GRADE 12 LEARNERS

Quantitative
PRINCIPLES OF
Research
PRINCIPLES OF
COMMUNICATION
(Introduction)
Quantitative research
uses scientifically
collected and statistically
analyzed data to
investigate observable
phenomena. A
phenomenon is any
existing or observable fact
or situation that we want
to unearth further or
understand.
Quantitative research
It is scientific for the
fact that it uses a
scientific method in
designing and
collecting numerical
data.
Quantitative research
Once data is collected, it will
undergo statistical analysis like
Pearson’s r, t-test and Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) for analysis.
Since data is analyzed statistically,
it is imperative that the data
obtained must be numerical and
quantifiable, hence its name
quantitative research.
Quantitative research

Numerical data are generally

easier to collect than
descriptions or phrases used
in qualitative research.
Characteristics
of Quantitative
Research
Quantitative research is commonly used
in natural sciences research problems
because of the following characteristics:
1. LARGE SAMPLE SIZE

To obtain more meaningful

statistical result, the data
must come from a large
sample size.
2. OBJECTIVE

Data gathering and analysis of

results are done accurately,
objectively, and are unaffected
by the researcher’s intuition and
personal guesses.
3. VISUAL RESULT
PRESENTATION

Data is numerical, which makes

presentation through graphs,
charts, and tables possible and
for better conveyance and
interpretation.
4. FASTER DATA ANALYSIS

The use of a statistical tools give

way for a less time consuming
data analysis.
5. GENERALIZED DATA

Data taken from a sample can

be applied to the population if
sampling is done accordingly,
i.e., sufficient size and random
samples were taken.
6. FAST DATA COLLECTION
Depending on the type of data needed,
collection can be quick and easy.
Quantitative research uses standardized
research instruments that allow the
researcher to collect data from a large
sample size efficiently. For instance, a
single survey form can be administered
simultaneously to collect various
measurable characteristics like age,
gender, socio-economic status, etc.
7. RELIABLE DATA

Data is taken and analyzed

objectively from a sample as a
representative of the population,
making it more credible and
reliable for policymaking and
decision making.
8. REPLICATION

The Quantitative method can be

repeated to verify findings
enhancing its validity, free from
false or immature conclusions.
 Quantitative
PRINCIPLES OF
Research
PRINCIPLES OF
COMMUNICATION
STRENGTHS VS.
WEAKNESSES
Strengths of Quantitative Research
The following are the strengths of
quantitative research.

1. Quantitative research can be

replicated or repeated.
2. Findings are generalizable to the
population.
3. Conclusive establishment of cause and
effect
4. Numerical and quantifiable data can be
used to predict outcomes.
5. Fast and easy data analysis using
statistical software.
6. Fast and easy data gathering
7. Very objective
8. Validity and reliability can be established
Weaknesses of Quantitative Research
The following are the disadvantages of
quantitative research:

1. It lacks the necessary data to explore

a problem or concept in depth.
2. It does not provide comprehensive
explanation of human experiences.
3. Some information cannot be described by
numerical data such as feelings, and beliefs.
4. The research design is rigid and not very
flexible.
5. The participants are limited to choose
only from the given responses.
6. The respondents may tend to provide
inaccurate responses.
7. A Large sample size makes data collection
more costly.
 What could be the
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
of your proposed study?
 Quantitative
PRINCIPLES OF
Research
PRINCIPLES OF
COMMUNICATION
MAIN KINDS/ TYPES
Quantitative research is a type
of research that focuses on
gathering numerical data and
analyzing it using statistical
methods. It is used to quantify
behaviors, opinions, or other
variables, and can be categorized
into different types depending on
the research goal and
methodology. The main kinds of
quantitative research are:
1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

Purpose: To describe the

characteristics of a population or
phenomenon being studied.
How it differs: It doesn't focus on
relationships between variables but
rather on simply providing an accurate
portrayal of the subject.
1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

Example: A survey measuring the

number of people in a city who prefer
online shopping versus in-store
shopping.
Method: Surveys, questionnaires,
or observational tools.
1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

Outcome: You get a detailed

description or profile of what is being
studied, like demographic trends or
consumer preferences.
2. CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH

Purpose: To investigate the

relationship between two or more
variables.
How it differs: This type does not
establish cause and effect but looks at
whether variables are associated or
related in some way.
2. CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH

Example: A study measuring the

correlation between the number
of hours students spend studying
and their exam scores.
Method: Surveys, data analysis, or
statistical correlation.
2. CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH

Outcome: It reveals if there is a

positive, negative, or no relationship
between variables.
3. CAUSAL-COMPARATIVE (EX
POST FACTO) RESEARCH

Purpose: To identify cause-and-effect

relationships by comparing different
groups based on a particular characteristic.
How it differs: Unlike experimental
research, this kind does not manipulate the
variables but examines natural differences.
3. CAUSAL-COMPARATIVE (EX
POST FACTO) RESEARCH

Example: A study comparing the

academic performance of students who
attend public versus private schools.
Method: Comparing two or more pre-
existing groups without manipulating the
independent variable.
3. CAUSAL-COMPARATIVE (EX
POST FACTO) RESEARCH

Outcome: Shows how different

conditions may result in different
outcomes, though it cannot definitively
prove causality.
4. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Purpose: To determine cause-and

-effect relationships by manipulating
one variable to observe its impact on
another.
How it differs: It involves controlled
conditions, with researchers actively
intervening and manipulating variables.
4. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Example: Testing the effectiveness of a

new drug by giving one group the drug
(experimental group) and another group a
placebo (control group).
Method: Laboratory experiments, field
experiments, or randomized controlled
trials.
4. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Outcome: Provides strong evidence

of causality by showing how a change
in one variable causes a change
in another.
5. Quasi-Experimental Research

