what is definition?
qualitative research that hardly uses
Definition
-A definition of terms in research establishes
clear and precise meanings for key concepts or
terms used in a study."
Importance of Definition
-Avoids ambiguity and misunderstandings.
-Provides a shared understanding for both the
researcher and the reader.
-Ensures consistency in the use of terms
throughout the study.
Types of Definitions
-Conceptual Definition: A conceptual definition
provides an abstract or theoretical meaning of a
term based on existing literature or theoretical
frameworks."
Example
Broken Family Refers to a family that has
conflicted or disconnected ties within the family
unit (Anderson, 2017). In this study, this term
refers to a family where parents do not live
together or are separated.
Guidelines for Effective Definitions:
Clarity: Ensure that the definition is clear and
easily understood by the target audience.
Precision: Be specific and avoid ambiguity or
vagueness.
Consistency: Ensure that the defined terms are
used consistently throughout the study.
Contextual Relevance: Tailor the definition to
the specific context of the research.
What is a quantitative research?
Quantitative research designs use
numbers in stating generalizations about a
given problem or inquiry in contrast to
statistical treatment in stating
generalizations.
These numbers are the results of
objective scales of measurements of the
units of analysis called variables.
Research findings are subjected to
statistical treatment to determine significant
relationships or differences between
variables, the results of which are the bases
for generalization about phenomena.
Its main characteristics are:
 The data is usually gathered using
structured research instruments.
 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.
 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.
 Project can be used to generalize
concepts more widely, predict future
results, or investigate causal
relationships.
Researcher uses tools, such as
questionnaires or computer software, to
collect numerical data.
Strength
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
generalizations 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 means that the
research can be replicated, and then analyzed and
compared with similar studies;
 You can summarize vast sources of information
and make comparisons across categories and over
time; and,
 Personal bias can be avoided by keeping a
'distance' from participating subjects and using
accepted computational techniques.
Weakness
 Quantitative research can be costly, difficult
and time-consuming- difficult because
most researchers are non-mathematicians.
 Quantitative studies require extensive
statistical treatment, requiring stringent
standards, more so with confirmation of
results. When ambiguities in some findings
surface, retesting and refinement of the design
call for another investment in time and
resources to polish the results.
 Quantitative methods also tend to turn out only
proved or unproven results, leaving little room
for uncertainty, or grey areas. For the social
sciences, education,
 anthropology and psychology, human nature is
a lot more complex than just a simple yes or no
response.
Top 4 Methods / Types of Quantitative
Research
We have numerous quantitative
research design, but we will only be
focusing on these four top most used
methods/design in quantitative research.
#1 – Survey Research
Using the survey research as the
method of research, an organization
conducting survey ask different survey
questions from the respondents using the
various types like online surveys, online
polls paper questionnaires, etc. then collect
data and analyze collected data in order to
produce the numerical results.
#2 – Causal-Comparative Research
Causal-Comparative Research
method is used to draw conclusions with
respect to the cause-and-effect equation
between the two or more than two
variables, where the one variable will be
dependent on other variables which will be
independent.
#3 – Experimental Research
This analysis is done for the purpose
of proving or for disproving the statement. It
is generally used in the field of natural
sciences or in the field of social sciences as
in those areas various statements are there
which required to be proved as right or
wrong.
#4 – Correlation Research
Correlation Research conducted for
establishing a relationship between the two
closely associated entities for knowing the
impact of one on other and the changes
which eventually observed. It is carried for
giving value to the naturally occurring
relationships. For this research minimum,
two different groups will be required.
Importance of Quantitative Research
1. More reliable and objective
2. Can use statistics to generalize a finding
3. Often reduces and restructures a complex
problem to a limited number of variables
4. Looks at relationships between variables
and can establish cause and effect in highly
controlled circumstances
5. Tests theories or hypotheses
6. Assumes sample is representative of the
population
7. Subjectivity of researcher in methodology
is recognized less
8. Less detailed than qualitative data and
may miss a desired response from the
participant
Importance of Quantitative Research
across fields
-People engage in research to discover
potential solutions to problems, with the
goal of improving processes, challenging
existing hypotheses, or finding answers to
questions in daily life. The outcomes of
research can have a significant impact on
various aspects of society, including
people's lives, methodologies, legal
frameworks, and policies. Quantitative
research is commonly preferred due to its
focus on providing evidence rather than
mere exploration.
-In recent times, research studies have
gained unprecedented attention. It used to
be primarily higher education faculty who
conducted research, but now even teachers
in primary education are deeply involved in
research activities, dedicating time and
effort to enhance educational practices and
elevate the quality of student learning. Many
educators conduct action research to
address the concerning decline in
educational quality, systematically
identifying and making informed decisions
about the encountered challenges.
Innovative teaching strategies are the
outcomes of such research.
-Quantitative research, in both natural and
social sciences, involves the systematic and
empirical examination of observable
phenomena using statistical, mathematical,
or computational methods. The primary aim
of quantitative research is to develop and
apply mathematical models, theories, and
hypotheses related to these phenomena.
The process of measurement plays a
central role in quantitative research as it
establishes a vital link between real-world
observations and mathematical expressions
of quantitative relationships.
-In the realm of Health Sciences (including
fields like Medical Technology, Dentistry,
Nursing, and Medicine), various quantitative
research designs are employed, such as
descriptive studies, pre-experimental
designs, quasi-experiments, true
experiments, and case studies, among
others.
Quantitative Research and
Anthropology- it is concerned with
exploring connections simultaneously,
amidst cultural Differences, Alternatives and
Identity. In the contemporary academic,
socio-cultural and political climate these
concepts have immense symbolic
overtones.
Quantitative Research and
Communication- researchers are often
interested om how an understanding of a
particular communication phenomenon
might be generalized to a larger population.
For example, researchers can advance
