Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education

12 Region V (Bicol)
Schools Division of Naga City
CAROLINA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Carolina, Naga City, Camarines Sur

Practical Research 2

LESSON 1: THE NATURE OF QUNATITATIVE RESEARCH

I- INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

As a natural day-to-day activity of gathering information, research is widely recognized as an

important tool for solving man’s various problems and in making life more colourful and convenient. One
form of research which is more disciplined in its methodology and more scientific in its procedure is
known as quantitative research. This form of research is an objective, systematic empirical investigation
of observable phenomena which highlights numerical analysis of data and its relationship with events

II- LEARNING COMPETENCIES

• Describe the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses quantitative research (CS_RS12-Ia-c-1)

• Illustrate the importance of quantitative research across fields (CS_RS12-Ia-c-2)

III- LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Concept Elaboration

1. Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is the systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena using

statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. It deals with numbers, logic, and an objective
stance. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories
and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The goal in conducting quantitative research study is to
determine the dependent or outcome variable within a population.
Quantitative research has the following main characteristics:

❖ Objective
The research aims for objectivity and is separated from the data. Quantitative research
seeks accurate measurement and analysis of target concepts. Prior to proposing a conclusion or
solution to a problem, data are gathered beforehand. It is not based on mere guesses and intuitions.
 ❖ Structured Research instruments.
Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect numerical
data. The overarching aim of a quantitative research study is to classify features, count them, and
construct statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed.

❖ Larger Sample Sizes

The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population in
order to come up with a more reliable data analysis. A large sample size is required, depending
on how the characteristics and the variations of the population. To avoid the researcher’s bias in
interpreting the results, Random Sampling is recommended in determining the sample size.

❖ Replicated or Repeated
Given its high reliability, quantitative research study can usually be replicated or repeated
to confirm or to verify the correctness of the results in a different or another setting. In this
manner, the validity of the findings is being strengthened in order to eliminate the possibility of
spurious conclusions.
❖ Clearly Defined Research Questions
Prior to the gathering of data, all aspects of the study are carefully designed by the
researcher. In quantitative research, the researchers know in advance what they are looking for.
Questionnaires are well defined for which objective answers are sought.

❖ Numerical Data
Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often organized and presented using tables,
charts, graphs, figures, or other non-textual forms that consolidate large numbers of data to show
trends, relationships, or differences among variables.

❖ Future Outcomes
Research paper can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or
investigate causal relationships. Future scenarios of the study maybe formulated by using
complex mathematical calculations and with the aid of computers, thus, predicting future
outcomes.

2. Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

STRENGTHS

➢ Allows for a broader study, involving a greater number of subjects,

and enhancing the generalization of the results;
➢ Allows for greater objectivity and accuracy of results. Generally,
quantitative methods are designed to provide summaries of data that support
generalization about the phenomenon under study. In order to accomplish
this, quantitative research usually involves few variables and many cases,
and employs prescribed procedures to ensure validity and reliability;
➢ Applying well -established standards which means that the research can be
replicated, and then analyzed and compared with similar studies;
➢ You can summarize vast sources of information and can make some
comparisons across categories and over time; and
➢ Personal bias can be avoided by keeping a 'distance' from participating
subjects and using accepted computational techniques.

WEAKNESSES

➢ Quantitative data is more efficient and able to test hypotheses,

but may miss contextual detail;
➢ Uses a static and rigid approach and so employs an inflexible process of
discovery;
Source:https://images.search.yah ➢ The development of standard questions by researchers can lead to "structural
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➢ Results provide less detail on behavior, attitudes, and motivation;
➢ Researcher may collect a much narrower and sometimes superficial dataset;
➢ Results are limited as they provide numerical descriptions rather than
detailed narrative and generally provide less elaborate accounts of human
perception;
➢ The research is often carried out in an unnatural, artificial environment so
that a level of control can be applied to the exercise. This level of control
might not normally be in place in the real world thus yielding "laboratory
results" as opposed to "real world results"; and,
➢ Preset answers will not necessarily reflect how people really feel about a
subject and, in some cases, might just be the closest match to the
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3. Importance of Quantitative Research Across Fields

Quantitative research is generally used in fields like political science, gender studies, community health,
marketing, sociology, economics, psychology, demography, and education. It’s objective is to employ
mathematical theories in relation to phenomena. The process offers a connection between mathematical
expression and empirical observation. Research plays a very important role in day-to-day life. Quantitative
research is a method to measure variables, analyze them and report relationships amongst the studied
variables through a numerical system. Its objective is to understand, analyze, describe and make future
predictions of a specific study because after understanding the numbers, it becomes easier for people to
make suitable changes. It deals in objective, logic, and numbers and puts its focus on convergent reasoning
and detailed and unchanging data. Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what
nobody else has thought. The life people enjoy now or the things that are done in minutes which earlier
looked impossible are all because of research. Research is the best and reliable way to understand and act
on the complexities of various issues that you as humans are facing. It leads in an expansion of knowledge
and discoveries to improve the individual’s quality of life. Research is not limited to any one sector but
has been done for almost every sector. Some of them are technology, healthcare, defense, precautionary
steps against natural calamities and many more. In academic institutions, research can be a useful learning
process, challenging students and teachers to work together and grow intellectually while conducting their
study. Aside from the numerous benefits that research brings to the academic settings, its benefits can also
be seen and felt in the different fields.

