SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

in PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 (Quantitative Research)

Most Essential Topic 1: INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Lesson 1: Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses and Kinds of Quantitative Research
The 21st century has brought about many changes in the way people live and adapt to their
environment. In this age of information technology, the possession of the necessary skills on the acquisition
of knowledge has already become an imperative. People from all walks of life should be informed and adept
to the fast-changing times. People need to reinvent themselves in order to easily cope with fast changing
times so as not to be left behind (Uy, Chin et al.,2016).
This 1-week lesson wiil focus on the nature of inquiry and research with the goal of helping the
researcher decide on the suitable quantitative research in the different areas of interest.
At the end of lesson, you will be able to describe the characteristics of quantitative research, its
strength and weaknesses and its kind.
Practical Research I introduced you to the two main classifications of research methods: quantitative
and qualitative. You have learned that qualitative research is more of describing a phenomenon in a
narrative; hence, the data collected can be in the form of words, images, or transcripts taken from a small
sample, not generalizable to the population.

CHUNK 1: What is a quantitative research?

Quantitative research is an objective, systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena through

the use of computational techniques. It 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. Simply, quantitative research is concerned with numbers and its relationship with events.
The quantitative research suggests that the data concerned can be analyzed in terms of numbers.

Quick Check: How does

CHUNK 2:research
quantitative What differ
are the characteristics of quantitative research?
from qualitative research in
Quantitative research is commonly used in natural sciences research
terms of data collection and
problems because of the following characteristics:
analysis?

1. Objective and Measurable Data: Quantitative research focuses on collecting objective, numerical data that
can be measured and analyzed statistically.
2. Structured Research Design: This type of research follows a structured and systematic approach, with
clearly defined variables, hypotheses, and methodologies.
3. Statistical Analysis: Quantitative research involves statistical analysis to interpret data, identify patterns,
and draw meaningful conclusions.
4. Quantifiable Variables: The research deals with quantifiable variables that can be expressed in numerical
terms, making the data suitable for statistical analysis.
5. Generalizability: Findings from quantitative research can often be generalized to larger populations due to
the use of random sampling and statistical methods.
6. Replicability: Results from quantitative studies can be replicated by other researchers to validate the
findings and ensure reliability.

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GRADE 12 – FIRST SEMESTER NAME: __________________________________________________________
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 GRADE & SECTION: _____________________________
 7. Use of Tools and Instruments: Quantitative research relies on tools such as surveys, experiments, and
statistical software for data collection and analysis.
8. Closed-Ended Questions: Surveys and questionnaires in quantitative research often use closed-ended
questions to gather specific data.
9. Hypothesis Testing: Quantitative research involves formulating hypotheses and testing them empirically
using statistical methods.
10. Precision and Accuracy: Quantitative research aims for precision and accuracy in data collection, analysis,
and interpretation.
11. Causality: It often aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables through statistical
analysis and experimental designs.
12. Numerical Representation: Data collected in quantitative research is represented numerically through
charts, graphs, tables, and statistical summaries.

Quick Check:
CHUNK
1. What is3:the
What are the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research?
primary
goal of quantitative
Strengths of Quantitative Research
research, and how
1. Statistical Validity: Quantitative research provides statistically valid and
does it differ from
reliable results through rigorous statistical analysis methods.
qualitative research in
2. Generalizability: Findings from quantitative research can be generalized to
terms of objectives?
broader populations, enhancing the applicability of the results.
2. Explain the importance
3. Objectivity: The structured approach of quantitative research minimizes
researcher bias, ensuring objectivity in data collection and analysis.
4. Rich Insights: It distills complex data into manageable patterns, offering rich and detailed insights into
market dynamics.
5. Predictive Capability: Quantitative research aids in forecasting market behavior and informing strategic
decision-making through trend analysis and statistical predictions.
6. Efficient Data Collection: Enables large-scale data collection from a substantial sample size, enhancing
representativeness and reliability of findings.
7. Objective Measurement: Involves the use of standardized instruments and measurements, ensuring
consistent and objective data collection.
8. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Crucial for evidence-based decision-making in various domains by providing
reliable and quantifiable insights.
9. Versatile Analysis Methods: Offers diverse statistical tools and techniques for analyzing data efficiently and
comprehensively.
10. Quantifiable Outcomes: Allows for precise measurement and quantification of variables, leading to
objective and credible conclusions.

Quick Check:
1. What are the strengths of quantitative research and how they benefit research outcomes?