questions like “ what effect do punitive
behavioral control statements have on
classroom? What communicative behaviors
are associated with different stages in a
romantic relationship? What communicative
behaviors are used to respond to co-
workers displaying emotional stress? (Allen,
Titsworth, Hunt, 2009).
Quantitative Research and Sports
Medicine- For example, if you want to look
at preferences for team sports or individual
sports in people in the Philippines, cross-
sectional research would be useful. This
would allow you to obtain opinions from a
range of people. You would send your
participants a survey-type questionnaire
that allowed them to say which type of sport
they preferred. Then you could produce
some descriptive statistics for the results of
the study (for example, 73 per cent of men
prefer team sports, 20 per cent of men
prefer individual sports and 7 per cent of
men have no preference).
 Quantitative Research and
Medical Education - it enhances the
quality of medical education and designs
test interventions like curriculum, teaching
learning process, or assessment with an
experimental group.
Quantitative Research and the
Behavioral Sciences – it tends to explore
how one behavior exhibited by people is
related to other types of behavior.
Quantitative Research in
Education and Psychology – Quantitative
methods in education engages in the
science and practice
of educational measurement and
evaluation, primarily through the
development and application of
statistical methods, informed by the study of
teaching and learning statistics.
Quantitative Research and the
Social Sciences - it aims to be
generalizable to large populations by using
specific sampling methods and large data
sets. It can provide important descriptive
statistics about a population or location,
allowing us to grasp key characteristics of
the object(s) of study.
THE VARIABLES IN RESEARCH
The term ‘variable’ has been mentioned
several times so that it is necessary to
define it here. In research, a variable refers
to a “characteristics that has two or more
mutually exclusive values or properties”
(Sevilla and Other, 1988). Sex, for instance,
has two properties which are maleness and
femaleness. The ages of different persons
have different values; so with their size,
height, weight and income. The
phenomenon of variety is what makes life
interesting; it is one of the motivating factors
of the research undertaking.
The root word of the word variable is “vary”
or simply “can change”. These variables are
among the fundamental concepts of
research, alongside with measurement,
validity, reliability, cause and effect; and
theory. Bernard (1994) defines a variable as
something that can take more than one
value, and values can be words or numbers.
A variable specifically refers to
characteristics, or attribute of an individual
or an organization that can be measured or
observed and that varies among the people
or organization being studied (Creswell,
2002).
TYPES OF VARIABLES (ALLEN,
TITSWORTH, HUNT, 2009)
1. CONTINUOUS VARIABLES – A
variable that can take infinite number
on the value that can occur within
the population. Its values can be
divided into fractions. Examples of
this type of variable include age,
height, and temperature. Continuous
variables can be further categorized
as:
a. INTERVAL VARIABLES –
It have values that lie along an
evenly dispersed range of numbers.
It is a measurement where the
difference between two values does
have meaning. Examples of interval
data include temperature, a person’s
net worth (how much money you
have when you subtract your debt
from your assets), etc. In
temperature, this may illustrate as
the difference between a
temperature of 60 degrees and 50
degrees is the same as difference
between 30 degrees and 20
degrees. The interval between
values makes sense and can be
interpreted.
 b. RATIO VARIABLES – It
have values that lie along an evenly
dispersed range of numbers when
there is absolute zero. It possesses
the properties of interval variable
and has a clear definition of zero,
indication that there is none of that
variable. Examples of which are
height, weight, and distance. Most
scores stemming from response to
survey items are ratio-level values
because they typically cannot go
below zero. Temperature measured
in degrees Celsius and degrees
Fahrenheit is not a ratio variable
because 0 under these temperatures
scales does not mean no
temperature at all.
2. DISCRETE VARIABLES – This is
also known as categorical or
classificatory variable. This is any
variable that has limited number of
distinct values and which cannot be
divided into fractions like sex, blood
group, and number of children in
family. Discrete variable may also
categorized into:
a. NOMINAL VARIABLE – It
represent categories that cannot be
ordered in any particular way. It is a
variable with no quantitative value. It
has two or more categories but does
not imply ordering of cases.
Common examples of this variable
include eye color, business type,
religion, biological sex, political
affiliation, basketball fan affiliation,
etc. A sub-type of nominal scale with
only two categories just like sex is
known as dichotomous.
b. ORDINAL VARIABLE – It
represent categories that can be
ordered from greatest to smallest.
This variable has two or more
categories which can be ranked.
Examples of ordinal variable include
education level, income brackets,
etc. An illustration of this is, if you
asked people if they liked listening to
music while studying and they could
answer either “NOT VERY MUCH”,
“MUCH”, “VERY MUCH” then you
have an ordinal variable. While you
can rank them, we cannot place a
value to them. In this type, distances
between attributes do not have any
meaning. For example, you used
educational attainment as a variable
on survey, you might code
elementary school graduates = 1,
high graduates = 2, college
undergraduate = 3, and college
graduate = 4. In this measure,
higher number means greater
education. Even though we can rank
these from lowest to highest, the
spacing between the values may not
be the same across the levels of the
variables. The distance between 3
and 4 is not the same with the
distance between 1 and 2.
KINDS OF VARIABLES
Several experts have lumped together the
following as the major kinds of variables:
1. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES –
Those that probably cause,
influence, or affect outcomes. They
are invariably called treatment,
manipulated, antecedent or predictor
variables. This is the cause variable
or the one responsible for the
conditions that act on something
else to bring about changes.
EXAMPLE: A study is on the
relationship of study habits and
academic performance of UTNHS
senior high school students. STUDY
HABITS is the independent variable
because it influenced the outcome
or the performance of the students.
2. DEPENDENT VARIABLES – those
that depend on the independent
 variables; they are the outcomes or
results of the influence of the
independent variable. That is why it
is also called outcome variable.
EXAMPLE: A study is on the
relationship of study habits and
academic performance of UTNHS
senior high school students.
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE is the
dependent variable because it is
depending on the study habits of the
students; if the students change
their study habit the academic
performance also change.
Researchers comment on the
influence of confounding variables
after the study has been completed,
because these variables may have
operated to explain the relationship
between the independent variables
and dependent variable, but they
were not or could not be easily
assessed

