Group 2

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
GROUP MEMBERS

 1.Chikanyire Mellissa R197988X

 2.Chikumbu Stephen R195933F
 3.Chikuwa Gray R195891U
 4.Chikwizo Sharon Rose R197218X
 5.Chimuka Munyaradzi R195784K
 6.Chimuka Paidamoyo R185948V
 7.Chinoera Tariro R187472H
 8.Chinundu Emmanuel R195781K
 9.Chiponda Silas R187507A
 10.Chitima Perceviarance R195807D
DEFINATION, THEORIES AND PURPOSE OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH

 Quantitative research is the process of collecting, analyzing and manipulating

numerical data to make predictions, find patterns and find and test relationships
between data.
 It is the opposite of qualitative research, which is the process of collecting and
analyzing non-numerical data which include audios, texts or videos.
 Quantitative research methods are associated with finding evidence to support or
reject hypotheses formed at the beginning of research.
 You can use quantitative research methods for descriptive, correlational or
experimental research.
 Grounded theory is a well-known methodology employed in many research studies.
Qualitative and quantitative data generation techniques can be used in a grounded
theory study. Grounded theory sets out to discover or construct theory from data,
systematically obtained and analysed using comparative analysis.
RESEARCH DESIGN

There are four types of Quantitative research designs:

Experimental research 
 This is a scientific method of conducting research using two variables, independent and
dependent.
 Independent variables can be manipulated to apply to dependent variables and the
effect is measured
 This measurement usually happens over a significant period of time to establish conditions
and conclusions about the relationship between these two variables.
 Experimental research is based on observation, calculation, comparison and logic.
 This method collects necessary data to focus on facts and support sound decisions.
Descriptive research
 It seeks to describe the current status of an identified variable.
 These research projects are designed to provide systematic information about a
phenomenon.
 The researcher does not usually begin with an hypothesis, but is likely to develop one after
collecting data. The analysis and synthesis of the data provide the test of the hypothesis.
Non-Experimental Research
 A research type that does not involve the manipulation or control of an independent variable.
 In non-experimental research, researchers measure variables as they naturally occur without
any further manipulation.
 This type of research is used when the researcher has no specific research question about a
causal relationship between 2 different variables, and manipulation of the independent
variable is impossible.
Correlation research
 Correlational type of research compares the statistical relationship between two variables.
Correlational research is classified as non-experimental because it does not manipulate the
independent variables.
 For example, a researcher may wish to investigate the relationship between the class of
family students come from and their grades in school. A questionnaire may be given to
students to know the average income of their family, then compare it with CGPAs.
 The researcher will discover whether these two factors are positively correlated, negatively
corrected, or have zero correlation at the end of the research.
 DATA SOURCES AND COLLECTION METHODS

 A data source is the location where data that is being used originates from.
 Sources of quantitative data can be classified as primary sources and secondary sources.

Primary Sources
 Primary data refers to the first hand data gathered by the researcher himself. Sources of primary data are surveys,
observations, questionnaires, and interviews.
 Primary data is real time data

 Survey method is one of the primary sources of data which is used to collect quantitative information about items
in a population. Surveys are used in different areas for collecting the data even in public and private sectors. A survey
may be conducted in the actual field by the researcher.
 Observation as one of the primary sources of data. Observation is a technique for obtaining information involves
measuring variables or gathering of data necessary for measuring the variable under investigation. Observation is defined
as accurate watching and noting of phenomena as they occur in nature with regards to cause and effect relation.
 Interviewing is a technique that is primarily used to gain an understanding of the
underlying reasons and motivations for people’s attitudes, preferences or behavior.
Interviews can be undertaken on a personal one-to-one basis or in a group.
 Questionnaire as one of the primary sources of data is an observational technique
which comprises series of items presented to a respondent in a written form, in
which the individual is expected to respond in writing
Secondary Sources
 Secondary data are the data collected by a party not related to the research
study but collected these data for some other purpose and at different time in the
past. If the researcher uses these data then these become secondary data for the
current users. Sources of secondary data are government publications websites, books,
journal articles, internal records.
 Secondary data is past data.
DATA ANALYSES TECHNIQUES AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

 Data analysis methods depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare it
for analysis.
 For quantitative data, statistical analysis methods are used to test relationships
between variables.
 Data can often be analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, survey
responses could be analysed qualitatively by studying the meanings of responses or
quantitatively by studying the frequencies of responses.
  There are two branches of statistical methods that are used to analyse quantitative
data, which are: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.
 Descriptive statistics focus on describing the sample(the data you actually collect/a
subset of the population), while inferential statistics aim to make predictions about
the population(the entire group of data), based on the findings within the sample. 
Statistics usually covered in descriptive statistics include:
 Mean – the mathematical average of a range of numbers.
 Median – the midpoint in a range of numbers when the numbers are arranged in
numerical order.
 Mode – this is simply the most commonly occurring number in the data set.
 Standard deviation – this metric indicates how close all the numbers are to the mean
(the average).
 Inferential statistics aim to make inferences about the population. Inferential statistics is
used to make predictions about what you’d expect to find in the full population.
Types of predictions that researchers try to make using inferential stats:
 Firstly, predictions about differences between groups – for example, height differences
between children grouped by their favourite meal or gender.
 And secondly, relationships between variables – for example, the relationship between
body weight and the number of hours a week a person does yoga.
 inferential statistics (when done correctly), allow you to connect the dots
and make predictions about what you expect to see in the real world population, based on
what you observe in your sample data. For this reason, inferential statistics are used
for hypothesis testing – in other words, to test hypotheses that predict changes or
differences.
To choose the right statistical methods, you need to think about two important factors:
 The type of quantitative data you have (specifically, level of measurement and the shape
of the data). And,
 Your research questions and hypotheses
ADVANTAGES

The advantages of quantitative analysis are mainly derived from its methodology of
generalising and standardising large amounts of data into comprehensive findings.
 Repeatability – because of standardized data collection protocols, it is possible to
often repeat studies in order to gain a sounder understanding of results. Replication of
research is facilitated by the rigorous definitions of concepts within quantitative
research.
 Large samples – large amounts of data can be aggregated and analysed using this
method of research. Statistically, results from studies are more reliable due to these
large samples that produce consistent reproducible results.
 Comparison of results -quantitative research allows for the cross-sectional comparison
of results in different settings and environment using statistical methods. This enables
research to be inclusive and thorough.
 Hypothesis testing – using established and standard protocols to conduct research
ensures that predictions, data collection methods, testing procedures and other
research variables are carefully considered and evaluated; which results in a fair and
balanced research process.
 Objectivity – qualitative research allows for the objective analysis as a result of the
DISADVANTAGES

Despite the benefits of quantitative research, it is sometimes inadequate in explaining

complex research topics. Its limitations include:
 Superficiality-Using precise and restrictive operational definitions may inadequately
represent complex concepts. For example, the concept of mood may be represented
with just a number in quantitative research, but explained with elaboration in
qualitative research.
 Narrow focus-Predetermined variables and measurement procedures can mean that
you ignore other relevant observations.
 Structural bias-Despite standardized procedures, structural biases can still affect
quantitative research. Missing data, imprecise measurements or inappropriate
sampling methods are biases that can lead to the wrong conclusions.
 Lack of context-Quantitative research often uses unnatural settings like laboratories
or fails to consider historical and cultural contexts that may affect data collection and
results.