Research in Daily Life 2

Week 3 If We Knew What We Were Doing It Wouldn't Be

Research

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Module 3

NAME: ____________________________________________________________________
For the learner/s:

Welcome to the Research in Daily Life 2

Module on Research in Daily Life 2

Our mind is the most powerful part of our human body, with our mind working at
its best, we can achieve anything. Despite different circumstances we might
face, we should stand firm and continue with life. Our mind is associated with our
ability to learn, appreciate and create essential things. Hence, this signifies that
you as a learner is capable and empowered to succeed. Your academic success
lies in your own hands!

This module aims to provide the essential concepts, skills and competencies
needed which are useful in real life situations. The lessons and activities in this
module is designed with accordance to the skills and tasks suited for 21st Century
learners.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Objectives - These are what you will be able to know after

completing the lessons in the module

Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the

concepts to be mastered throughout the lesson.

Lesson- This section will discuss the topic for this module.

Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform.

Generalization- This section summarizes the concepts and

applications of the lessons.

Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson the student should be able to:

a. define Quantitative Research;
b. demonstrate understanding about the value of Quantitative Research;
its kinds, characteristics, uses, strengths, and weaknesses; and
c. create research topic proposal for a Quantitative Research.

PRE–TEST

Direction: TRUE or FALSE. Write T if the statement is TRUE and F if the statement is
FALSE. Write your answer in the space provided before each item.

__________1. Correlational research is done to find ways on how to improve a

certain policies and develop a particular aspect of life __________2. Quantitative
Research is time consuming.
__________3. Qualitative research gives more accuracy and precision compared
to Quantitative research.
__________4. Quantitative research can be difficult and expensive
__________5. Results are often real and unbiased in Quantitative research

LESSON
 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH AND ITS IMPORTANCE
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research is a systematic and

scientific investigation of data and there
corresponding relationships. This kind of
research is usually associated with numerical.
Expressions like numerical forms, objective
thinking, statistical methods, and
measurement signal the existence of
quantitative research.

Quantitative research often uses traditional

mathematical and statistical means to
measure specific phenomenon. As Sutter
(2012) stated that 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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Since quantitative research uses numbers and figures to denote a

particular thing, this kind of research requires you to focus your full attention on
the object of your study. Quantitative research includes the following
characteristics:

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. The researchers know in

advance what they are looking for. The research questions are
welldefined for which objective answers are sought. All aspects of the
study are carefully designed before data are gathered.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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 size to
avoid researcher‟s bias in interpreting the results.

6. 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.

7. FUTURE OUTCOMES. By using complex

mathematical calculations and with the aid of
computers, if-then scenarios may be formulated thus
predicting future.

CLASSIFICATION OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research is of two kinds: experimental and

non-experimental. Each of these has sub-types. Falling
under experimental are these specific types: true
experimental, quasi-experimental, single subject, and
pre-experimental. Quasi-experimental comes in several
types such as: matched comparative group, time series,
and counterbalanced quasiexperimental. Non-
experimental research, on the other hand, has these
sub-types: survey, historical, observational, correlational,
descriptive, and comparative research.
QUANTITATIVE VS QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

According to sharp (2012) there are established criteria/ standards involving

qualitative and quantitative research which includes the following:

STANDARDS QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE

Mental survey of reality Results from social Exists in the physical world
interactions

Cause-effect relationships Explained by people‟s

objective desires Revealed by automatic
descriptions of
circumstances or
conditions

Subjective; sometimes
Researcher’s involvement personally engaged Objective; least
with the object or subject involvement by the
of the study researcher

Numerals, statistics
Expression of data, data Verbal language (words,
analysis, and findings visuals, objects)

Research plan Plans all research aspects

Takes place as the before collecting data
research proceeds
gradually

Behavior toward research Desires to preserve the Control or manipulation of

aspects/ conditions natural setting of research research conditions by the
features researcher

Obtaining knowledge Multiple methods Scientific method

Purpose Makes social intentions

understandable Evaluates objective sand
examines cause-effect
relationships

Data-analysis technique Thematic codal ways, Mathematically based

competence-based methods

Personal, lacks formality

Style of expression Impersonal, scientific, or
systematic
 Sampling technique Random sampling as the
More inclined to purposive most preferred
sampling or use of chosen
samples based on some
criteria

IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research gives more accurate and precise results. It is often used by
researchers who want objective rather than subjective data. It enables people
to study their surroundings as objective as they can. This kind of Research takes
away the researchers‟ biased opinion or personal attachment to the object of
the study. It is the most effective method in obtaining specific information, traits,
personality and results.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

ADVANTAGES

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

DISADVANTAGES

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
premarital 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.

HOW TO WRITE QUANTITATIVE

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

a. Choose your starting phrase

b. Identify your variables (dependent,

independent, controlled)

c. Identify the variables you want to

measure

d. Identify the variables you want to

control

e. Identify the variables you want to

manipulate
 f. Structure your questions in a way that the readers can easily and clearly
understand what you want to attain.

ACTIVITY

Directions: Formulate a quantitative research question about each of the following

topics:

a. Gender (male and female)

b. Learning styles (visual, audio, kinesthetic, etc.)

c. Philippine transportation system (MRT, LRT, buses, FX, jeeps, taxi, etc.)

d. Communication media (TV, newspaper, cellphones, email, Facebook,

Instagram, etc.)

e. Public order and safety (labor strikes, crime, drug addiction, robbery, etc.)
 GENERALIZATION

ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING MAIN IDEAS

1. Quantitative research can be useful in determining relationships

between data through the use of scientific investigation, mathematics
and statistical methodologies.

2. Quantitative research gives out more accurate and precise result than
qualitative research

3. Quantitative research requires the researcher to focus and give full

attention to the object of study

4. Quantitative research enables people to study their surroundings as

objective as can be.

POST TEST

DIRECTION: Write A if it’s an advantage when using quantitative research and N if it’s
not.

__________1. It is a great way to prove or disprove hypothesis.

__________2. It can be difficult and expensive depending on the topic

__________3. It must be carefully planned

__________4. Results are often unreal and biased

__________5. It requires less time and effort.