Quantitative Research Design Overview

Quantitative Research Design

• Research methods in education are often categorized into quantitative and qualitative methods
• Quantitative methods focus on statistical analysis, numerical data, and establishing cause-and-effect relationships
• Quantitative research design outlines the structure of a research project using quantitative methods.
• Design may involve telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews, online surveys, mail surveys, SMS/text message surveys, or physical counts.

Methods of Quantitative Research Design

• Quasi-experimental design: Similar to true experimental design but without random assignment of participants
• Experimental design: A research method used to establish cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables
• Correlational design: A method to identify relationships or associations between variables without establishing causality
• Descriptive design: A method to describe the current state of a phenomenon or population based on existing data.

Major Types of Research Design

• Exploratory research: Used to explore an issue or problem, define ambiguities, and generate hypotheses
• Descriptive research: Used to accurately describe a population's characteristics and issues, defining and examining phenomena
• Explanatory research: Explains the reasons for something or why certain phenomena occur
• Evaluation research: Used to evaluate the effectiveness of an activity or program.

Sampling Technique

• Sampling is a process of choosing a representative group from a larger population (target population) for research
• Sampling is crucial to draw valid conclusions from a study
• Two main types of sampling methods are: Probability and Non-Probability sampling

Probability Sampling

• Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample.
• Types: Simple Random, Systematic, Stratified, Cluster Sampling

Non-Probability Sampling

• Not every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample.
• Types: Quota, Voluntary, Purposive/Judgmental, Availability, Snowball Sampling

Constructing an Instrument

• Researchers use instruments to collect data—like surveys, questionnaires, and observations.
• Validity is how accurately an instrument measures what it's supposed to measure.
• Reliability is the consistency of an instrument's measurements. If a measurement gives similar results each time, it is reliable.

Describing Intervention

• Interventions in research involve strategies or program elements aimed at producing changes in behavior or health status.
• Interventions are designed to target a specific audience and usually have theoretical underpinnings.

Data Collection Procedures

• Methods for collecting data include questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations.
• Questionnaires involve prepared lists of questions that participants fill out.
• Interview methods involve interactive questioning to gain detailed answers.
• Observations are systematic recordings of behaviors and activities.

Data Analysis

• Quantitative data analysis uses statistical tools to describe and interpret data.
• Descriptive analysis summarizes and describes data.
• Inferential analysis uses data from a sample to draw conclusions about a larger population.