3. INTERVENING OR MEDLING
VARIABLES – Variables that “stand
between” the independent and
dependent variables, and they show
the effects of the independent
variable on the dependent variable.

EXAMPLE: Consider the given

below. Even if farm production is
good, if the attitude towards
payment is negative, loan
repayment would be low, whereas, if
the attitude towards repayment is
positive or favorable, loan
repayment would be high.

4. CONTROL VARIABLES – A special

types of independent variables that
are measured in the study because
they potentially influence the
dependent variable. Researchers
use statistical procedures (e.g.
analysis of covariance) to control
these variables. They may be
demographic or personal variables
that need to be “controlled” so that
the true influence of the independent
variable on the dependent variable
can be determined.
5. CONFOUNDING VARIABLES –
Variables that are not actually
measured or observed in a study.
They exist but their influence cannot
be directly detected in a study.
fefeffeffef

What is Scope and Delimitation in

research?
-The scope and delimitations of a
thesis, dissertation or research paper
define the topic and boundaries of
the research problem to be
investigated.
-The scope details how in-depth your
study is to explore the research
question and the parameters in which
it will operate in relation to the
population and timeframe.
-The delimitations of a study are the
factors and variables not to be
included in the investigation. In other
words, they are the boundaries the
researcher sets in terms of study
duration, population size and type of
participants, etc..

What is the difference between the

delimitation and limitations?

