Quantitative research is an objective, Fast and Easy Data Collection

systematic, empirical investigation of observable -Depending on the type of data needed,

phenomena through the use of computational collection can be quick and easy. Quantitative
techniques. research uses standardized research
instruments that allow the researcher to collect
Quantitative data is the language of science.
data from a large sample size efficiently. For
It uses mathematical models, theories, and instance, a single survey form can be
hypotheses. administered simultaneously to collect various
measurable characteristics like age, gender,
Numerical data are generally easier to collect
socio-economic status, etc.
than descriptions or phrases used in qualitative
research. Reliable Data

-Data is taken and analyzed objectively from a

sample as a representative of the population,
Characteristics of Quantitative Research making it more credible and reliable for
Large Sample Size policymaking and decision making.

-To obtain more meaningful statistical result, the High Replicability

data must come from a large sample size. To -The Quantitative method can be repeated to
arrive at a more reliable data analysis, a normal verify findings enhancing its validity, free from
population curve is preferred. false or immature conclusions.
Objectivity Future outcomes
-Data gathering and analysis of results are done -By using complex mathematical calculations
accurately, objectively, and are unaffected by and with the aid of computers, if-then scenarios
the researcher’s intuition and personal guesses. may be formulated thus predicting future
It seeks accurate measurement and analysis of results
target concept. Furthermore, data are gathered
before proposing a conclusion or solution. Strengths of Quantitative Research

Cleary defined research questions 1. it is objective since it provides

numerical data, it can easily be
-Questions are well defined for which objectives interpreted.
are sought.
2. The use of statistical techniques
Structured instrument
facilitates sophisticated analyses and
-Data are gathered using structured tools such allows you to comprehend a huge
as questionnaire, to ensure quantifiability. amount of vital characteristics of data.

Numerical data 3. Numerical data can be analyzed in a

quick and easy way.
-Data are in the form of numbers and statistics
often organized and presented using tables, 4. Standardized approaches allow the
charts, graphs and figures that consolidate large study to be replicated in different areas
numbers of data to show trends, relationships or over time with the formulation of
or differences comparable findings.

Concise Visual Presentation 5. Findings are generalizable to the

population.
-Data is numerical which makes presentation
through graphs, charts, and tables possible and 6. There is conclusive establishment of
with better conveyance and interpretation. cause and effect
Faster Data Analysis 7. Fast and easy data analysis using
statistical software.
-The use of a statistical tools gives way for a less
time-consuming data analysis. 8. Fast and easy data gathering
Generalized Data 9. Quantitative research can be replicated
-Data taken from a sample can be applied to the or repeated.
population if sampling is done accordingly, i.e., 10. Validity and reliability can be
sufficient size and random samples were taken. established
Weaknesses of Quantitative Research This kind of research aims to assess effects,
impacts or outcomes of practices, policies or
1. It requires a large number of
programs. Examples of which are assessing the
respondents. It is assumed that the
implementation of nursing care in a hospital and
larger the sample is, the more
determining the impact of a new payment
statistically accurate the findings are.
system in school.
2. it is costly. SURVEY
3. The research design is rigid and not very This kind of research is used to gather
flexible. information from groups by selecting and
4. The information contextual factors to studying samples chosen from a population. It
help interpret the results or explain the may be done in various ways such as face-to-
variations are usually ignored. It does face, online, mail, phone, etc.
not consider the distinct capacity of the EXPERIMENTAL
respondents to share and elaborate
further information. This kind of research tests an idea to determine
if it influences an outcome. It is used to observe
5. Many information are difficult to gather a possible cause and effect relationship
using structured research instruments, between variables under conditions controlled
specifically on sensitive issues. by the researcher.
6. If not done seriously and correctly, data Experimental research provides a more
from questionnaires may be incomplete conclusive result because it uses random
and inaccurate. assignment of subjects and experimental
7. The participants are limited to choose manipulations. For example, a comparison of
only from the given responses. the effects of various blended learning to the
reading comprehension of elementary pupils.
8. The respondents may tend to provide
inaccurate responses QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL

