Quantative Research

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Quantitative Research

Dr. Mahesh C Kundagol

Quantitative Research Typically involves counting or measuringStatistical tests are applied to detect or confirm trends Purpose is to get clear-cut, precise and accurate results.Answering QuestionsQuantitative Research attempts to answer questions by

ascribing importance (significance) to numbers or sizes or reactions and resultsScientific TheorySelf correcting: Prevailing wisdom requires constant re-evaluation when new evidence appears. Each discovery reveals a tiny piece of a giant puzzle.Science never proves anything, it just continues to add puzzle pieces to the big picture.The ResearcherThe researchers relationship with study participants can influence outcomes.The researcher is always concerned with how various factors (including the nature of the relationship) affect study results.InfractionsPoor thinkingPoor planningCareless documentationTainting responses with unacknowledged bias

Pros of Quantitative Research?Clear interpretationsCareful scrutiny (logical, sequential, controlled)Reduce researcher biasResults may be understood by individuals in other disciplinesCons of Quantitative Research?Only 1 or 2 questions can be studied at a time, rather than the whole of an event or experience

Complex issues (emotional response, personal values, etc.) can not always be reduced to numbers

Six TypesExperimentalSurveyMeta-AnalysisQuantitative Case StudyApplied Behavior AnalysisLongitudinal

Experimental ResearchCompare two or more groups that are similar except for one factor or variableStatistical analysis of dataConditions are highly controlled; variables are manipulated by the researcherThe effects of The influence of

Survey ResearchUse set of predetermined questionsCollect answers from representative sampleAnswers are categorized and analyzed so tendencies can be discernedMeta-AnalysisNumerous experimental studies with reported statistical analysis are comparedDistinguishes trendsEffect size (the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable) can be compared

Case StudyAlso called single case designDescribes numerically a specific case (can be group or individual)May test or generate hypothesesResults often presented with tables and graphsApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA)One personExamine the individuals responses in different situations (conditions) across timeResults are usually depicted with tables and graphsConclusions based on data in these forms of presentationLongitudinalIndividual or group research conducted across timeFew examples in MT literatureSubject attrition is major problemPreserving confidentiality is also difficultSpecific standardized tools may change over timeHypothesisHypothesis = an idea that will be tested through systematic investigationA researchers prediction of what outcomes will occurMore clearly stated in research of 10 years ago than nowFits experimental research, also called Hypothesis TestingIndependent VariableThe variable that is controlled or manipulated by the researcherThe variable that is thought to have some effect upon the dependent variableThe one difference between the treatment (experimental) and control groupsDependent VariableThat which is measuredThe outcomeThat which is influenced or affected by the dependent variableReliabilityThe ability of a measurement tool to yield consistent results over time or under similar conditionsContent ValidityThe extent to which the items on a testing tool (that being used to measure the dependent variable) reflect all of the facets being studiedAll aspects are sampled (e.g. aural skills final exam)Criterion-Related ValidityAlso called Predictive ValidityThe extent to which a testing tool yields data that allow the researcher to make accurate predictions about the dependent variable Construct ValidityThe extent to which the testing tool measures what it is supposed to measureRelationship between the items on the tool and the dependent variableAlso relates to actual (physical) construction of a written tool (e.g. Deans Survey) and how this impacts the accuracy of the resultsInternal ValidityRelates to the internal aspects of a study and their effect on the outcome:

researcher planning and preparationjudgmentcontrol for potential confounding variables

External ValidityRelates to the extent to which findings can generalize beyond the actual study participants How valid are these results for a different group of people, a different setting, or other conditions of testing, etc.?Objective EvaluationRigorousExpositoryTime Consuming