Qualities of Quantitative Research

Study Notes

Involves numerical values to describe phenomena and infer relationships.
Ideal for scientific inquiry due to its hypothesis-testing capabilities.
Variables, key traits that describe objects or groups, are essential for formulating hypotheses.
Independent variable is manipulated, while the dependent variable is influenced by it.

Controllability is crucial; all variables in the study should be identifiable and manageable.
Generalizability relies on larger sample sizes representative of the population.
Objectivity ensures results are observable and measurable using structured instruments.
Replicability allows other researchers to reproduce studies with similar outcomes.

Large sample sizes require significant time and effort to obtain.
Statistical analysis necessitates expertise for accurate interpretation.
Reducing observations to numerical values may oversimplify complex phenomena.
Type of study (experimental or non-experimental) depends on the specific topic and problem nature.

Experimental Research: Establishes cause-effect relationships with randomized samples.
Descriptive Research: Describes various factors, variables, or phenomena as they naturally occur.
Comparative Research: Compares two variables to discern causative relationships among groups.
Correlational Research: Examines relationships between two variables without implying causation.
Quasi-Experimental Research: Similar to experimental but lacks random sampling, using assigned samples instead.

Correlational Research: Identifies relationships between variables, evaluates the strength and direction of associations.
- Commonly applied in social sciences, psychology, economics, and political science.
Causal Research: Investigates cause-and-effect dynamics, often used in natural sciences like chemistry.

Survey Research: A type of correlational research using questionnaires for data collection.
- Components include survey design (cross-sectional or longitudinal), population and sample characteristics, and survey instruments (questionnaires).
Experimental Research: Focuses on establishing causation rather than merely observing relationships.

Survey Design:
- Cross-sectional survey gathers data at a single point in time.
- Longitudinal survey collects data at multiple intervals to observe changes.
Population and Sample:
- Population: General group with shared characteristics.
- Sample: Subset of the population, selected randomly or purposefully.
Survey Instrument: Consists of closed-ended questions, assessing behavior, beliefs, opinions, and expectations.