Nature of Inquiry of

Research
CHARACTERISTICS,
WEAKNESSES, AND KINDS OF
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
 Problems are everywhere in different variety in
different perspective which affect mankind.
Problems are observed along political, social,
environmental and many aspects of life.
 Inthat, mankind wants solution to these problems.
These solutions should not be only effective but
also be acquired and used for improvement.
 Research

a natural day-to-day activity of gathering

information. It may in the form of qualitative or
quantitative.
 WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO
LEARN?
 describe
the characteristics, strengths, weaknesses
and kinds of quantitative research;
 explain the kinds of quantitative research designs;
 illustrate
the importance of quantitative research
across fields; and
 differentiate kinds of variables and their uses.
 Quantitative Research

 anobjective, systematic empirical investigation of

observable phenomena through the use of
computational techniques.
 highlights
numerical analysis of data hoping that the
numbers yield unbiased results that can be generalized
to some larger population and explain a particular
observation.
 Characteristics

 OBJECTIVE. Quantitative research seeks accurate

measurement and analysis of target concepts. It is not based on
mere intuition and guesses. Data are gathered before proposing
a conclusion or solution to a problem.
 CLEARLY DEFINED RESEARCH QUESTIONS. The
researchers know in advance what they are looking for. The
research questions are well-defined for which objective
answers are sought. All aspects of the study are carefully
designed before data are gathered.
 Characteristics

 STRUCTURED RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS.

Standardized instruments guide data collection, thus,
ensuring the accuracy, reliability and validity of data.
 NUMERICAL DATA. Figures, tables or graphs
showcase summarized data collection in order to
show trends, relationships or differences among
variables
 Characteristics

 LARGE SAMPLE SIZES. To arrive at a more

reliable data analysis, a normal population
distribution curve is preferred. This requires a large
sample size, depending on how the characteristics
of the population vary. Random sampling is
recommended in determining the sample size to
avoid researcher’s bias in interpreting the results.
 Characteristics

 REPLICATION. Quantitative methods can be repeated to

verify findings in another setting, thus strengthen and
reinforcing validity of findings eliminating the possibility of
spurious conclusions.
 FUTURE OUTCOMES. By using complex mathematical
calculations and with the aid of computers, if-then scenarios
may be formulated thus predicting future results.
Quantitative research puts emphasis on proof, rather than
discovery.
 Strengths and Weaknesses

Advantages Disadvantages
 It is objective.  Quantitative research requires
 The use of statistical a large number of
techniques facilitates respondents.
sophisticated analyses and  It is costly.
allows you to comprehend a  The information is contextual
huge amount of vital factors to help interpret the
characteristics of data. results or to explain variations
 It is real and unbiased. are usually ignored.
 Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages
 The numerical data can be
analyzed in a quick and easy
way.
 Quantitative studies are
replicable.
 Quantitative experiments are
useful for testing the results
gained by a series of qualitative
experiments, leading to a final
answer, and narrowing down of
possible directions to follow.
Disadvantages
 Much information are difficult to
gather using structured research
instruments, specifically on
sensitive issues like pre-marital
sex, domestic violence, among
others.
 If not done seriously and
correctly, data from
questionnaires may be
incomplete and inaccurate.
 KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH DESIGNS
 Research design refers to the overall strategy
that you choose in order to integrate the different
components of the study in a coherent and logical
way, thereby ensuring you will effectively address
the research problem.
 Quantitative methods emphasize objective
measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or
numerical analysis of data collected through polls,
questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating
pre-existing statistical data using computational
techniques.