, (3) Ex
post facto design, (4) quasi-experimental, and (5) experimental.
 Types of Variables: (1) Independent, (2) Dependent, (3) Extraneous, (4)
Continuous,
(5) Discrete, (6) Dichotomous, (7) Nominal variable and (8) Ordinal variable.