Methodology of Quantitative Research PDF

# Methodology The scientific and organized way of accumulating data from respondents and even accounting the research instruments used, determining research designs, and even stating the actual respondents, describing the nature of the data gathering procedures, as well as the way the respondents h...

# Methodology The scientific and organized way of accumulating data from respondents and even accounting the research instruments used, determining research designs, and even stating the actual respondents, describing the nature of the data gathering procedures, as well as the way the respondents have been selected and the appropriate statistical analysis to be used. ## Parts of the Methodology 1. Research Design 2. Sample and Sampling Techniques 3. Instrumentation 4. Procedure 5. Statistical Analysis ## Research Design - The type of quantitative research that can be structured 1. **Descriptive Research** - focused on the effects of independent variable to the dependent variable. 2. **Correlational Research** - focused on the correlation of two major variables. 3. **Quasi – Experimental Research** - focused on the programs to be proposed that can effective to a set of dependent variables. 4. **Experimental Research** – focused on the product or project as an independent variable that can be effective to improve the dependent variable. ## Important Ideas in Research Samples - **Population** - the totality of the individuals. - **Target Population**- the desired population to be used in a particular research study. - **Sample** - the subset of a population; the finite number of individuals that will represent the population. - **Sample Size** - the number of respondents. - **Respondent** - the group of people who will give a relevant response to a given research problem in a specified time. ## Sampling Techniques/Procedures - The way of selecting a target set of respondents. In quantitative research, probability sampling is used. **Probability Sampling** refers to the sampling in which all members of the population are given chance of being selected to be a sample. 1. **Simple Random Sampling** – Deals on selecting respondents based on equal chance as samples. It is the unbiased way of selection as samples are drawn by chance. 2. **Stratified Sampling** – This sampling focuses on selecting an equally distributed representation of a class or criteria. 3. **Cluster Sampling** – This is also called area sampling by which the geographical location is very much important in selecting respondents. 4. **Systematic Sampling** - It is a method of selecting samples based on pre-determined list in reference to number pattern and sequence. Among the quantitative sampling, it is used the least. ## Instrumentation - Process of structuring the research instrument. - **Instrument** - any measuring tool to be used in a research study. ## Two common research instruments 1. **Questionnaire** – a form by which respondents set to answer pre-determined questions arranged in a particular scheme. Usually, it is used in quantitative research. 2. **Interview Questions**- formal / organized ways of questions given to a few people, specifically respondents are being asked to state their opinions and/or ideas about a particular phenomenon. It can either be in a form of journals, field notes, and interview guide question. 3. **Assessment** - a set of examination that measures competency based on a particular academic discipline. 4. **Product Evaluation Checklist**- a form of evaluation that analyzes the level of effectiveness of an experimental product and are expressed through criteria. ## Rating Scales Commonly Used in an Instrument 1. **Likert Scale** - common scaling technique which consists of several declarative statements that express their response on a topic. The respondents quantify their responses through numerical scales where 5 is the highest and 1 is the lowest. ## Procedure - Systematic way of collecting and gathering primary data. 1. **Interview Method** - This is done by asking an interviewee some selected questions randomly, usually it is done in most of qualitative research. 2. **Survey/ Questionnaire Method** – This is done by selecting randomized respondents and provides them pre-determined and validated forms which include questions that the respondents will answer. Questionnaire can be given directly or through online platform like google forms. 3. **Document Method** - This is done by collecting written articles, journals and studies (printed/ online) source to support the hypothesis and assumption of the researchers in their study. 4. **Observation Method**- It generates ideas by focusing on the current phenomenon by witnessing how it occurs and how it will be resolved. 5. **Experimental Method** – It is usually the method to be used if the study is more on investigation and/or research project. Experiments can be done for scientific researches on applied sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, allied health, architecture, information technology and medical field. ## Data - Any important details or codes that are being acquired in order to produce necessary information. ## Three types of Data 1. **Primary Data** - These are acquired directly by the researcher from the source whether from interview, survey, observation and experiment. 2. **Secondary Data** –These are acquired from reading printed materials or having an access in the internet. It is considered secondary since the data have been published already and to acquire these, there are media to be used. ## Statistical Analysis of Data - Significant part of research that describes the significant statistical techniques that can be appropriately used in a specific research design. ## Types of Statistical Treatment: 1. **Parametric z test** measures the degree of the effects of an independent variable to the dependent variable. 