Lesson The Importance of Quantitative

2 Research Across Fields

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:

1. give the importance of quantitative research;
2. explain the importance of quantitative research to the different fields of study;
and
3. apply the quantitative method in their research.

LEARNING CONTENT

Importance of Quantitative Research in Different Fields

Quantitative research is about numeric data and statistics; it is very beneficial in
various aspects of life such as the following:
1. It is useful in generating large amount of data and in identifying the patterns of
behavior of various sectors in different settings.
2. If you are after objectivity, then quantitative research may be adopted because it
is less prone to bias as the findings are expressed in terms of numbers. Results
are analyzed in percentages and statistics and are presented in graphs and
charts.
3. Quantitative research is adopted by some researchers due to the following
reasons: (a)it is more reliable and objective, (b) it uses statistics to generalize a
finding; (c) it reduces and restructures a complex problem to a limited number of
variables; (d) it looks at relationships between variables and can establish cause
and effect in highly controlled circumstances; (e) it tests theories and
hypotheses; (f) it assumes that a sample is representative of the population; (g)
the subjectivity of the researcher is recognized less; and (h) it is less detailed
than qualitative research. (Melegrito, et al as stated in
libweb.surrey.uc.uk/…/Introduction%20to%20Research%20and%20Man, 2016).
Most areas of study have to deal with processes that involve experimentations,
tests, and research. In these situations, quantitative measures are more or less
involved. In validating results or findings, quantitative research can be useful. Whenever
there are data or numbers to be surveyed, such as the prevailing behavior, attitudes,
patterns and trends and other quantifiable aspects, quantitative research serves as a
multi-purpose method, i.e. to test, to identify, to count, to asses, to clarify jobs, etc.

Areas of Study and Functions of Quantitative Research in them:

EDUCATION. It can be used in measuring the level of performance of students and

teachers, and in assessing the effectiveness of the methods and the different programs
conducted, and the satisfaction of all stakeholders in the educational sector including
students, faculty, parents, administrators, the community, the government, and non-
governmental organizations. Through this research method, the interests of these
groups can be advanced or enhanced by implementing quantifiable best practices.
BUSINESS. Quantitative research is a very valuable tool in business when it is used
intelligently. It can improve the overall marketing strategy; help the company make
informed decisions on how to move forward with a particular product or service; and
even solicit consumers’ opinions for productivity. This type of research is largely utilized
in product development and to create favorable marketing campaigns. Data that are
often used in this type of research are market size, demographics, and user-
preferences.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH ALLIED SERVICES.Since health practitioners are concerned
with humn life, the discharge of their duties is very critical. Thus, healthcare procesures,
routines, and other systems must be based on the result of scientific investigation. The
statistics on the rate of recovery of the number of patients with illnesses and
sicknesses, and the efficacy of medicines and drugs, among others, when analyzed can
become rich sources of information and a basis of good practices in medical treatment
and intervention. Experimental research on effective medicines, vaccines and other
drugs to cure specific sickness or illness, is conducted through quantitative research.
Data on the level of satisfaction of patients on services rendered by the employees in a
hospital and the patients’ profile when treated statistically can be an ideal group for the
distribution of health funds and assistance.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. The noted observation for a phenomenon, the rate of
processing of certain devices, and the time consumed for any procedure are factors to
be considered. The data collected will lead to a more responsible and accountable
operation of the different components of technology. During experiments on new
devices, inventions, discoveries, and innovations, the recorded data are very vital for
any test of efficiency.
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For more information on this Importance of Research, see Melegrito, M.L. & Mendoza, D. (2016). Applied Research:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods and Report Writing. Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., Quezon City and
from Cristobal, A.P. & Cristobal, M.D. ( 2017) Practical Research 2 For Senior High School. C & E Publishing, Inc.,
Quezon City.

LEARNING ACTIVITY

I -Directions Give the importance of quantitative research to the different fields of study.
Cite at least two (2) fields of study as examples.
a. ________________________________________________________________
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b. ________________________________________________________________
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t I Can Do
II -Directions: Write a brief explanation of the importance of quantitative research and
its contribution in the different areas of the lives of the students in school.
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 Assessment

I- Directions: Complete the table below. Given the different fields of the importance of
quantitative research, think of how each can contribute to the lives of the people.
Fields of Importance Contribution

Education

Business

Medical and Health Allied Services

Science and Technology

Lesson
. The Nature of Variables
3

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:

1. Define variables;
2. Determine the classifications of variables; and
3. Differentiate the classification of variables.
 LEARNING CONTENT

What is Variables?
A Variable is any factor or property that a researcher measures, controls, and/or
manipulates. It is also the changing quantity or measure of any factor, trait, or condition
that can exist in differing amount or types. It is also a logical set of attributes,
characteristics, numbers, or quantities that can be measured or counted. It is also called
data item.
Classification of Variables
1. Numeric Variables – These are variables with values that describes a
measurable numerical quantity and answer the questions “ how many” or “ how
much”. These values are considered as quantitative data.

a. Continuous Variables – These variables can assume any value

between a certain set of real numbers. The values depend on the scale
used. Continuous variables are also called interval variables. Some
examples are time, age, temperature, height, and weight.
b. Discrete Variables – These variables can only assume any whole
value within the limits of the given variables. Some examples are the
number of registered cars, number of business location, number of
children in the family, population of students, and total number of
faculty members.