-In other words, limitations are what

the researcher cannot do (elements
outside of their control), and
delimitations are what the researcher
will not do (elements outside of the
boundaries they have set). Both are
important because they help to put
the research findings into context,
and although they explain how the
study is limited, they increase the
credibility and validity of a research
project.
Guidelines on How to write Scope
+ Why – the general aims and
objectives (purpose) of the
research.
+ What – the subject to be
investigated, and the included
variables.
+ Where – the location or setting
of the study, i.e. where the
data will be gathered and to
which entity the data will
belong.
+ When – the timeframe within
which the data is to be
collected.
+ Who – the subject matter of
the study and the population
from which they will be
selected. This population
needs to be large enough to
be able to make
generalisations.
+ How - how the research is to
be conducted, including a
description of the research
design (e.g., whether it is
experimental research,
qualitative research or a case
study), methodology, research
tools and analysis techniques.
- How to Start Writing Your
Study Scope.
+ Use the below prompts as an
effective way to start writing
your scope:
+ This study is to focus on…
+ This study covers the…
+ This study aims to…
- Guidelines on How to Write
Delimitations
+ Since the delimitation
parameters are within the
researcher’s control, readers
need to know why they were
set, what alternative options
were available, and why these
alternatives were rejected. For
example, if you are collecting
 data that can be derived from
three different but similar
experiments, the reader needs
to understand how and why
you decided to select the one
you have.
+ Your reasons should always be
linked back to your research
question, as all delimitations
should result from trying to
make your study more
relevant to your scope.
Therefore, the scope and
delimitations are usually
considered together when
writing a paper.
Examples of Delimitation in
Research Examples of
delimitations include:
+ research objectives,
+ research questions,
+ research variables,
+ target populations,
+ statistical analysis techniques.
Examples of Limitations in Research
Examples of limitations include:
+ Issues with sample and
selection,
+ Insufficient sample size,
population traits or specific
participants for statistical
significance
+ Lack of previous research
studies on the topic which has
allowed for further analysis,
+ Limitations in the
technology/instruments used
to collect your data,
+ Limited financial resources
and/or funding constraints.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
This research will only cover the
latest Philippine general election to
mainly identify the perceptions
regarding this issue based on their
proficiency as a citizen of the
Philippines. Therefore, this study only
sought out their insights and opinions
about the effects of social media and
political advertisements on the
voter's perceptions, regarding how
the candidates louden their names to
spread their platforms in terms of
social media, and how they paved
their political advertisements to
capture the attention of the 2022
voters.
This study will be conducted in
Baranggay Narra, Catarman,
 Northern Samar. The election of proficiency as a citizen of the
the respondents are only the Philippines.
registered voters in the 2022
elections and eighteen (18) years
old and above. However, non- What is framework?
registered voters are not included •It is defined as a set of ideas that
even they are of legal ages.
provide support to something.
Essentially, any concept or theory
EXAMPLE
requires a strong framework to
Why: identify the perceptions
regarding this issue based on their establish its general feasibility.
proficiency as a citizen of the
Philippines.
-Two types of framework
How: the candidates louden their
Conceptual Framework
names to spread their platforms in
terms of social media, and how they Theoretical Framework
paved their political advertisements
to capture the attention of the 2022
voters. - THEORETICALFRAMEWORK

What: the latest Philippine general It is formulated from existing theories

election and serves as the foundation of the
study. The present study can adopt
Where: conducted in Baranggay
the original model used by the cited
Narra, Catarman, Northern Samar
theorist. However, a researcher can
Who: only the registered voters in modify the variables of the original
the 2022 elections and eighteen (18) framework to better sit the study.
years old and above. However, non-
registered voters are not included
ELEMENTS OF A THEORETICAL
even they are of legal ages.
FRAMEWORK
When: 2022
- RELEVANT THEORIES
How: identify the perceptions
regarding this issue based on their
These are theories that are partially
or fully relevant to the present study
and are discussed to provide a basis
for variables being studied.
IN THE DISCUSSION OF RELEVANT
THEORIES, THE FOLLOWING PARTS
ARE MENTIONED.
-NAME/S OF THE

•REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

AUTHOR/S
These are published materials that
compare the study with existing
knowledge on the research topic. -TITLE/S OF THEIR
THEORY/S
-DEVELOPING THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

A theoretical framework serves as the

-THEORETICAL STATEMENT
basis of the research. It points out,
through its cited theories, which OR PRINCIPLES
specific variables will be the focus of
the study

-EXPLANATION OF THE
THEORETICAL STATEMENT

-RELATIONSHIP OF THE
THEORY TO THE PRESENT
STUDY.