Purpose: Similar to experimental

research, but lacks random assignment
of participants to groups.
How it differs: It examines cause and
effect but without the same level of control
over variables as in true experiments.
5. Quasi-Experimental Research

Example: A study measuring the

impact of a new teaching method
in schools where researchers cannot
randomly assign students to different
classrooms.
Method: Non-randomized groups or
naturally occurring differences.
5. Quasi-Experimental Research

Outcome: Provides insights into

cause-and-effect relationships but
with less confidence in ruling out
other factors.
Summary:
- Descriptive Research: Focuses on "what" is happening.
- Correlational Research: Explores relationships between variables
without proving causality.
- Causal-Comparative Research: Compares pre-existing groups to find
causes.
- Experimental Research: Involves manipulating variables to show direct
cause-and-effect.
- Quasi-Experimental Research: Similar to experimental but without
random assignment, providing less certainty in conclusions.

By using these different types, researchers can explore a wide range of

questions, from describing trends to testing theories.
 Quantitative
PRINCIPLES OF
Research
PRINCIPLES OF
COMMUNICATION
VARIABLES
Variables play a significant
role in quantitative research.

When you intend to accomplish

something through research, the
boundaries of your goal must be
defined first to direct your focus
into a specific characteristic or
condition through identifying the
variables of your research study.
A Variable is anything that has a quantity
or quality that varies. For instance, during the
quarantine period, your mother planted tomato
seedlings in pots. Now common understanding
from science tells you that several factors are
affecting the growth of tomatoes: sunlight, water,
kind of soil, and nutrients in soil. How fast the
tomato seedlings will grow and bear fruits will
depend on these factors.
 The growth of tomatoes and the number of
fruits produced are examples of the Dependent
Variables. The amount of sunlight, water, and
nutrients in the soil are the Independent
Variables. If there is an existing relationship
between the independent and dependent
variables, then the value of the dependent
variable varies in response to the manipulation
done on the independent variable.
 The independent variable is also identified as
the presumed cause while the dependent variable
is the presumed effect. In an experimental
quantitative design, the independent variable is
pre-defined and manipulated by the researcher
while the dependent variable is observed and
measured. For descriptive, correlational and ex
post facto quantitative research designs,
independent and dependent variables simply do
not apply.
 It is important to note other factors that may
influence the outcome (dependent variable) which
are not manipulated or pre-defined by the
researcher. These factors are called Extraneous
Variables. In our example above, the presence of
pests and environmental stressors (e.g. pets,
extreme weather) are the extraneous variables.
 Since extraneous variables may affect the
result of the experiment, it is crucial for the
researcher to identify them prior to conducting
the experiment and control them in such a way
that they do not threaten the internal validity (i.e.
accurate conclusion) of the result. Controlling
the extraneous variable can be done by holding it
constant or distribute its effect across the
treatment.
 When the researcher fails to control the
extraneous variable that it caused considerable
effect to the outcome, the extraneous variable
becomes a Confounding Variable. For example,
if the tomato had been infested by pests
(confounding variable) then you cannot conclude
that manipulations in sunlight, water and soil
nutrients (independent variable) are the only
contributing factors for the stunted growth and
poor yield (dependent variable) of the plant or is
it the result of both the independent variables
and the confounding variable.
 The variables can also be classified according to
their nature. The diagram below shows the different
classifications:
Quantitative
Variables
also called numerical variables
are the type of variables used in
quantitative research because they
are numeric and can be measured.
Under this category are discrete and
continuous variables.
A. Discrete variables

are countable whole numbers. It

does not take negative values or
values between fixed points.

For example: number of students

in a class, group size and
frequency.
B. Continuous variables

take fractional (non-whole

number) values that can either
be a positive or a negative.

Example: height, temperature.

Numerical data have two levels of
measurement, namely:

A. Interval
B. Ratio
 Interval are quantitative variables where the
interval or differences between consecutive values
are equal and meaningful but the numbers are
arbitrary. For example, the difference between 36
degrees and 37 degrees is the same as between
100 degrees and 101 degrees. The zero point does
not suggest the absence of a property being
measured. Temperature at 0 degree Celsius is
assigned as the melting point of ice. Other
examples of interval data would be year and IQ
score.
 Ratio type of data is similar to interval,
the only difference is the presence of a true
zero value. The zero point in this scale
indicates the absence of the quantity being
measured. Examples are age, height, weight
and distance.
Qualitative
Variables
are also referred to as
Categorical Variables are not
expressed in numbers but are
descriptions or categories. It can
be further divided into nominal,
ordinal or dichotomous.
A. Dichotomous

are consisting of only two

distinct categories or
values. For example, a
response to a question
either be a yes or no.
B. Nominal variable

simply defines groups of

subjects. Here you may have
more than 2 categories of
equivalent magnitude. For
example, a basketball player’s
number is used to distinguish
him from other players.
It certainly does not follow
that player 10 is better than
player 8. Other examples are
blood type, hair color and
mode of transportation.
C. Ordinal variable

from the name itself denotes

that a variable is ranked in
a certain order. This variable
can have a qualitative or
quantitative attribute.
For example, a survey questionnaire
may have a numerical rating as choices
like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5ranked accordingly
(5=highest, 1=lowest) or categorical
rating like strongly agree, agree,
neutral, disagree and strongly disagree.
Other examples or ordinal variable:
cancer stage (Stage I, Stage II, Stage
III), Spotify Top 20 hits, academic
honors (with highest, with high, with
honors).