Chapter 1
Nature of Inquiry
and Research
Learning Outcomes:
• Describe characteristics, strengths,
weaknesses and kinds of quantitative
research;
• Illustrate the importance of quantitative
research across fields; and
• Differentiate the kinds of variables and
their uses.
Quantitative Research
• It is an objective, systematic
empirical investigation of
observable phenomena
through the use of
computational techniques.
Quantitative Research
• It highlights numerical
analysis of data hoping that
the numbers yield unbiased
results that can be
generalized to some larger
population and explain a
particular observation.
Quantitative Research
• It is
concerned
with
numbers and
relationship
with events.
Characteristics of
Quantitative
Research
1. Objective
2. Clearly defined
research questions.
3. Structured
research instruments.
4. Numerical Data
5. Large sample
sizes
6. Replication
7. Future Outcomes
Strengths of
Quantitative
Research
1. It is objective.
2. The use of statistical
techniques facilitates
sophisticated analyses and
allows you to comprehend a
huge amount of vital
characteristics of data.
3. The numerical data
can be analyzed in a
quick and easy way.
4. Quantitative studies
are replicable.
Weaknesses of
Quantitative
Research
1. It requires a large
number of
respondents.
2. It is costly.
3. The information
contextual factors to help
interpret the results or to
explain variations are
usually ignored.
4. Many information are
difficult to gather using
structured research
instruments.
5. If not done seriously and
correctly, data from
questionnaires may be
incomplete and inaccurate.
Kinds of
Quantitative
Research
1. Descriptive Research
• This design is concerned
with describing the
nature, characteristics
and components of the
population or a
phenomenon.
1. Descriptive Research
• There is no manipulation
of variables or search for
cause and effect related
to the phenomenon.
1. Descriptive Research
• This design attempts to
find general attributes of
the presently existing
situation and determine
the frequency with which
it occurs.
2. Correlational Research
• It is the systematic
investigation of the nature
of relationships, or
associations between and
among variables without
necessarily investigating
into causal reasons
underlying them.
2. Correlational Research
• It is also concerned with
the extent of
relationships that exists
between or among the
variables.
3. Evaluation Research
• This kind of research
aims to assess the
effects, impacts or
outcomes of practices,
policies or programs.
4. Survey Research
• It is used to gather
information from groups
of people by selecting
and studying samples
chosen from a
population.
4. Survey Research
• It may be done in
various ways like face-
to-face, mail and
online.
4. Survey Research
• It may be cross-
sectional if the
information is
collected from a
sample in just single
point in time.
4. Survey Research
• It is considered
longitudinal if the
researcher collects
information on the
same subjects over a
period of time.
5. Causal-
Comparative
Research
• It is also known as ex
post facto (after the
fact research).
5. Causal-
Comparative
Research
• This kind of research
derives conclusion from
observations and
manifestations that already
occurred in the past and
now compared to some
dependent variables.
5. Causal-
Comparative
Research
• It discusses why and
how a phenomenon
occurs.
6. Experimental
Research
• This research utilizes
scientific method to test
cause-and-effect
relationships under
conditions controlled by
the researcher.
Importance of
Quantitative
Research
1. Researches improve
educational practices that
may lead to more quality
learning of the students.
2. Innovative teaching
strategies are product
of researches.
3. Researches also validate,
test and challenge existing
educational practices that
may lead to reforms.
4. In area of ABM, researches can
help design a new product or
service, figuring out what is
needed and ensure that the
development of a product is highly
targeted towards demand..
5. In the field of STEM, 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.
6. In the discipline of
HUMSS, research aims to
provide solutions to the
social problems directly felt
by people.
7. As a whole, research gives us the
opportunity to discover various
means of identifying problems, to
find new ways of dealing with life’s
challenges, and to come up with
innovative materials and
mechanisms that can improve the
Variables
• It is a central concept in
research.
• It is a measurable
characteristic that changes
in value.
Types of Variables
1. Continuous Variables
• A variable that can take
infinite number on the value
that can occur within a
population.
• Its values can be divided into
fractions.
Categories of
Continuous
Variables
Interval Variable
• It is a measurement where
the difference between two
values does have meaning.
• The interval between values
makes sense and can be
interpreted.
Ratio Variable
• It possesses the properties
of interval variable and
has a clear definition of
zero, indication that there
is none of that variable.
2. Discrete Variables
• Also known as categorical or
classificatory variable.
• It is any variable that has a
limited number of distinct
values and which cannot be
divided into fractions.
Categories of
Discrete Variables
Nominal Variable
• It is a variable with no
quantitative value.
• It has two or more categories
but does not imply ordering
of cases.
Ordinal Variable
• It is a variable that has
two or more categories
which can be ranked.
Dependent and
Independent
Variables
Independent Variable
• The cause variable or the
one responsible for the
conditions that act on
something else to bring
about changes.
Dependent Variable
• It is called the outcome
variable. It is the result or
effect of the changes
brought about by another
variable.
Reference:
Faltado III, Ruben, et. al., Practical
Research 2: Quantitative Research
(2016). Lorimar Publishing, Inc., pp.
1-7.