A quasi-experimental design is used to establish

the cause-and-effect relationship of variables.
Kinds of Quantitative Research Although it resembles the experimental design,
the quasi-experimental has lesser validity due to
DESCRIPTIVE
the absence of random selection and
This design aims to describe systematically the assignment of subjects. Here, the independent
facts and characteristics of a given population or variable is identified but not manipulated.
area of interest, factually and accurately.
The researcher does not modify pre-existing
It is used to describe a particular phenomenon groups of subjects. The group exposed to
by observing it as it occurs in nature. There is no treatment (experimental) is compared to the
experimental manipulation, and the researcher group unexposed to treatment (control)
does not start with a hypothesis. The goal of
EX POST FACTO
descriptive research is only to describe the
person or object of the study. An example of It is used to investigate a possible relationship
descriptive research design is “the between previous events and present
determination of the different kinds of physical conditions. Just like the previous kinds, there is
activities and how often high school students do no experimental manipulation in this design.
it during the quarantine period.”
Also known as the causal-comparative research,
CORRELATIONAL it derives conclusions from observations and
manifestations that already occurred in the past
This design identifies the relationship between
and now compared to some dependent
variables. Data is collected by observation since
variables. It discusses how and why a
it does not consider the cause and effect, for
phenomena occurs.
example, the relationship between the amount
of physical activity done and student academic A variable in research simply refers to a person,
achievement. It aims to describe and measure place, thing, or phenomenon that you are trying
the degree of association between two or more to measure in some way.
variables or sets of scores
EVALUATION
A variable is any parameter in the experiment Researchers use the descriptive design to
that can change. It is something that you describe particular phenomena or relationships
measure, can manipulate and control. within a single group sample. The purpose is to
describe the status of an identified variable such
as events, people or subjects as they exist.
Types of variables
DESCRIPTIVE DESIGN
Continuous variable: can take infinite number Researchers use the descriptive design to
on the value that can occur within a population. describe particular phenomena or relationships
Its values can be divided in fractions within a single group sample. The purpose is to
Ex: age, height, temperature describe the status of an identified variable such
as events, people or subjects as they exist.
Continuous variables can be interval or ratio.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Discrete variable: also known as categorical or
classificatory. It has limited number of distinct Also known as longitudinal or repeated
values, and cannot be divided into fractions measures studies; experimental research may
also be referred to as intervention, because the
Ex: gender, blood type, number of children in researchers do more than just observe the
the family subject.
Discrete variables can be nominal or ordinal. It uses the scientific method to establish the
cause-effect relationship of variables that make
Independent variable: the “cause” variable. It is
up a study. Given this, experimental research is
responsible for the conditions that act on
considered to be the most effective method for
something else to bring about changes. It is the
testing cause and effect relationships.
variable that is being manipulated in an
experiment in order to examine the effect it has Experimental research designs have the most
on a dependent variable. control, and thus, allow researchers to explain
differences between groups. One of its key
Dependent variable: the “outcome” variable. It
features is that participants are randomly
is the result or effect of the changes brought
assigned to groups.
about by another variable (usually the IV). it is a
variable that is dependent on an independent QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
variable.
It attempts to establish cause-and-effect
relationship among variables. However, in this
case, the independent variable is identified but
Other types of variables
not manipulated.
Control variable: an extraneous variable that a
It is similar to experimental design, except that
researcher does not wish to examine in a study.
it lacks one or both essential properties of
It is something that is constant and unaffected
randomization and a control group. The group
in an experiment.
exposed to treatment (experimental) is
Moderating variable: one that has a strong compared to the group unexposed to treatment
contingent effect on the independent variable- (control)
dependent variable relationship. Its presence
EX POST FACTO DESIGN
modifies the original relationship between the
two. The researcher identifies events that have
already occurred or conditions that are already
Intervening variable: appears in a more
present and then collects data to investigate a
complex causal relationship. It comes between
possible relationship between these factors and
the independent and dependent variables and
subsequent characteristics or behaviors.
explains the link or mechanism between them.
It derives conclusions from observations and
Confounding variable: makes the vague effects
manifestations that already occurred in the past
of another variable
and now compared to some dependent
variables.

Choosing the appropriate research design It is used to investigate possible relationship

between previous events and present
DESCRIPTIVE DESIGN conditions
Sampling Simple Random Sampling

Sampling is the process of selecting a number of It is the basic probability sampling design,
the individuals for a study in such a way that the where every member has equal chance of being
individuals represent the larger group from selected as part of the sample. In this case, the
which they were selected. It involves getting sample is selected either through lottery
information from a proper subset of a technique or through the use of table of
population. The fundamental purpose of random samples.
sampling is to describe the population Systematic Random Sampling
characteristics through the values obtained
from a sample as accurately as possible, since It is affected by drawing units at regular
the sample must imitate the behavior of the intervals from a list. The starting point or the
population. first units to be taken is a random choice. This
sampling uses a specific system to select
members such as every 5th person on the list.
Steps involved in developing a sampling Stratified Random Sampling
plan:
It involves selecting sub-samples proportionate
1. identify the parameters to be in size to the significant characteristics of the
measured, the range of possible values total population. In this case, different strata in
and the required resolution the population are defined and each member if
2. design a sampling scheme that details the stratum is listed. Population is derived into
how and when samples will be taken. sub-groups and members are randomly selected
3. select sample sizes from each group.
4. design data storage formats
5. assign roles and responsibilities Cluster Random Sampling

Population vs Sample In this sampling, the unit of sampling is not the

individual but the naturally occurring group of
POPULATION : is a larger group of individuals individuals. The technique is used when it is
or large collection of individuals or objects that more convenient to select individuals from a
are selected to participate in a study. defined population. It divides the population
into clusters, every members from the selected
SAMPLE : is a smaller collection of units from a
cluster are considered as samples
population used to determine truths about that
population. Multi-stage Random Sampling

This is a combination of 3 or more variations.

The procedure is as in cluster sampling which
Types of Populations
moves through a series of stages from more
TARGET POPULATION inclusive to the less inclusive sampling units
until arriving at the population elements that
It refers to the entire group of individuals or
constitute the desired sampling.
objects to which researchers are interested in
generalizing the conclusions. It usually has NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING does not rely
varying characteristics and it is known as the on the use of randomization techniques to
theoretical population. select members. It is typically done in studies
where randomization is not possible in order to
ACCESSIBLE POPULATION
obtain a representative sample.
It is the population in research to which the
Convenience or Accidental Sampling
researcher can apply their conclusion. It is a
subset of the target population and it is also This is sometimes called opportunity or
known as study population. accidental sampling. Here, the members of unit
areas are selected based on availability. The
sample is drawn from that part of the
Types of Sampling population which is close to hand, that is, a
population which is readily available and
PROBABILITY SAMPLING uses convenient.
randomization and takes steps to ensure all
members of a population has a chance of being Purposive Sampling
selected. In this case, the members of a particular group
are purposefully sought after. The researcher
uses their expert judgment to select participants process of developing, testing and using the
that are representative of the population. To do device. Instruments fall into two broad
this, the researcher should consider factors that categories. These are distinguished by those
might influence the population (e.g. instruments that researchers administer versus
socioeconomic status, educational attainment, those that are completed by the participants.
economic status, etc.).
Modal Instance Sampling

