1. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH📚

• WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH? 🔎 

 A  quantitative research method deals with quantifying and analysis variables  in  order  to  get  results.  It  involves  the  utilization  and  analysis  of  numerical  data  using  specific  statistical techniques to  answer  questions like  who, how much,  what,   where,  when,  how many,  and how(Leedy & Ormrod 2001; Williams, 2011, as cited in QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS A SYNOPSIS APPROACH, 2017).

Moreover,  quantitative  research  methods is described  as  the  explaining  of  an  issue  or phenomenon through gathering data in numerical form and analyzing with the aid of mathematical methods; in particular statistics.  (Aliaga,  and  Gunderson  2002  cited in QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS A SYNOPSIS APPROACH, 2017)

In other words, quantitative research is a systematic empirical investigation that aims to understand and explain phenomena by gathering and analyzing numerical data. It involves the collection of measurable data through structured methods such as surveys and experiments. The main focus of quantitative research is to quantify variables, establish patterns, relationships, and statistical models, and provide objective conclusions based on statistical analysis.

• CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Objective and Measurable Data: Quantitative research relies on objective data that can be measured and analyzed statistically. It involves the collection of numerical data through methods such as questionnaires, structured observations, or experiments. 

Statistical Analysis: Quantitative research employs statistical analysis to examine the relationships, patterns, and trends in the collected data. Researchers use statistical techniques to summarize, interpret, and draw conclusions from the data, enabling them to make generalizations and predictions.

Large Sample Size: Quantitative research often involves a large sample size to ensure statistical significance and representative results. By collecting data from a diverse range of participants, researchers can generalize their findings to the broader population from which the sample was drawn.

Controlled Environment: Quantitative research often takes place in a controlled environment, such as a laboratory or structured survey setting. This allows researchers to manipulate variables, control extraneous factors, and establish cause-and-effect relationships.

 Deductive Approach: Quantitative research typically follows a deductive approach, starting with a theory or hypothesis that is tested using empirical data. Researchers formulate specific research questions or hypotheses based on existing theories or previous research and use data to confirm or refute them.

Structured Data Collection Instruments: Quantitative research relies on structured data collection instruments, such as questionnaires or surveys, which consist of standardized items or scales. This ensures consistency and comparability across participants and allows for straightforward data analysis.

• MAIN USES 📝

Quantitative research allows people to generalize the results from a sample group to an entire group of people.

As the quantitative research is structured and statistical, it provides you with the ability to create conclusions and make an educated decision on a course of action.

• ADVANTAGES 📈

Objectivity and Reliability: Quantitative research aims to be objective and reliable by focusing on measurable data and statistical analysis. This enhances the credibility of the findings and allows for replication and verification by other researchers.

Generalizability: With a large sample size and representative sampling methods, quantitative research enables researchers to make generalizations about a larger population. This enhances the external validity of the findings.

Precise and Measurable Results: Quantitative research provides precise and measurable results due to the use of standardized data collection instruments and statistical analysis. This allows for clear comparisons, identification of patterns, and statistical inferences.

Efficient Data Analysis: Quantitative research often involves the use of statistical software, making data analysis more efficient and less subjective. Researchers can analyze large datasets quickly and identify significant relationships or trends.

Ability to Identify Cause and Effect Relationships: The experimental design in quantitative research allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables by controlling extraneous factors. This helps in determining the impact of specific interventions or treatments.

Replicability and Meta-Analysis: Quantitative research is easily replicable, allowing other researchers to conduct similar studies to confirm or refute the findings. Additionally, the results from multiple quantitative studies can be combined through meta-analysis, providing a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.

• DISADVANTAGES📉

Limited Understanding of Context: Quantitative research may provide numerical data, but it often lacks a deep understanding of the context or underlying motivations. It may not capture the complexity and nuances of human behavior, experiences, or social interactions.

Lack of Flexibility: The structured nature of quantitative research limits flexibility in data collection and analysis. Researchers may miss out on unexpected insights or variations in responses that can be explored in qualitative research.

Difficulty in Exploring Complex Phenomena: Some phenomena are difficult to measure quantitatively, especially those related to emotions, beliefs, or cultural aspects. Quantitative research may overlook important dimensions or fail to capture the depth of these complex phenomena.

Ethical Considerations: Quantitative research involving human participants may raise ethical concerns, such as privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent. Researchers must carefully consider and address these ethical considerations in their study design and data collection procedures.

Limited Scope of Investigation: Quantitative research typically focuses on narrow research questions and predefined variables. It may not provide a comprehensive understanding of a complex phenomenon, requiring the integration of qualitative research approaches to gain a more holistic perspective.

REFERENCES

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS A SINOPSIS APPROACH. (2017). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320346875_Quantitative_Research_Methods_A_Synopsis_Approach

Wilson.(2020). CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH. 

https://www.scribd.com/document/482015059/CHARACTERISTICS-OF-QUANTITATIVE-RESEARCH#

Using Quantitative Research Effectively. (n.d).https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/using-quantitative-research-effectively/#:~:text=Quantitative%20research%20allows%20you%20to,on%20a%20course%20of%20action.

Soiferman, K.(2010). Inductive and Deductive Research Approaches. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542066.pdf

Balnavas, M & Caputi, P.(2001). Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods. https://www.google.com.sv/books/edition/Introduction_to_Quantitative_Research_Me/nQxL0Ooq61oC?hl=es&gbpv=1&dq=quantitative+research&printsec=frontcover&bshm=ncc/1

Muijs, D.(2012). Doing quantitative research in education with SPSS. https://www.google.com.sv/books/edition/Doing_Quantitative_Research_in_Education/apFMQHF768EC?hl=es&gbpv=1&dq=quantitative+research+advantages+and+disadvantages&pg=PA38&printsec=frontcover&bshm=ncc/1

Osborne, J.(2008). Best Practices in Quantitative Methods. https://www.google.com.sv/books/edition/Best_Practices_in_Quantitative_Methods/M5_FCgCuwFgC?hl=es&gbpv=1&dq=Quantitative+research&printsec=frontcover&bshm=ncc/1