Practical Research 2 – The Nature of Quantitative Research

These flashcards cover definitions, characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, types, variables, and methodological principles of quantitative research for Practical Research 2, Module 1.

What is the primary goal of quantitative research?

To determine relationships between variables by collecting and analyzing numerical data.

What type of data does quantitative research emphasize?

Objective, numerical data that can be statistically analyzed.

Name the two principal quantitative research designs and what each one establishes.

Descriptive design (establishes associations) and Experimental design (establishes causality).

In an experimental design, which two variables are examined for cause-and-effect?

The independent variable (manipulated) and the dependent variable (measured outcome).

What is the usual structure of a quantitative research report?

Introduction, Literature Review & Theory, Methods, Results, Discussion.

Give three common instruments used to collect quantitative data.

Questionnaires, surveys/polls, and experiments (including computer-based tools).

Why can quantitative studies generally be replicated?

Because they use structured instruments and standardized procedures that can be repeated with other samples.

How are quantitative results typically displayed?

Using numbers, statistics, tables, charts, or figures.

State two major strengths of the quantitative survey approach.

It can be administered and evaluated quickly, and its numerical data allow easy comparison across groups or organizations.

Define basic research in the quantitative context.

Research aimed at clarifying underlying processes and testing theory without immediate practical application.

Define applied research.

Research focused on examining the effectiveness of specific practices or interventions in real-world settings.

What makes experimental research the most conclusive scientific method?

The researcher actively manipulates treatments and directly observes their effects, enabling clear interpretation of causality.

Provide an example question suited for correlational research.

“Is there a relationship between students’ academic performance and the availability of ICT at home?”

What is the main purpose of causal-comparative research?

To identify possible causes or consequences of existing differences between groups without manipulating variables.

How does survey research obtain information about a population?

By asking a large group the same set of questions via questionnaires or interviews, then tabulating the responses.

Define a variable in research.

A concept or characteristic that can vary among individuals or objects, such as age, eye color, or motivation.

Differentiate quantitative and categorical variables.

Quantitative variables vary in degree and are measured numerically (e.g., height, weight); categorical variables differ by type or quality (e.g., gender, eye color).

What is an independent variable?

A variable selected by the researcher to examine its potential effect on another variable.

What is a dependent variable?

The variable presumed to be influenced or affected by the independent variable.

Why must quantitative researchers frame a specific research question?

To ensure the study remains focused and its objectives can be addressed through measurable data.

What is the purpose of reviewing literature in quantitative research?

To ground the study in existing knowledge, refine hypotheses, and ensure the research builds on or tests established theory.

Why are statistical tests essential in quantitative studies?

They detect, confirm, and quantify tendencies, relationships, or differences within the data.

Which two broad sampling approaches are acceptable in quantitative research?

Probability sampling and non-probability sampling.

Does quantitative research generally follow an inductive or deductive approach?

Deductive—it tests hypotheses derived from existing theory.

How does numerical data facilitate comparisons between groups?

It provides standardized metrics that can be directly contrasted, revealing levels of agreement or differences quickly.

Why must all procedures be carefully designed before data collection in quantitative studies?

To ensure objectivity, reliability, and validity of the data and results.

How can quantitative research be used to generalize findings?

By studying large, representative samples, allowing conclusions to be extended to wider populations.

Which style of reasoning—convergent or divergent—is typical of quantitative research?

Convergent reasoning, focusing on precise, logical, single-answer solutions rather than multiple ideas.