CHAPTER 1

Nature of Research
Prepared by. Ms. Laurence Ralph V. Estrella
Quantitative Research - Babie, 2010
It is “either descriptive, wherein subjects are measured once, or
experimental, wherein subjects are measured before and after”

Data is “gathered using structured instruments. The result are based on

large sample size that are representative of the population and can be
replicated”.

It has “clearly defined research questions to which object answers are

sought”.

It aims ”to classify features, count them, and construct statistical models
to explain what is observed.
 Statistical Methods for

(relationship between 2 variables) (The presence of Statistical

difference between 2 Variables)

Analysis of Variance (Relationship between several IND

(Statistical difference between 2 variable and one DEP variable)
Variables with effect)
 TEST HYPOTHESES

MAIN GOALS OF EXPLORE CAUSAL

Quantitative Research RELATIONSHIPS

MAKE PREDICTIONS

GENERALIZE FROM
THE FINDINGS WITHIN
A POPULATION
 this primarily utilizes
Probability Sampling
 HIGHLY RANDOMIZED

Probability LOWER LEVEL OF

SUBJECTIVITY

Sampling HIGHER RATE OF

GENERALIZABILITY
Generalizability
Refers to the extent to which the
findings not only represent the
samples but also the population
at large.
strengths and weaknesses of
 - Can be replicated/repeated in other contexts.

- Provides findings that are generalizable to a

large population.

- Can establish causality more.

strengths - Can make predictions based on

numerical/quantifiable data.

- Faster using statistical Software

- Less demanding for Data Gathering

- Low degree of Subjectivity

- Its Validity and reliability can be measured.

 - Cannot adequately provide in-depth
information for describing and explaining a
complex phenomenon.

weaknesses
- Lacks comprehensible description of human
experiences.

- Intangible factors (gender roles,

socioeconomic status and social norms)

- Less flexibility in terms of study design.

- Responses are limited.

- Self reported data may not be accurate.

Descriptive Research

To observe and Assessing

report on a Questionnaire Nurses’
Variables are
certain Attitudes toward
measured as Observation
phenomenon. Death and
they occur.
Caring in a
Experimental
Comprehensive
manipulation is
Cancer Center.
not used.
Correlational Research

To determine the The relationship

nature of Questionnaire between Service
Variables are Quality and Customer
relationship
measured as Tests Satisfaction in the
between
they occur. Telecommunication
variables without
Experimental Observation Industry: Evidence
looking into
manipulation is from Nigeria.
causation.
not used.
 Expo Facto Research

To infer the AN EX POST FACTO

causes of Questionnaire STUDY: THE IMPACT
Experimental
phenomenon manipulation is not used. OF THE CORONAVIRUS
DISEASE 2019
which have
Groups exposed to the PANDEMIC IN THE
already occurred. presumed caused are PURCHASING HABITS
compared to those who are OF TEENAGERS IN
not exposed to it.
CAVITE PROVINCE
 Quasi Experimental Research

Experimental
manipulation may
have limited use.
To establish Intact(i.e.,
The Impact of
cause-and-effect established) Questionnaire Smoking Bans on
relationship. groups are used; Smoking and
individual subjects Tests Consumer Behavior:
are randomly Quasi Experimental
assigned to Observation from Switzerland
treatment and
control groups.
 Pure Experimental Research

Experimental
To establish manipulation is used. Experimental Effects
Intact groups are not Tests of Exposure to
cause-and-effect used;
relationship. The random Pornography: The
assignment of Moderating Effect of
individual subjects Personality and
provides more
conclusiveness as to
Mediating Effect of
the causal relationship Sexual Arousal.
between the variables.
 KINDS OF variables
Is any element or entity which can

VARIABLES be measured for quantity or

quality.

AND THEIR You may manipulate or control

these variables, depending on the

USES kind of research you are

conducting.
 general types of variables are
qualitative and quantitative
A. Quantitative Variables – can be
measured numerically.

Also referred as INTERVAL.

Can be counted and whole numbers.
Measured in ranges.
Not describe in ranges.
Can be denoted by non-whole numbers.
Ex. Frequency of behaviour and
(+ and -/fractions)
group sizes.
Ex. Temperature

Special type of
continuous variable.
Cannot have a negative
value.
Ex. Height, weight,
distance and test scores.
 general types of variables are
qualitative and quantitative
B. Qualitative Variables (Categorical)- Lacks numerical
value. Assigning value to specific categories/groups.
(blood type and color).

Two distinct categories or More than two categories or values.

values only. Ex. Hair colour, marital status, blood type,
Ex. A response to a mode of transportation, source of income
“yes or no” question. and citizenship.

Characteristics of both Quali and

Quanti.
Can be ranked or ordered.
Specific non numerical classes
Ex. Frequency (rare, seldom,
sometimes etc.)
Variables can also be categorized based on their
purpose and role
Dependent Variable
is the variable being examined for For Descriptive, Correlational and
changes. (Presumed effect) Ex Post Facto

Refrain from using the terms

Independent Variable “DEP and IND”
in nonexperimental kinds.
is considered to affect the dependent
Variable.
 Any variable that is not

Extraneous categorized as DEP &

IND variable

variable It is an undesirable that can

influence the results of the
study.
Confounding Variable
A special type of extraneous
variable which is a variable that a
researcher fails to control and
threatens the validity of the
research procedure.
 Importance of Quantitative Research across Fields

Social Inquiry Arts Sports Business

Behavior and Social Methods that Relationship of Assess approaches that help
Interactions among enhance one’s health in one’s companies in decision making
individuals. creativity. performance. practices.

Information SCIENCE AGRICULTURE

Communication Effectiveness of a AND FISHERIES
newly developed
Technology medicine, treatment or
How agriculture is
being influenced by
Trends and Tendencies an address to health global trends.
in the use of IT. issues
Thank you for listening!