RESEARCH is defined as a careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or a problem

using scientific methods.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

- focuses on gathering numerical data and generalizing it across groups of people or to explain a particular
phenomenon.
- involves statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and
surveys, or by manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques.

Your goal in conducting quantitative research study is to determine the relationship between an independent variable
and a dependent or outcome variable within a population.

VARIABLES

The dependent variable is the variable a researcher is interested in.

An independent variable is a variable believed to affect the dependent variable.

CHARACTERISTICS

Descriptive - subjects usually measured once

- establishes only associations between variables

Experimental - subjects measured before and after a treatment

- establishes causality

Its main characteristics are:

- The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.

- The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population.
- The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.
- Researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought.
- All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected.
- Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts, figures, or other non-textual
forms.
- Project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate causal
relationships.
- Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect numerical data.

STRENGTHS

- Allows for a broader study, involving a greater number of subjects, and enhancing the generalization of the
results;
- Allows for greater objectivity and accuracy of results. Generally, quantitative methods are designed to
provide summaries of data that support generalizations about the phenomenon under study. In order to
accomplish this, quantitative research usually involves few variables and many cases, and employs
prescribed procedures to ensure validity and reliability;
- Applying well established standards means that the research can be replicated, and then analyzed and
compared with similar studies;
- You can summarize vast sources of information and make comparisons across categories and over time;
and,
- Personal bias can be avoided by keeping a 'distance' from participating subjects and using
accepted computational techniques.

WEAKNESSES

- Quantitative data is more efficient and able to test hypotheses, but may miss contextual detail;
- Uses a static and rigid approach and so employs an inflexible process of discovery;
 - The development of standard questions by researchers can lead to "structural bias" and false representation,
where the data actually reflects the view of the researcher instead of the participating subject;
- Results provide less detail on behavior, attitudes, and motivation;
- Researcher may collect a much narrower and sometimes superficial dataset;
- Results are limited as they provide numerical descriptions rather than detailed narrative and generally
provide less elaborate accounts of human perception;
- The research is often carried out in an unnatural, artificial environment so that a level of control can be
applied to the exercise. This level of control might not normally be in place in the real world thus yielding
"laboratory results" as opposed to "real world results"; and,
- Preset answers will not necessarily reflect how people really feel about a subject and, in some cases, might
just be the closest match to the preconceived hypothesis.

TYPES

A Descriptive Design seeks to describe the current status of a variable or phenomenon. The researcher does
not begin with a hypothesis, but typically develops one after the data is collected. Data collection is mostly
observational in nature.

Example: A description of teenagers’ attitudes towards smoking.

A Correlational Design explores the relationship between variables using statistical analyses. However, it
does not look for cause and effect and therefore, is also mostly observational in terms of data collection.

Example: A study of the relationship between IQ and clinical depression.

A Quasi-Experimental Design (often referred to as Causal-Comparative) seeks to establish a cause-effect

relationship between two or more variables. The researcher does not assign groups and does not
manipulate the independent variable. Control groups are identified and exposed to the variable. Results are
compared with results from groups not exposed to the variable.

Example: A study of the effect of an after school physical activity program on childhood obesity rates.

Experimental Designs, often called true experimentation, use the scientific method to establish cause-effect
relationship among a group of variables in a research study. Researchers make an effort to control for all
variables except the one being manipulated (the independent variable). The effects of the independent
variable on the dependent variable are collected and analyzed for a relationship.

Example: A study of the effects of a new diet treatment plan on insulin levels in diabetics.

REFERENCES

https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-research/amp/

https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/amorricarto/practical-research-2

research/developmentresources/research_ready/quantres