Lesson 3

Definition of Quantitative Research
- Objective, systematic empirical investigation using computational techniques
- Focuses on numerical analysis of data for unbiased results
- Examples: comparing student performance with and without ICT, surveying viewer preferences
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
- Objective
  - Seeks accurate measurement and analysis
- Clearly Defined Research Questions
  - Well-defined questions with objective answers sought
- Structured Research Instruments
  - Standardized tools like questionnaires for data collection
- Numerical Data
  - Summarized data presented in figures, tables, or graphs
- Large Sample Sizes
  - Preferred for reliable data analysis
- Replication
  - Methods can be repeated for verification in different settings

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research
- Strengths
  - Objective, reliable, facilitates sophisticated analyses
  - Real and unbiased, replicable, useful for testing results
- Weaknesses
  - Requires large sample sizes, costly, ignores contextual factors
  - Difficult to gather sensitive information, prone to incomplete data
Kinds of Quantitative Research Designs
- Experimental Designs
  - Quasi-experimental and true experimental designs for internal validity
  - Quasi-Experimental Design
    - Involves non-equivalent control groups and interrupted time series design
  - True-Experimental Design
    - Controls for time and group-related threats, employs treated and control groups

Non-Experimental Design
- Observes phenomena naturally without external variables
- Descriptive Research Design
  - Observes, describes, and documents situations as they occur
- Types of Descriptive Design
  - Survey
    - Gathers information from samples chosen from a population

Quantitative Research Designs
- Emphasize objective measurements and statistical analysis of data.
- Classified into experimental and non-experimental designs.
Experimental Research Design
- Allows control over the situation to identify cause and effect relationships.
- Supports inferring direct causal relationships in studies.
- Pre-Experimental Design
  - Includes simple group pre-test-post-test design.
  - Compares posttest of treated groups with an untreated group.
  - Protects from rival explanations with between-subjects design.

Types of Quantitative Research Designs
- Correlational Research
  - Aims to find associations between variables or groups.
  - Bivariate Correlational Studies.
    - Obtains score from two variables for each subject
  - Prediction Studies
    - Uses correlation coefficient to show how one variable predicts another
  - Multiple Regression
    - All variables in the study can contribute to the over all prediction in an equation that adds together the predictive power of each identified variable
- Ex-Post Facto or Causal-Comparative Research
  - Derives conclusions from past observations and compares with dependent variables.
- Comparative Research
  - Compares two or more study samples on various variables.
- Normative Research
  - Describes the norm level of characteristics for a given behavior.
Evaluative Research
- Determines the success of programs or institutions.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of processes based on set goals.
- Evaluates the success of programs or institutions based on set goals.
Methodological Research
- Integrates various methodologies to develop a scale-matched approach.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
- Objectivity, large sample sizes, structured research questions, numerical data, and replication.
- Strengths include real & unbiased data, clear definitions, and facilitating analysis.
- Weaknesses involve the cost, difficulty in gathering data, and potential for incomplete or inaccurate data.