2. **Pearson - r** measures the correlation or association of two variables. 3. **Theoretical Tests (Independent and Dependent)** - measures the differences between values of two groups/pre – tests and post-tests in accordance to evaluating a program. 4. **Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)** - measures the differences among three or more variables, usually used in an Experimental type of research. 5. **Chi - Square** – measures the differences between the indicated nominal and ordinal data and values. 6. **Weighted Mean** measures the average of each research statement in the questionnaire. ## Research Instrument - Quantitative tool that is used to record a response based on the research statements. ## Questionnaire - Quantitative Research Instrument that is used to gather the perspectives and insights of the respondents based on the structured research statements. ## Parts of a Research Questionnaire 1. **Consent Letter** - describes the document that informs the respondents about the research. It also asks permission to the respondents on participating to the research study. It also establishes that all information given by the respondents are also used for the research purposes. 2. **Directions** – provide a clear instruction to the respondents on answering the questionnaire. 3. **Research Statements** - questions to be answered by the respondents. 4. **Rating Scales** - the numerical scales that indicate the answers of the respondents on the research questions. 5. **Description** - the interpretative idea of the rating scale that indicates a state of familiarity on the research statement. ## Validity and Reliability - **Validity** - deals with the extent of what supposed to be measured is being determined; refers to the appropriateness of any given means to what is expected to be done. - **Reliability** - deals with the consistency of data results. ## Steps in Data Processing ### Data Collection - Data will be collected using a particular research instrument. But instrument should be validated first before it will be used for data gathering. - **Data Collection Technique** 1. Survey 2. Experiment 3. Document Method 4. Observation 5. Interview ### Data Organization - Data will be processed using counting and tallying, specifically in determining the frequency for each criteria/division/category. ### Data Presentation - Data will be presented using the following: 1. **Tables** - any representation using rows and columns to show set of values. 2. **Graphs** - any representation that shows trends, distribution and frequency range. It can be in a form of histogram, polygon method and/or circle (circular graph). ### Data Analysis - In quantitative research, analysis is the most important area in the methodology since data will be converted into results through statistical analysis. ### Data Interpretation - Concerns with the explanation and restatement of the non- prose form of findings (tables and graphs) into significant research findings in the form of discussion, summary of findings and conclusions. ## What is a Data Presentation? - A way of showing and describing the data into an organized and presentable manner using tables and graphs. - This is one of the most significant aspects of statistical analysis. - **Tables** - consists of rows and columns. - **Rows** - the horizontal part. - **Columns** – the vertical part. - **Cells** - the intersection of rows and columns in which a specific data is described. ## Tables - The data usually shown as specific numerical figures are arranged in an orderly display of rows and columns to aid in comparison and presentation. ## Elements of a Table 1. Title 2. Rows 3. Columns 4. Column Labels 5. Data - In recent researches, tables used in data presentation must follow APA Format. ### Indicators | Results | Results | Results | Results | |---|---|---|---| ## Types of Graphs 1. **Bar Graph** – shows magnitude of the frequency, the frequency and the variations of frequencies. 2. **Histogram** – shows variations of intervals and ranges and its structure is marked by adjoining boxes. 3. **Frequency Polygon Method** –shows continuity, trends, and changes over a time period and/ or duration, it can progress or regress. 4. **Circular Graph** - shows components, composition and/or distribution. - Any presentation should have a title (the content description), the visual representation (the non –prose description) and lastly the caption (the summative description). ## Key Elements of Graphs 1. **Graph Title**- the graph title should focus on the interpretation of the data. It should be remembered that graph is used to help make a point and the title will be a key factor to enable the audience to interpret the graph properly. 2. **Colors** - must be consistent with the overall color scheme so that the graph must be clear and systematic. 3. **Depth** - refers to whether the graph is in 2D or 3D representation. 4. **Axes**-All of the mentioned graph types, except for circular graphs, have two axes. One is for the data values and the other is for the time scale or how the data is separated. It is important to set the scale of the axes to suit the data being shown. 5. **Data Labels** - When the data value in a graph needs to be more clearly indicated, a data label can be used. Prepared by: Mr. Justine Mar F. Mina Research Coordinator, Basic Education