Quantitative Research Notes - Caballes

Practical Research analyze the data to arrive at an objective answer to the problem. Lesson 1: Understanding Quantitative Research 2.The result is generally reliable since the...

Practical Research analyze the data to arrive at an objective answer to the problem. Lesson 1: Understanding Quantitative Research 2.The result is generally reliable since the study uses a big sample of the population. Quantitative research, as described by Aliaga 3.Established standards are used in and Gunderson (2000), involves collecting choosing the instruments, in sampling numerical data and analyzing it using procedures, and in choosing the most mathematical methods, particularly statistics. appropriate statistical treatment, thus This type of research relies on numbers and making the researchreplicable. statistical analysis and is best suited for studying phenomena that involve 4.Personal biases can be avoided since measurement challenges. Examples of such personal interaction is not part of the phenomena include changes in sales, turnover research process. rates, dropout rates, academic performance, disease patient percentages, drug addiction 5.Processes involved are simplified since rates among the youth, and juvenile crime the steps in doing quantitative research are rates in rural areas. made easy and systematic. 6.Results can be reduced through statistical CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE treatments and can be interpreted in a few RESEARCH statements. 1.It is reliable and objective. 2.It uses statistics to generalize a finding Disadvantages of Quantitative Research 3.It reduces and restructures a complex 1.The context of the study or the problem to a limited number of variables. experiment is ignored in such a way that it does not consider the natural setting where 4.It looks at the connections between the study is conducted. variables and establishes cause and effect relationships in highly controlled 2.Having a large study sample requires circumstances. researchers to spend more resources 5.It tests theories or hypotheses. 3.Results are limited since they are usually based on the analysis of numbers and are 6.It assumes that the sample is not obtained from detailed narratives. representative of the population. 4.It provides less elaborate accounts of 7.The subjectivity of its methodology is a human perceptions. secondary concern. 5.In experimental research, the level of 8.It deals with the details of the subject control might not be normally applicable in the real world because it is usually done in a laboratory. Advantages of Quantitative Research 6.Preset or fixed alternative answers may 1.It allows the researcher to measure and not necessarily reflect the true answers of the participants. Ordinal Variables: Follow a logical order (e.g., grades like A, B, C or sizes like S, M, L). 7.Findings can be influenced by the researcher’s perspective since most of the Nominal Variables: Have no logical order time, the participants are unknown to him or (e.g., eye color, religion). her. Dichotomous Variables: Have only two possible categories (e.g., yes/no, true/false). IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE Polychotomous Variables: Have multiple RESEARCH IN DIFFERENT FIELDS categories (e.g., levels of education: elementary, high school, college). Education: Assesses teaching methods and program effectiveness. Business: Helps in developing products, 3. Experimental Variables: crafting marketing strategies, and Independent Variables: The ones being understanding customer preferences. manipulated (e.g., teaching method). Healthcare: Analyzes recovery rates, drug Dependent Variables: The outcomes efficacy, and patient satisfaction. influenced by independent variables (e.g., Science and Technology: Measures the test scores). efficiency of processes and innovations. Extraneous Variables: External factors that might affect the results (e.g., room temperature). Lesson 2: Types of Variables 4. Non-Experimental Variables: Definition: A variable is anything that can be measured, controlled, or altered in research. Predictor Variables: Influence other It represents a factor or characteristic that variables in studies without experiments. varies in amount or type. Criterion Variables: Get affected by Types of Variables: predictor variables (e.g., teacher skills impacting student behavior). 1. Numerical Variables: Represent measurable quantities. Continuous Variables: Can take any value 5. Based on the Number of Variables: within a range (e.g., time, age, temperature). Univariate Study: Involves only one variable. Discrete Variables: Can only take whole Bivariate Study: Involves two variables. numbers (e.g., number of students, number of cars). Polyvariate Study: Involves more than two variables. 2. Categorical Variables: Define characteristics or categories. Lesson 3: Research Titles tools. The Research Title: The title is the first Patterns or trends that need further impression of your study, so it needs to be investigation. clear, compelling, and reflective of the key Insights from literature reviews or previous aspects of your research. research. Guidelines for Crafting a Title: Considerations for Formulating Research Capture the main idea of the study. Problems: Keep it brief and concise. External Factors: Include the key variables. Novelty: Choose a fresh or novel topic. Highlight the relationships between Availability of Subjects: Ensure subjects are variables. accessible. Indicate the study's main goal. Administrative support : Confirm cooperation from organizations or Mention participants and setting in general communities. terms. Facilities and Equipment: Check that Reminders for creating a Title: facilities and equipment are available. Avoid unnecessary words like "methods" or Legal and Ethical Considerations Make "results." sure the study follows proper legal and The research question can often be turned ethical protocols. into a title. Aim for a title with 10 to 15 words. Internal Factors: Experience and Expertise: The researcher Identifying Research Problems: Research should have knowledge of the topic. problems can emerge from everyday Interest and Motivation: Pick a topic that situations, such as issues in schools, interests you. homes, or workplaces. Time Management: Ensure the research can be completed within a specific time Common Sources of Research Problems: frame. Situations that cause difficulty or Physical and Intellectual Capability: Make discomfort. sure the researcher can manage the project. Gaps between theory and practice. Summary: A research title should summarize and highlight the study and Experiences that need improvement. include the key variables. Research Complex procedures that require better problems can stem from gaps, discomfort, trends, or prior studies. In formulating gathering data and often involve who, what, research problems, it’s essential to evaluate where, when, why, or how. both external and internal factors. Narrowing the scope through brainstorming or clustering techniques can help refine the Types of Researchable Questions: problem and title. 1. Factor-Isolating Questions: Identify or describe factors. (Example: What is the profile of school managers in terms of age, Lesson 5: Defining the Problem Statement experience, etc.?) Statement of the problem: Clearly stating the problem helps the researcher identify key elements such as variables, objectives, 2. Factor-Relating Questions: Explore and the methodology to be used. relationships between factors. (Example: How do study habits affect Grade 11 students' performance?) Important Elements of a Problem 3. Situation-Relating Questions: Test Statement: hypotheses by manipulating variables. Main Tasks: What the research intends to (Example: What are the effects of traditional accomplish (e.g., assess, determine, teaching methods on student performance?) investigate). Major Variables: The variables being 4. Situation-Producing Questions: Aim to studied. create change or implement solutions. Participants: Who will be involved in the (Example: What human relations program study. can improve school effectiveness?) Setting: Where the study will take place. Coverage date: The period during which the Formulating Research Questions: Research study will be conducted. questions clarify the problem and guide the study towards a solution. Outputs: The expected results, such as programs or policies. Central Question: The main problem, expressed as a question. Sub-questions: Help break down the central question into Types of Research Questions: smaller, more specific inquiries. Non-Researchable Questions: Can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Criteria for a Central Question: Example: Should parents teach their Should be written in a single sentence. children at home? Exploratory in nature (asks how, what, or Researchable Questions: Focus on why). Identifies the purpose, participants, and location of the study. Criteria for Sub-questions: Define the population and research sample. Specify the variables being studied. Example: Central Question: How do video games influence high school students' academic performance? Sub-questions: What are the types of video games commonly played? What potential impacts do video games have on students? What factors affect students' academic performance?