PR2 - Introduction to Quantitative Research: Definition of Quantitative Research

Summary

This educational video script introduces the concept of quantitative research, contrasting it with qualitative research. It explains that quantitative research involves numerical data, measurements, and counts, using computational techniques for analysis. The script highlights the objectivity of quantitative research, its large sample size, and the use of structured instruments like questionnaires. It also touches on the ability to replicate studies and predict future outcomes through mathematical calculations, emphasizing the importance of understanding variables and statistical analysis in this research approach.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lesson introduces the definition of quantitative research, contrasting it with qualitative research.
• 🔢 Quantitative research involves numbers, measurements, and counts, focusing on numerical figures.
• 📈 It is objective and systematic, using computational techniques like statistics to analyze quantifiable data.
• 🤔 The purpose of quantitative research is to provide numerical analysis and generalizable results based on large sample sizes.
• 📋 Qualitative research, on the other hand, deals with perceptions, experiences, and is not easily measured by numbers.
• 📊 Quantitative data includes measurements like length, area, and weight, which are countable and can be statistically analyzed.
• 🧐 The lecture differentiates between 'central phenomenon' in qualitative research and 'variables' in quantitative research.
• 📉 Qualitative research uses thematic analysis, while quantitative research employs statistical analysis for data interpretation.
• 📝 The script explains that quantitative research is replicable and can predict future outcomes through complex calculations.
• 👥 It highlights that quantitative research requires a large sample size for reliability and often uses random sampling techniques.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the first lesson in the course on practical research?

The main focus of the first lesson is the definition of quantitative research, which is a part of the introduction to quantitative research module.

How does quantitative research differ from qualitative research?

Quantitative research deals with numerical figures, measurements, and counts, while qualitative research focuses on perceptions, experiences, and broad data that cannot be measured or counted using numbers.

What are some examples of qualitative data mentioned in the script?

Examples of qualitative data include observations, such as the cleanliness of a whiteboard, and the experiences and feelings of teachers and students regarding the whiteboard.

What are some examples of quantitative data related to a whiteboard?

Quantitative data related to a whiteboard could include its length, surface area, age, and weight.

What is the definition of quantitative research as given in the script?

Quantitative research is defined as an objective, systematic empirical investigation of phenomena using computational techniques from quantifiable data.

What are the characteristics of quantitative research?

Characteristics of quantitative research include objectivity, clearly defined research questions, structured and standardized research instruments, numerical data, large sample sizes, and the use of random sampling.

How does the sample size in quantitative research compare to that in qualitative research?

The sample size in quantitative research is typically large, while in qualitative research it is usually small, ranging from 5 to 20 participants.

What is the purpose of using statistical analysis in quantitative research?

Statistical analysis in quantitative research is used to analyze numerical data, with the aim of generalizing results to a larger population and reducing bias.

What is the significance of the term 'variable' in quantitative research?

In quantitative research, a variable refers to aspects that can be measured and counted, which play a significant role in the study as they are the focus of numerical analysis and statistical measurements.

How can quantitative research be replicated, and why is this important?

Quantitative research can be replicated by using the same methodology and questionnaires, which is important for verifying the consistency and reliability of the results over time or across different settings.

What is one of the strengths of quantitative research as highlighted in the script?

One of the strengths of quantitative research is its ability to predict future outcomes using complex mathematical calculations and computers, which allows for the formulation of scenarios and forecasting.