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

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GRADE 12 – FIRST SEMESTER NAME: __________________________________________________________
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 GRADE & SECTION: _____________________________
 1. Less Detailed Results: Quantitative research often provides less detailed insights into the thoughts and
behaviors of participants due to its reliance on numerical data, potentially lacking context and depth.
2. Emphasis on Objectivity: Overemphasizing objectivity may lead to neglecting the deeper meanings behind
phenomena, overlooking subjective experiences and interpretations.
3. Artificial Environment: Research conducted in controlled settings for quantitative analysis may not always
reflect real-world scenarios, potentially skewing findings and applicability.
4. Improper Representation: There is a risk of improper representation of the target population, leading to
biases and hindering the achievement of research objectives.
5. Limitations in Questioning: Pre-set answers and structured questionnaires in quantitative research may
limit participants' responses, restricting the exploration of nuanced or varied perspectives.
6. Complex Data Analysis: Extensive statistical analysis required in quantitative studies may pose challenges
for researchers without a statistical background, leading to potential errors or misinterpretations.

CHUNK 4: What are the kinds of Quantitative research?

Kinds of Quantitative Research

1. Survey Research: This method involves collecting data from a sample population using structured questionnaires or
surveys. It is commonly used to gather information on attitudes, behaviors, or preferences. Survey research can be
conducted through online surveys, telephone interviews, or face-to-face interactions.
Example: A researcher wants to understand the public's perception of a new government policy. They design a survey
with multiple-choice and scaled questions to gather data on attitudes, opinions, and potential impacts of the policy.
The survey is distributed online, via mail, or through phone interviews to a representative sample of the population.

2. Descriptive Research: Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon
without exploring causal relationships. It focuses on observing and measuring variables to understand the current
state of things. Methods like case studies, observations, or cross-sectional studies are used in descriptive research.
Example: A researcher wants to describe the demographics and health status of a specific community. They collect data
through a cross-sectional study, gathering information on age, gender, income, education, and health conditions
from a sample of individuals in the community. The data is then analyzed to create a detailed description of the
community's characteristics.

3. Experimental Research: Experimental research involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effects
on a dependent variable. Researchers use controlled experiments to establish cause-and-effect relationships
between variables. This method allows researchers to test hypotheses and draw conclusions based on experimental
results.
Example: A researcher wants to test the effectiveness of a new medication for treating anxiety. They randomly assign
participants to two groups: one receiving the new medication and the other receiving a placebo. They measure
anxiety levels before and after treatment to determine if the new medication significantly reduces anxiety compared
to the placebo.

4. Correlational Research: Correlational research examines the relationships between variables to determine how
changes in one variable may affect another. It identifies patterns and associations between variables but does not
imply causation. Correlational studies are useful for exploring connections between factors.

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GRADE 12 – FIRST SEMESTER NAME: __________________________________________________________
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 GRADE & SECTION: _____________________________
 Example: A researcher wants to explore the relationship between hours of sleep and academic performance in college
students. They collect data on the average number of hours of sleep and GPA scores from a sample of students. They
analyze the data to determine if there is a correlation between sleep duration and academic performance.

5. Causal-Comparative Research: Also known as quasi-experimental research, this method investigates cause-and-effect
relationships between variables without random assignment. Researchers compare different groups to determine
the impact of an independent variable on a dependent variable. Causal-comparative research helps identify
relationships between variables.
Example: A researcher wants to investigate the impact of a new teaching method on student achievement in math. They
compare the math scores of students who were taught using the new method to those who were taught using the
traditional method. Although they cannot randomly assign students to groups, they analyze the data to determine if
there is a significant difference in achievement between the two groups.

SYNTHESIS:
In this lesson, you were were able to describe the characteristics, strength, weaknesses and kinds of
quantitative research. They were able to familiarize the differend kinds of quantitative resaerch that will help
them in deciding the appropriate quantitaive research in different areas of discipline.

RUA OF STUDENT’S LEARNING

Group Discussion: Answer the following comprehensively.

1. Define quantitative research and explain its primary characteristics.

2. Explain the importance of quantifiable data in quantitative research and how it is used to draw
conclusions.
3. Discuss the role of statistical analysis in quantitative research and its significance in interpreting
research findings.
4. Provide examples of research scenarios where quantitative research methods would be most
appropriate.
5. What are the strengths of quantitative research compared to other research methods, and how do
these strengths benefit research outcomes?
6. Identify potential limitations or weaknesses of quantitative research and explain how researchers can
address them.
7. In what ways does quantitative research contribute to evidence-based decision-making in various
fields?

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GRADE 12 – FIRST SEMESTER NAME: __________________________________________________________
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 GRADE & SECTION: _____________________________