Quantitative Research Methods PDF

Module 1.1 Qualitative Quantitative Quantitative research is an objective, Topic Central Topic Variable systematic empirical investigation of...

Module 1.1 Qualitative Quantitative Quantitative research is an objective, Topic Central Topic Variable systematic empirical investigation of Phenomenon phenomena using computational Participants Informant Participants Respondent techniques from quantifiable data. It highlights numerical analysis of data Data Text Form Data Numerical Form hoping that the numbers yield unbiased results that can be generalized to some Data Thematic Data Statistical analysis Analysis analysis Analysis larger population and explain a particular observation. Simply, Instrument Semi- Instrument Structured Structured Standardized quantitative research is concerned with numerical, measurable and countable Sample 5-20 (small) Sample n>30 (large) Size Size variable Results Subjective Results Objective How quantitative research differs from qualitative research? Characteristics of Quantitative Research 1. Objective - seeks accurate Qualitative research - used to gain measurement and analysis of target understanding, reasons, opinions and concepts. It is not based on mere motivations. Qualitative research digs intuition and guessed. Data are deeper into information and or problems. gathered before proposing a Qualitative methods are based on words, conclusion or solution to a problem perceptions, feelings etc. rather than 2. Clearly-defined research numbers and they include questionnaires questions - the researchers know with open-ended questions. The sample in advance what they are looking for. size is usually small, and respondents are The research questions are selected to fulfill a quota well-defined for which objective answers are sought. All aspects of Quantitative research - it is used to the study are carefully designed quantify the problem by generating data that before data are gathered can be used statistically. It is used to 3. Structured research instruments - quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, or Standardized instruments guide data any variables. This method will measure collection, thus, ensuring the the level of occurrence on the basis of accuracy, reliability and validity of numbers. The sample size is large data. Research tools such as questionnaires. 4. Numerical Data - Figures, tables, or graphs showcase summarized data collection in order to show trends, relationships or differences among variables. In sum, the charts and  tables allow you to see the evidence - The numerical data can be collected analyzed in a quick and easy way. 5. Large sample sizes - to arrive at a By employing statistically valid more reliable data analysis, a normal random models, finding can be population distribution curve is generalized to the population about preferred. Random sampling is which information is necessary recommended in determining the - Quantitative studies are sample size to avoid researcher’s replicable. Standardized bias in interpreting the results approaches allows the study to be 6. Replication - quantitative methods replicated in different areas or over can be repeated to verify findings in time with formulation of comparable another setting, this strengthens and findings reinforces validity of findings - Quantitative experiments are eliminating the possibility of spurious useful for testing the results conclusions. gained by a series of qualitative 7. Future outcomes - by using experiments, leading to a final complex mathematical calculations answer, and narrowing down of and with the aid of computers, possible directions to follow if-then scenarios may be formulated thus predicting future results. Weaknesses of a quantitative research - Puts emphasis on proof, - Quantitative research requires a rather than discovery large number of respondents. It is assumed that the larger the sample Module 1.2 is, the more statistically accurate the findings are. Strengths of a Quantitative research - It is costly. Since there are more - It is objective. The most reliable and respondents compared to qualitative valid way of concluding results, research, the expenses will be giving way to a new hypothesis or to greater in reaching out to those disproving it. Because of bigger people and in reproducing numbers of the sample of a questionnaires population, the results or - The information is a contextual generalization are more reliable and factor to help interpret the results or valid. Since it provides numerical to explain variations that are usually data, it can’t be easily misinterpreted ignored. It does not consider the - The use of statistical techniques distinct capacity of the facilitates sophisticated analyses respondents to share and elaborate and allows you to comprehend a further information unlike the huge amount of vital characteristics qualitative research of data - Much information is difficult to - It is real and unbiased. If the gather using structured research research is properly designed it instruments, specifically on filters out external factors, and so sensitive issues like premarital sex, can be seen as real and unbiased domestic violence, among others - If not done seriously and correctly; data from questionnaires may be incomplete and inaccurate. Researchers must be on the look-out on respondents who are just guessing in answering the instrument