Quantitative Research Overview

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the definitions, paradigms, strengths, weaknesses, and types of quantitative research based on the lecture notes by Cherish J. Herradura.

Research

The creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings.

Quantitative Research

A methodology that aims to classify features, count them, and construct statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed by mainly collecting numerical data.

Quantitative Research (Babbie, 2010)

Research defined as either descriptive or experimental where subjects are measured once or before and after, using structured instruments and results based on large representative sample sizes.

Quantitative Paradigm: Nature of Reality

The view that reality is objective, singular, and separate from the researcher (Aliaga and Anderson, 2000).

Quantitative Paradigm: Relationship to Subject

The researcher is independent of the subject of research (Aliaga and Anderson, 2000).

Quantitative Paradigm: Role of Values

Research is considered value-free and unbiased (Aliaga and Anderson, 2000).

Quantitative Paradigm: Process of Research

A deductive process characterized by cause and effect, static design with isolated categories, and generalizations leading to prediction, explanation, and understanding.

P-value

The calculated probability of finding the observed or more extreme results when $H_o$ (Null Hypothesis) is true; used to decide on rejecting $H_o$ even if it is not a direct probability of that state.

Sample size ($n$)

The number of observations, respondents, or participants derived from the population used in a study.

Statistical power (SP)

The probability of a study detecting an effect of a certain size.

Statistical significance

A measure that communicates with the researcher if the results are valid.

Effect size

An expression of how much results carry some weight or if they make a difference.

Descriptive Research

A research type that aims to systematically describe the characteristics of a population, situation, or phenomenon, answering questions of What, Where, When, Who, and How except why.

Correlational Research

A design intended to gather data concerning the predominance, distribution, and interrelations of variables within an identified group, based on pairs of measures or scores of a single sample.

Positive Correlation Range

A correlation range between 0 and $+1.00$.

Negative Correlation Range

A correlation range between 0 and $-1.00$.

True Experimental Research

A systematic approach where the researcher controls the situation and manipulates the Independent Variable (IV) to detect its influence on the Dependent Variable (DV) for cause-and-effect relationships.

Causal Comparative / Quasi-Experimental

A design that examines cause-and-effect relationships without the random assignment of participants and lacks manipulation of the independent variable.