What is Quantitative

Research?
Paul Christian Reforsado Abad
 Definition of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research, according to

Aliaga and Gunderson (2000), is
“explaining phenomena by collecting
numerical data that are analyzed using
mathematically based methods (in
particular statistics).”
 Comparison between Quantitative
and Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Aims to characterize trends and patterns
Usually starts with neither a theory nor
hypothesis about the relationship between
two or more variables
Uses structured research instruments like
questionnaires or schedules
Uses large sample sizes that are
representatives of the population
Has high output replicability
Used to gain greater understanding of
group similarities
Uses structured processes
Methods include census, survey
experiments and secondary analysis
Qualitative Research
Involves processes, feelings, and motives
(the why’s and the how’s) and produces
in-depth and holistic data
Usually concerned with generating
hypothesis from the data rather than
testing a hypothesis
Uses either unstructured or semi-structured
instruments
Uses small sample sizes chosen purposely
Has high validity
Used to gain greater understanding of
individual differences in terms of feelings,
motives and experiences
Uses more flexible processes
Methods include field research, case
study, and secondary analysis
Characteristics of
Quantitative Research

1. It is reliable and objective.

2. It uses statistics to generalize a finding.
3. It reduces and restructures a complex problem to a limited
number of variables.
4. It looks at the connections between variables and establishes
cause and effect relationships in highly controlled circumstances.
5. It tests theories or hypotheses.
6. It assumes that the sample is representative of the population.
7. The subjectivity of its methodology is a secondary concern.
8. It deals with the details of the subject.
Advantages of Quantitative
Research

1. It allows the researcher to measure and analyze the data to arrive

at an objective answer to the problem posed or stated.
2. The result is reliable since the study uses a big sample of the
population.
3. Standards are usually used in choosing the instruments, in sampling
procedures, and in choosing the most appropriate statistical
treatment, thus making the research replicable.
4. Personal biases can be avoided since personal interaction is not
part of the research process.
5. Processes involved are simplified since the steps in doing
quantitative research are made easy and systematic.
6. Results can be reduces through statistical treatments and
interpreted in a few statements.
Disadvantages of
Quantitative Research

1. The context of the study or the experiment is ignored in such a way that it
does not consider the natural setting where the study is conducted.
2. Having a large study sample requires researchers to spend more resources.
3. Results are limited since they are usually based on the analysis of numbers
and are not obtained from detailed narratives.
4. It provides less elaborate accounts of human perceptions
5. In experimental research, the level of control might not be normally placed
in the real world because it is usually done in the laboratory.
6. Preset or fixed alternative answers may not necessarily reflect the ture
answers of the participants.
7. Findings can be influenced by the researcher’s perspective since most of
the time, the participants are unknown to him/her.
Chapter Summary

1. According to Aliaga and Gunderson (2000), quantitative

research is “explaining phenomena by collecting
numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically
based methods (in particular statistics).”
2. Some characteristics of quantitative research are as
follows: it is reliable and objective; it uses statistics to
generalize a finding; and reduces and restructures a
complex problem to a limited number of variables.
Chapter Summary

3. Some advantages of using quantitative research are as

follows: it allows the researcher to measure and analyze
data; it gives reliable results since the study uses a big
sample; and it is replicable since standards are usually
used in choosing the instruments, sampling procedures,
and statistical treatments.
4. The disadvantages of quantitative research include the
following: it ignores the context of the study in such a way
that it does not consider the natural setting of the
conducted study; it requires more resources since it uses a
large sample for the study; and the results are limited
because they are usually based on the analysis of
numbers and are not obtained from detailed narratives.
Chapter Summary

5. The importance of quantitative research is evident in its

use in certain fields of study:
a. In education, it can be used in measuring the level of
performance of students and teachers, and in assessing
the effectiveness of the methods and the different
programs conducted.
b. In business, it can improve the overall marketing strategy,
and help the company make informed decisions on how
to be best move forward with a particular product or
services.
Chapter Summary

5. The importance of quantitative research is evident in its

use in certain fields of study:
c. In medical and health allied services, it yields statistics that
can help improve the rate of recovery of patients with
illnesses and sicknesses, and the efficacy of medicines
and drugs, among others.
d. In sciences and technology, it can lead to a more
responsible and accountable operation of the different
components of technology.