Module 4

Methods of Quantitative Research

Survey

According to Sukamolson, (2007), Survey research includes the use of

Scientific sampling method with a designed questionnaire to quantify a given

Population’s characteristics using statistical methods.

Correlational

A quantitative methodology used to determine whether, and to what

Degree, a relationship exists between two or more variables within a

Population (or a sample).

Experimental

In the experimental research, the researcher investigates the treatment of

An intervention into the study group and then measures the outcomes of the

Treatment.

Causal-Comparative or Ex Post Facto

According to Gay (1976), Ex post facto implies “from after the fact” which

Means ex-post facto research, where the researcher investigates a problem by

Studying the variables in survey.

SAMPLING METHODS

Sampling means selecting from a huge number of respondents or Participants to answer

The first stage in the sampling process is to clearly define target population. Population is
commonly related to the number of people living in a particular Country.

Stage2: Select Sampling Frame

A sampling frame is a list of the actual cases from which sample will be drawn.

Stage 3: Choose Sampling Technique

Before examining the different types of sampling method, it is important to note on what is
meant by sampling besides with reasons why researchers are likely to select a sample.

Stage 4: Determine Sample Size

In order to simplify from a random sample and avoid sampling errors or biases, a random
sample needs to be of suitable size.

Stage 5: Collect Data

After having a target population, sampling frame, sampling technique and sample size have
been established, the next step is to collect data coming from the subjects of your research
study.

Stage 6: Assess Response Rat

Response rate is the number of cases agreeing to take part in the study.

Developing an Instrument to Measure Research Skills

Step I
It is serious for this study to measure adequately the knowledge and skills to conduct
research, so open ended items may not be suitable to adapt for the study. Similarly
instruments that are to be completed by an external observer to measure the student
research abilities were also felt not appropriate. This is because an instrument that require
student themselves to evaluate or self assessed their research knowledge and skills is
being required. Since none is found suitable for the study, the researchers decided to
develop one.

Step II

After identifying the concept, and defining it operationally, items were developed for each
construct.

Step III

The draft items were then reviewed by the researcher and place the items according to the
constructs it belongs based using the operational definitions and sent to the subject
teacher for validation.

Step IV

The next phase, involved item analysis, using and the output of the analysis on inter-
correlations between the items and its constructs.

Step V

The reliability for each construct was again computed to see the reliabilities of the
constructs were sufficiently high, the instrument is ready for use.

Research intervention- is the heart of the study where strategies employed to minimize the
problem handled by the researcher. It is the treatment for the problem tackled by the
researcher/s.
Data collection -is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of
interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research
questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.

Quantitative data – is numerical in nature and can be mathematically computed. It

Quantitative data collection methods – trust on random sampling and structured data
collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into programmed response categories.

Characteristic quantitative data gathering strategies include:

1. Experiments/clinical trials.
2. Observing and recording well-defined events (e.g., counting the number of Patients
waiting in emergency at specified times of the day during the Pandemic).
3. Obtaining relevant data from management information systems.
4. Administering surveys with closed-ended questions (e.g., face-to face and
Telephone interviews, questionnaires etc).
5. In quantitative research (survey research), interviews are more structured than in
Qualitative research. In a structured interview, the researcher asks a standard set of
questions and nothing more. Face -to -face interviews have a distinct advantage of
enabling the researcher to establish rapport with potential participants and
therefore gain their cooperation.
6. Paper-pencil-questionnaires can be sent to many people and saves the Researcher
time and money. People are more truthful while responding to the questionnaires
regarding controversial issues since their responses are anonymous.

•The methodology chapter explains what the researcher did and how you did it, allowing
readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of the research.

For quantitative studies, the method section typically consists of the following sections:
1. Study design -Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of
design do you choose (descriptive, cross-sectional, casecontrol)?
2. Selection of research location – (Where was the study conducted?)
3. Subjects or participants – Who will take part in your study? What kind of sampling
method / procedure do you use? You will need to decide on the inclusion and
exclusion criteria?
4. Sample size – you need to calculate your sample size based on the type of study you
are conducting. There are several formulas for sample size calculation.
5. Study instruments – What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you
use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable?
6. Data collection – How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are
involved? How long does it take?
7. Data analysis and interpretation – this includes plans for processing and coding
data, computer software to be used (eg Statistical Packagefor Social Sciences /
SPSS, EPI-INFO, etc), choice of statistical methods, confidence levels, significance
levels etc. It is also convenient to provide even not final tables for the data you plan
to analyzed from your study.
8. Ethical considerations – It is necessary to have a thorough review of your work if it is
in line with the ethics on research.