2. Categorical Variables-These are variables with values that describes a quality

or characteristics of a data unit like “ what type” or “ which category”.

a. Ordinal Variables – These variables can take a value which can be

logically ordered or ranked. Some examples are academic grades
such as A,B,C; clothing size such as X,L,M,S; and measures of
attitudes like strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree.
b. Nominal Variables – These are variables whose values cannot be
organized in a logical sequence. Some examples are business types,
eye colors, kinds of religion, various languages, and types of learners.
c. Dichotomous Variables – These variables represent only two
categories. Some examples are gender (male or female), answer (yes
or no), and veracity (true or false).
d. Polychotomous Variables – These are variables that have many
categories. Some examples are educational attainment (elementary,
high school, college, graduate and post graduate), level of
performance (excellent, very good, good, satisfactory, or poor).
 3. Experimental Variables

a. Independent Variables -These variables are usually manipulated in

an experiment. Thus, it is also called manipulated or explanatory
variables.
b. Dependent Variables – These variables are usually affected by the
manipulation of the independent variables. They are also called
response or predicted variable.
c. Extraneous Variables – These variables are also called mediating or
intervening variables. These variables are already existing during the
conduct of an experiment and could influence the result of the study.
They are known as covariate variables.
Example:
Title of Research: An Experiment on the Methods of Teaching and
Language Achievement Among Elementary Pupils
Independent Variable: Method of Teaching
Dependent Variable: Language Achievement
Extraneous Variables: Ventilation facilities, physical ambiance

4. Non- Experimental Variables

a. Predictor Variables – These variables change the other variable/s in

a non-experimental study.
b. Criterion – These variables are usually influenced by the predictor
variables.
Example:
Title of Research: Competencies of Teachers and Students’ Behavior
in Selected Private Schools.
Predictor Variable: Competencies of teachers
Criterion Variable: Students’ behavior

5. Variables according to the number being studied

a. Univariate Study – only one variable is being studied.

b. Bivariate Study – two variables are being studies.
c. Polyvariate Study – more than two variables are being studied.
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For more information in this lesson, see Cristobal, A.P. & Cristobal, M.D. ( 2017) Practical Research 2 For Senior
High School. C & E Publishing, Inc., Quezon City.

LEARNING ACTIVITY
I - Directions: Read the title and identify what type of non-experimental variable is being
referred to.

Research Title Predictor Variable Criterion Variable

Relationship of
Leadership Styles and
Levels of Satisfaction of
Customers of Selected
Restaurants

Profile of Parents and

Family Bonding: Their
Influence on Study Habits
and Achievement Level

Types of Business and

Managerial Skills
Towards Profitability
Level of Canteens

Disciplinary Mechanisms
and Behavioral Changes
Among Senior High
School Students

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This set of questions presented in this activity were extracted from the work of Cristobal, A.P. and Cristobal, M.D.
(2017). Practical Research 2 for Senior High School. C & E Publishing, Inc., Quezon City.

II -Directions: Read the title and identify what type of experimental variable is being
referred to.

Research Title Independent Variable Dependent Variable

The Effects of Types of

Audio-Visual Materials to
the Problem-Solving
Skills in Mathematics
 Various Study Habits, and
Their Effects on the Level
of Performance in
Management Subject

Effects of Types of Soil

and Fertilizer on the
Growth of Papaya Tree

Types of Feeds and

Salinity Level: Their
Effects on the Growth of
tilapia in Fishponds

This set of questions presented in this activity were extracted from the work of Cristobal, A.P. and Cristobal, M.D.
(2017). Practical Research 2 for Senior High School. C & E Publishing, Inc., Quezon City.

Assessment

I - Directions: Identify what is referred to in the statements by filling in the blank

boxes.
1. A variable that causes changes to the other variables in a non-experimental
study

2. A variable with many categories

3. A variable that is always manipulated

 4. A variable that cannot be organized in a logical order

5. A variable in an experimental study that is also called a response variable.

_________________________________________________________________________________
This set of questions presented in this activity were extracted from the work of Cristobal, A.P. and Cristobal, M.D.
(2017). Practical Research 2 for Senior High School. C & E Publishing, Inc., Quezon City.

II -Directions. Study the following research cases. Identify the independent and
dependent variables for each of the following research cases by writing your answers
on the table provided below.

Case 1.
To determine whether a diet of blueberries have an effect on aging, an
experiment involving 19-month-old rats was undertaken. In this study, one group of rats
were fed with their standard diet while the other three groups were fed with diet
supplemented with blueberry, strawberry, or spinach powder, respectively. After eight
weeks, the rats were given memory test and motor skills test.

Case 2.
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), if given in megadoses, is known to reduce the
occurrence of cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, patients with known cancers were
given megadoses of vitamin C for a period of twelve weeks. After twelve weeks,
screening tests were done to determine decrease of cancer cells.

Case 3.
Lucy is an owner of a fashion accessories store. She surveyed her customers on
their preferences for accessories on a headband. She found out that her customers
prefer ribbons in their headbands. Thus, Lucy would stock up on ribbons because this
will determine the number of headbands with ribbons that she can sell.

Case Number Independent Variable Dependent Variable

 1

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This set of questions presented in the assessment were extracted from the work of Pulmones,R. & Religioso, T.
(2016).You and The Natural World: Quantitative Research. Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., Quezon City.