❖ In the area of Accounting, Business, and Management (ABM), researchers can help in designing
new products and services, figuring out what is needed, and ensuring that the development of a
product is highly targeted towards demand. Businessmen can also utilize research results to
guarantee sufficient distribution of their products and decide where they need to increase their
product distribution. The primary function of research in ABM is to deliver quality goods and
services, to establish the enterprise in the most feasible location, to analyse what the competitors
are doing, to correctly determine its customers and their preferences, and to find ways on how to
continuously satisfy the growing and varied needs of the clients.

❖ In the discipline of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), research aims to provide solutions
to the social problems directly felt by people. Researchers in the field deal more on societal
behaviors and social issues such as stress, teenage pregnancy, workers’ ethics ,organizational
commitment, leadership style, child labor, human trafficking, to drug addiction and other forms
of criminality. Social Science researches lead to the understanding of social interactions that may
lead to the formulation of new theories and practices that contribute to societal welfare and
development.
❖ In the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), medical
practitioners, for instance, conduct researches to obtain significant information about disease
trends and risk factors, patterns of care and health care cost and use, and results of various heath
interventions. Researchers help in determining the effectiveness and even the side effects of drugs
 and therapies in different population and varieties. It is also necessary in evaluating experiences.
In clinical practices, in order to develop mechanisms for best practices and to ensure high quality
patient care. Researchers in this field ultimately aim for man’s longevity. As for the engineers,
architects and other builders, research helps in providing designs which are creatively beautiful
and at the same time give more convenience and efficiency as they utilize modern technology to
adapt to the ever changing society. New materials and procedures may be developed so as to
further strengthen the structural materials that can withstand various calamities and disasters.

TASK 1

Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on your notebook. Be sure not to write anything on
this learning module.

_____ 1. Which of the following BEST defines quantitative research?

A. An activity of producing or proving theorem
B. An exploration associated with libraries, books, and journals
C. A systematic process for obtaining numerical data and its relationship with events
D. An activity concerned with finding new truths in education.

For items 2-5, refer to the following characteristics of research for your
answers O. Large Sample Sizes
E. Replication
M. Numerical Data
R. Objective

_____ 2. Data are in the form of statistics.

_____ 3. It is needed to arrive at a more reliable data analysis.
_____ 4. It is not based on guess work.
_____ 5. It is done to check the correctness and verify the findings of the study

TASK 2

Directions: Put a if the indicator describes the characteristics of a Quantitative Research or if

doesn’t. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper which will serve as your answer sheet.
Be sure not to write anything on this learning module.

Indicators or
1. Data is in the form of words, pictures or objects.

2. It tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic perspective

3. It is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers and
statistical methods as key research indicators and tools.

4. The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments. .

5. The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high
reliability.
 TASK 3

As a Senior High School student, writing an academic paper without sufficient background knowledge
on the topic touched upon by your essay, dealing with a particular task may turn into a serious problem.
However, learning the right approach as to how to answer the questions set before you improve your
literacy in writing conventions. In order to achieve this goal, you have to complete your task as a
researcher by writing a comprehensive learning about the given topics: The question may serve as your
guide in the organization of the contents of your writing output/

Do you agree or disagree that research is essential in your day-to-day activities as a student? State
your reasons for your stand. (10 pts)

WRITING TASK SCORING RUBRICS

CRITERIA EXCELLENT SATISFACTORY AVERAGE POOR

(9-10) (7-8) (5-6) (1-4)
The paper The paper The paper The paper does
demonstrates that demonstrates that the demonstrates that not demonstrate
INTEGRATION the author fully author, for the most the author, to a that the author has
OF KNOWLEDGE understands and part, understands and certain extent, fully understood
has applied has applied concepts understands and and applied
concepts learned learned in Practical has applied concepts learned
in Practical Research 2 subject.. concepts learned in Practical
Research 2 in Practical Research 2
subject. Research 2 subject.
subject.
The topic is The topic is focused The topic is too The topic is not
focused narrowly but lacks direction; broad for the clearly defined.
TOPIC FOCUS enough for the the writer has not scope of this
scope of this established a position. assignment.
assignment
In-depth In-depth discussion & The writer has The writer made
DEPTH OF discussion & elaboration in most omitted pertinent very few
DISCUSSION elaboration in all sections of the paper content or content discussions of the
sections of the runs-on sections of the
paper excessively. paper.
Author's writing Author's writing Author's writing Author’s writing
demonstrates an demonstrates an does not does not
understanding of understanding of the demonstrate an demonstrate
COHESIVENESS the relationship relationship among understanding of understanding any
among material material obtained the relationship relationships
obtained from all from all sources. among material
sources. obtained from all
sources.
No spelling &/or Minimal spelling &/or Noticeable Unacceptable
MECHANICS grammar grammar mistakes. spelling & number of
(SPELLING & mistakes. grammar spelling and/or
GRAMMAR) mistakes. grammar mistakes
TOTALS

Prepared by: Bernardo I. Moral Jr., SHS Teacher II

Checked by: Nida L. Ebora, School Principal II