Quantitative Research PDF

University of Mustapha Stambouli - Mascara Teacher: Mrs. MAROUF Faculty of Letters and Languages Department of the English Language and Literature Third Year Students QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH INTRODUCTION: The...

University of Mustapha Stambouli - Mascara Teacher: Mrs. MAROUF Faculty of Letters and Languages Department of the English Language and Literature Third Year Students QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH INTRODUCTION: The methods used by researchers may either be quantitative or qualitative. The decision to select the method largely depends on the nature of the research topic. Some research topics are better studied using quantitative methods while others are more appropriately explored using qualitative methods. QUANTITATIVE METHODS: As the name suggests, quantitative methods are research techniques used to gather and quantify numerical data that can be sorted, classified, and measured. The type of questions that can be asked are: ‘how long’, ‘how many’ or ‘how often’. PURPOSE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS: The main purpose of quantitative research, according to Borg and Gall (1989), is the detection of causal relationships between variables. Quantitative methods look to quantify data and generalise results from a sample of the population. Most of quantitative research methods’ aim is to test hypotheses and theories. This type of research is more concerned with the objectivity and the validity of what has been observed. The sample size involved is usually large (Babbie, 1989; Bogdan and Biklen, 1989). FEATURES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS: One important feature of quantitative research is that the process of data collection can combine both descriptive and analytical summaries (Smith et aI., 1994). 1. Contain Measurable Variables Data gathering instruments contain items that solicit measurable characteristics of the population. These measurable characteristics are referred to as the variables of the study such as age, the number of respondents, educational status, gender, and social or economic status. 2. Use Standardized Research Instruments  The data collection instruments include questionnaires, polls, or surveys. Standardized, pre-tested instruments guide data collection thus ensuring the accuracy, reliability and validity of data. Pre-testing helps identify areas in the research instruments that need revisions. It makes sure that respondents provide the expected answers or satisfies the intent of the researcher to meet the research objectives. 3. Present Data in Tables, Graphs, or Figures The data obtained using quantitative methods are organized in form of tables, graphs, figures, or pie-charts that consolidate large numbers of data to show trends, relationships, or differences among variables. 4. Use Repeatable Method Researchers can repeat the quantitative method to verify or confirm the findings in another setting. This reinforces the validity of the findings thus eliminating the possibility of spurious or erroneous conclusions. 5. Can Predict Outcomes Quantitative findings derived from data analysis can predict outcomes. If-then scenarios can be constructed using softwares, applications, and mathematical computations with the aid of computers. 6. Use Measuring Devices Advanced digital or electronic instruments are used to measure or gather quantitative data from the field. The instruments ensure an objective and accurate collection of data.