Quantitative Research Basics

Questions and Answers

What characterizes a quasi-experimental research design?

Comparison of experimental and control groups. (correct)

Manipulation of the independent variable.

Strict random selection of participants.

High validity due to careful subject assignment.

Which of the following describes a continuous variable?

It cannot be divided into fractions.

It can take any value within a given range. (correct)

It has a finite number of distinct values.

It represents categories without numerical value.

What distinguishes a ratio variable from an interval variable?

Both ratio and interval variables can take infinite values.

Interval variables have meaningful zero, whereas ratio variables do not.

Ratio variables express categories, while interval variables are continuous.

Ratio variables have absolute zero, while interval variables do not. (correct)

Which statement correctly describes an ordinal variable?

It can be ranked but does not have defined intervals. Signup and view all the answers

Which option illustrates a nominal variable?

Gender categorized as male or female. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes quantitative research primarily from qualitative research?

Use of large sample sizes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review in the research framework?

To identify gaps in existing knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Which type of quantitative research design does not start with a hypothesis?

Descriptive Research Design Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes correlational research design from experimental research design?

Correlational research identifies relationships without establishing causation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of independent variables in quantitative research?

They are manipulated to observe their effect on dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for the importance of quantitative research in decision-making for leaders?

It provides statistically significant data to support law and policy-making. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of quantitative research, which scenario is best suited for ex post facto research design?

Exploring the impact of parental education on childhood obesity after data collection. Signup and view all the answers

Why is replicability considered a vital characteristic of quantitative research?

It ensures that findings can be tested and confirmed under similar conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quantitative Research: Definition and Characteristics

Defined as research that uses measurable and statistically analyzed data to examine observable phenomena.
Data must be numerical and quantifiable to facilitate analysis.
Characteristics include:
- Large sample size for reliability.
- Objectivity to minimize bias.
- Concise visual presentation for clarity.
- Fast data analysis contributes to efficiency.
- Generalized data allows for broader applications.
- Rapid and straightforward data collection process.
- High replicability ensures findings can be repeated.

Research Framework

Steps to conduct quantitative research:
- Identify the idea and formulate a research question.
- Outline specific aims and objectives.
- Conduct a literature review for background information.
- Select appropriate methodology for investigation.
- Develop methods for data collection.
- Gather data systematically.
- Analyze the collected data.
- Draw conclusions from the analysis.
- Complete the thesis and report writing.

Importance of Quantitative Research

Essential in humanities studies for understanding human behavior and societal issues.
Aids in uncovering unknown factors and addressing underlying conditions.
Contributes meaningful solutions to real-world problems.
Influences leaders and lawmakers in decision-making and law formation.
Drives innovation and invention based on research findings.

Kinds of Quantitative Research

Descriptive Research Design:
- Describes phenomena without starting with a hypothesis.
- Example: Investigating types and frequency of physical activities among students during quarantine.
Correlational Research Design:
- Examines relationships between variables without implying cause and effect.
- Example: Analyzing the relationship between physical activity and academic achievement.
Ex Post Facto Research Design:
- Studies relationships between past events and current conditions.
- Example: Assessing how parents' academic achievements affect children's obesity.
Experimental Research Design:
- Establishes cause and effect between two or more variables through experimental manipulation.
- Example: Comparing different blended learning methods on elementary reading comprehension.
Quasi-Experimental Research Design:
- Investigates cause and effect with lesser validity due to non-random selection.
- Compares experimental groups to control groups without manipulating the independent variable.
- Example: Effects of unemployment on attitudes towards safety protocols.

Variables: Definition and Types

Variables represent values that are not yet determined and can take multiple forms (quantitative or qualitative).
Types of Variables:
- Continuous Variable: Can take an infinite number of values within a range and can be divided (e.g., age, height, temperature).
  - Interval Variable: No absolute zero, e.g., temperature.
  - Ratio Variable: Has an absolute zero, e.g., distance, profits.
- Discrete Variable: Finite, distinct values that cannot be divided (e.g., blood group).
  - Nominal Variable: No inherent order, e.g., eye color, religion.
  - Ordinal Variable: Ordered categories from smallest to greatest, e.g., ranking.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of quantitative research, including its definition, characteristics, and importance. It covers essential concepts such as variables and hypothesis formulation, alongside guidelines for APA 7th Edition citation. Test your understanding of the different kinds of quantitative research and their applications.