In this sampling method, the members or units

are chosen because they are the most common
within a defined group and therefore are sought A critical portion of the research study is the
after. instrument used to gather data. The validity of
Expert Sampling the findings and conclusions resulting from the
statistical instruments will depend greatly on
In this sampling, the members of the population the characteristics of your instruments.
who are considered to be high quality are
chosen for participation in the study. This
includes participants who are acknowledged to Reliability vs validity
have high level of knowledge about the
particular subject. Reliability and validity are concepts used to
evaluate the quality of research. They indicate
Quota Sampling
how well a method, technique. or test measures
This sampling relies on the non-random something. Reliability is about the consistency
selection of a predetermined number or of a measure, and validity is about the accuracy
proportion of units. This is called a quota. The of a measure. It’s important to consider
researcher first divides the population into reliability and validity when you are creating
mutually exclusive subgroups (called strata) and your research design, planning your methods,
then recruit sample units until you reach your and writing up your results, especially in
quota. These units share specific characteristics, quantitative research. Failing to do so can lead
determined by you prior to forming your strata. to several types of research bias and seriously
The aim of quota sampling is to control what or affect your work.
who makes up your sample. Validity
Snowball Sampling
Validity refers to the extent to which the
Here, the research participants are asked to instrument measures what it intends to
assist researchers in identifying other potential measure and perform as it is designed to
subjects. This is used to recruit participants via perform. However, it is important to note that it
other participants. is unusual and nearly impossible that an
instrument is 100% valid, that’s why validity is
Steps in the selection of sample measured in degrees. As a process, validation
1. Define the target population. involves collecting and analyzing data to assess
2. Determine if the probability or non- the accuracy of an instrument. There are
probability sampling method will be numerous statistical tests and measures to
chosen. assess the validity of quantitative instruments
3. Plan procedure for selecting sampling that generally involves pilot testing.
units.
4. Determine sample size.
5. Select actual sampling units.
6. Conduct the study by gathering data.

The Research Instrument

Instrument is the generic term that researchers

use to refer to a measurement device (survey,
test, questionnaire, etc.). To help distinguish
Reliability
between instrument and instrumentation,
consider that the instrument is the device and Reliability can be thought of as consistency. It
instrumentation is the course of action or the relates to the extent to which the instrument
consistently measures what it intends to Telephone Interview
measure. The instrument should be able to
This is less time consuming and less expensive
obtain approximately the same response when
as contact is very limited. It provides
applied to respondents who are similarly
researchers with ready access to anyone with a
situated. Likewise, when the instrument is
telephone. This type of interview is mostly used
applied at two different points in time, the
in attitude survey, customer satisfaction surveys
responses must highly correlate with one
or exploration.
another. Reliability can be measured by
correlating the responses of subjects exposed to Computer-assisted Personal Interview
the instrument at two different time periods or
Here, the interviewer brings along a laptop or
by correlating the responses of the subjects who
hand-held computer to enter the information
are similarly situated
directly into the database.
QUESTIONNAIRE

The main purpose of a questionnaire is to help

extract data from respondents. It serves as
standard guide for the interviewers who need to
ask the questions in exactly the same way. There
are normally five sections in a questionnaire:

