Research 2 - Lesson 1 PDF

Welcome to... PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 Prepared by: Ms. Cates Tadlas What is Quantitative Research? Clear and concise definition of quantitative research Emphasize the focus on numerical data and statistical...

Welcome to... PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 Prepared by: Ms. Cates Tadlas What is Quantitative Research? Clear and concise definition of quantitative research Emphasize the focus on numerical data and statistical analysis A systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable data and performing statistical analysis to describe, predict, or explain phenomena. CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Objective and unbiased Large sample sizes Numerical data Statistical analysis Generalizability of findings STRENGTHS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Objectivity: Reduces researcher bias through numerical data. Generalizability: Findings can often be applied to larger populations. Reliability: Results can be replicated in similar studies. Efficiency: Data analysis can be automated, saving time. Precision: Numerical data allows for precise measurement and comparison. WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Lack of Depth: Focus on numbers may overlook complex issues and nuances. Overreliance on Numbers: Quantitative data alone might not fully explain phenomena. Potential for Bias: Data collection and analysis methods can introduce bias. Limited Flexibility: Research design is often less adaptable. Difficulty Establishing Causality: Correlation does not always imply causation. IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS Business and Healthcare Economics and Medicine Education Natural Sciences BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Example: "Market research using surveys and data analysis helps businesses understand customer preferences and tailor products accordingly." EDUCATION Example: "Quantitative research on student achievement can inform policy decisions to improve educational outcomes." HEALTHCARE AND MEDICINE Example: "Clinical trials use quantitative methods to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments." NATURAL SCIENCES Example: "Quantitative research is essential for understanding climate change patterns and developing sustainable solutions."  TYPES OF... EXPERIMENTAL NON-EXPERIMENTAL True experiments: Random Descriptive research: Describes characteristics of a assignment, control group, population. Correlational research: Examines relationships manipulation of independent variable. between variables. Quasi-experiments: Lack random Comparative research: Compares groups on assignment but still manipulate specific variables. independent variables. Survey research: Collects data through Pre-experiments: No control group or questionnaires or interviews. random assignment. Observational research: Observes behavior in natural settings.  KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH EXPERIMENTAL NON-EXPERIMENTAL Experimental Research Descriptive Research Definition: Investigates cause-and-effect Definition: Describes the characteristics of a population relationships or phenomenon Examples: controlled experiments, randomized Examples: surveys, observational studies, correlational controlled trials studies Key points: Key points: Manipulates independent variable to observe Collects data to describe, summarize, and interpret effects on dependent variable Does not test hypotheses Uses control groups for comparison Examples of research questions (e.g., What is the Examples of research questions (e.g., Does a new average age of students in a school?) drug effectively treat a disease?)  KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH EXPERIMENTAL NON-EXPERIMENTAL Quasi-Experimental Research Correlational Research Definition: Similar to experimental research but lacks Definition: Examines relationships between variables random assignment Examples: pre-test/post-test designs, time series Examples: correlation coefficient, scatterplots designs Key points: Key points: Determines the strength and direction of Used when random assignment is not feasible relationships Lower level of control compared to true Does not imply causation experiments Examples of research questions (e.g., Does a new Examples of research questions (e.g., Is there a teaching method improve student relationship between hours of study and exam performance?) scores?) KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH NON-EXPERIMENTAL Survey Research Definition: Collects data from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews Examples: cross-sectional surveys, longitudinal surveys Key points: Used to measure attitudes, opinions, behaviors Can be conducted through various methods (online, mail, telephone) Examples of research questions (e.g., What is the public opinion on climate change?) KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH NON-EXPERIMENTAL Observational Research Definition: Involves observing and recording behavior in natural settings Examples: participant observation, non-participant observation Key points: Used to study behavior in real-world contexts Requires careful observation and data recording Examples of research questions (e.g., How do children interact with technology in a classroom?) CLASSIFICATION OF VARIABLES DATA ANALYSIS Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation) Inferential statistics (hypothesis testing, correlation, regression) THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK