SOC509 Official Handouts

Lesson 01 INTRODUCTION OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH · Topic 001: Introduction · Research

Research is defined as 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. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.

Types of Research

What is quantitative research?

Quantitative research collects and uses numerical data to explore, describe, explain, or predict trends or phenomena. Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity and the control of contextual factors that may impact the results. Quantitative research states hypotheses and relies on statistical analysis to support conclusions made regarding the hypothesis.

Definitions of Quantitative Research by Scholars

Aliaga and Gunderson (2002) have described the quantitative research as “Quantitative research is an inquiry into a social problem, explain phenomena by gathering numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based methods e.g. in particular statistics”. According to the Creswell (2003) researcher primarily uses post-positivist approach to develop knowledge when quantitative research is selected (i.e cause and effect thinking, use of measurement and observations, and test of theories), employs strategies of inquiry such as experiments and surveys, and collects data on predetermined instruments that yield statistical data.

Purpose of Quantitative Research

The main reasons behind the quantitative research are enlisted below; Exploratory: Quantitative research investigates issues with the goal of providing insight and information to the researcher. The quantitative research use pilot studies to test feasibility or value of working in an area; focus groups to guide survey design. Description: The quantitative research describe the current situation or classify situations, events or groups and often use large scale data sets e.g. Surveys; correlational studies Explanation: The quantitative research build, enrich, and explain theories. It also test theories using quantitative methods Prediction: The quantitative research establish predictors of some behavior. There are two types of variables – predictor and criterion (outcome). Regression analysis is one statistical procedure used for prediction Evaluation: The quantitative research evaluates programs for their efficacy, come in different forms and serve different functions

Aim of the Research

The primary aim of a Quantitative Research is to focus more in counting and classifying features and constructing statistical models and figures to explain what is observed. Quantitative Research is highly recommended because it provides the researcher a clearer picture of what to expect in his research compared to Qualitative Research.

Features of Quantitative Research

Its main features are enlisted below: The Quantitative research use structured research instruments for data collection. The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population. The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability. The researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought. All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts, figures, or other non-textual forms. The Quantitative research can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate causal relationships. The researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires and interview schedule to collect numerical data.

Parts of Quantitative Research

There are four parts of Quantitative Research such as;

1. Measurement: Check reliability, validity, random and systematic errors in research).
2. Sampling: Key is that sample is representative of population to make a generalization in interpretation).
3. Research Design: How to set up data collection to minimize counter interpretations to the results).
4. Statistical Procedures: Descriptive and Inferential statistic

Advantages of Quantitative Research Approach

The advantage of the quantitative research is mentioned in the following;

•  The use of statistical data as a tool for saving time and resources.
•  Quantitative research approach can be seen as being scientific in nature.
•  The use of scientific methods for data collection and analysis make generalization possible.
•  Replicability is another benefit of the quantitative research.
•  The quantitative research relies on hypotheses testing, the researcher need not to do intelligent guesswork, rather he would follow clear guidelines and objectives.
•  This quantitative research gives room for the use of control and study groups in experiment setting.
•  The quantitative research as “researcher detachment” research approach which reduce the chances of biasness.
•  The quantitative research may guarantee respondent anonymity.

Disadvantages of Quantitative Research Approach

•  Researcher detachment from the participants is also a weakness within the quantitative research. Researcher detachment means that he is an “observer” or an “outside looking in”.
•  In the quantitative research, the participants have no room to contribute to the study. The researcher is at the “driver’s seat”.
•  The linear and non-flexible nature of a quantitative approach demands that the researcher follow a certain order. He starts by setting the research question and hypotheses, conducts a literature review, collects data, analyses the data and summarizes the result.
•  A quantitative research is characterized as being structured with predetermined variables, hypotheses and design. As a result of using predetermined working strategies, the approach does not require or encourage imaginative, critical and creative thinking.

References:

Eyisi, D. (2016). The usefulness of qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in researching problem-solving ability in science education curriculum. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(15), 91-100. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.