1. respondent’s identification data

Data Collection 2.introduction

In quantitative research, data collection 3.instruction

methods rely on random sampling and 4.information
structured data collections instruments that fit
various experiences into predetermined 5.classification data and information
response categories that produce results that
Paper-pencil-questionnaire
are easy to summarize, compare and generalize.
Since quantitative research is concerned with This instrument can be sent to large group of
the testing of hypotheses derived from theory people and saves the researcher’s time and
and or being able to estimate the size of a money. However, the challenge lies in the
phenomenon of interest participants may be retrieval of the questionnaire.
randomly assigned to different treatments
Web-based Questionnaire
depending on the research questions or
objectives. This is administered by sending emails or
through clickable links directly provided to
respondents. The challenge, however, is when
Methods of Data Collection people are in hurry that they don’t carefully
read the questions.
INTERVIEWS
Self administered Questionnaires
The use of such begins with the assumption that
the participants’ perspectives are meaningful, It is directly distributed through mail, filled out
knowable and can be explicit, and that their and administered by the respondents
perspectives affect the success of the project. themselves which is returned via mail to the
researcher. This is the common evaluation forms
Structured Interview
you can find in fast food restaurants or other
Also known as researcher-administered survey, service-related companies.
in this type of interview, the researcher asks
Questionnaires
standard set of questions and nothing more.
The interview follows a specific format with the often make use of checklist and rating scales.
same line of questioning. These devices help simplify and quantify
people’s behaviors and attitudes.
Face to face Interview
CHECKLIST
This is the most frequently used quantitative
research method. It yields the highest response This refers to a list of behaviors, characteristics
rates in survey research. or other entities that the researchers are
looking for. In accomplishing this, either the
researcher simply checks the observable Inferential Statistics
behaviors or the participant himself.
LINEAR REGRESSION
RATING SCALE
Used when assessing the effect of:
This is more useful when a behavior needs to be
1 Continuous IV to 1 Continuous DV (Simple
evaluated on a continuum. It states the criteria
Linear Regression)
and provide three or more responses to
describe the quality or frequency of a behavior, Example: “What is the effect of INCOME on
skill, strategy or variable of study. LONGEVITY?”
TEST METHOD 2 or more Continuous IVs to 1 Continuous DV
This method is widely used in psychological (Multiple Linear Regression)
research and psychiatry. Standard tests are used Example: What is the effect of INCOME and
because of their validity, reliability, and usability. MINUTES OF EXERCISE on LONGEVITY?
Examples of which are aptitude tests, IQ tests
and achievement test. COMPARISON TESTS

REGISTRATION METHOD Looks for the DIFFERENCE among group means.

Example of data gathered using this method are Paired t-test: 1 Categorical IV and 1 Continuous
those that are obtained from the National DV (the sample will be assessed twice)
Statistics Office, Land Transportation Office, Example: “What is the effect of the taking
Department of Education, CHED, SEC, and other intermittent diet to the weight of obese
government agencies. individuals?” (the same group of respondents
will be assessed before and after taking the diet)

Data Analysis Independent t-test: 1 Categorical IV and 1

Continuous DV (2 independent groups)
This part of the research discusses the various
quantitative tools needed to address the Example: i.e. “What is the difference in average
research problem or objectives of the study. scores of the students from two different
Quantitative data analysis is a systematic sections”
approach to investigations during which ANOVA 1 Categorical IV and 1 Continuous DV (3
numerical data are collected and the researcher or more independent groups)
transforms what are collected or observed into
numerical data. Example: “What is the difference in sleeping
hours of different social media usage? (In this
Quantitative data analysis is helpful in case low, medium, and high levels of social
evaluation because it provides quantifiable and media usage will be differentiated)
easy to understand results. Analysis of data
involves a variety of descriptive and inferential MANOVA: 1 Categorical IV and 2 or more
statistics. Continuous DV (3 or more independent groups)

Descriptive Analyses these analyses are called Example: “What is the difference in the
descriptive because they allow you to perception of attractiveness and intelligence of
summarize large amounts of information. drug users in movies?” (drug users can be
Descriptive statistics include frequencies classified as regular user, experimenter and non-
(counts), percent, ranks, measures of central user)
tendency (mean. median, mode) and measures CORRELATIONAL TESTS
of variability (range and standard deviation). In
many cases descriptive statistics will be Used to measure the RELATIONSHIP without
sufficient to answer most stakeholders’ assuming the cause-and-effect relationship
questions.
Pearson r Correlation Coefficient: 1 Continuous
Inferential Analyses After conducting IV and 1 Continuous DV
descriptive analyses, you may want to conduct
Example: How are latitude and temperature
more complex inferential analyses. These
related?
include testing for significant differences.
Chi Square: 1 Categorical IV and 1 Continuous
DV Example: How is the teachers’ age related to
their organizational commitment?