KINDS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGNS experiment into this kind of design, for purpose of

Research design refers to the overall strategy that you analysis.

choose in order to integrate the different components of the b. Interrupted Time Series Design. It employs
study in a coherent and logical way, thereby ensuring you will multiple measures before and after the experimental
effectively address the research problem. Furthermore, a intervention. It differs from the single-group pre-
research design constitutes the blueprint for the selection, experiment that has only one pretest and one posttest.
measurement and analysis of data. The research problem Users of this design assume that the time threats such
determines the research you should. as history or maturation appear as regular changes in
Quantitative methods emphasize objective measurements the measures prior to the intervention.
and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data C. TRUE-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN. It controls for both
collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by time-related and group-related threats. Two features mark
manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational true experiments: two or more differently treated groups;
techniques. and random assignment to these groups. These features
The kind of research is dependent on the researcher’s aim require that the researchers have control over the
in conducting the study and the extent to which the findings experimental treatment and the power to place subjects in
will be used. Quantitative research designs are generally groups.
classified into experimental and non-experimental as the True experimental design employs both treated and control
following matrix below. groups to deal with time-related rival explanations.
The following are the various kinds of quantitative research A control group reflects changes other than those due to the
design that a researcher may employ: treatment that occur during the time of the study. Such
1. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH DESIGN. This allows changes include effects of outside events, maturation by the
the researcher to control the situation. In doing so, it allows subjects, changes in measures and impact of any pre-tests.
the researcher to answer the question, “What causes True experimental design offers the highest internal validity
something to occur?” This kind of research also allows the of all the designs. Quasi-experimental design differs from true
researcher to identify cause and effect relationships experimental design by the absence of random assignment of
between variables and to distinguish placebo effects from subjects to different conditions. What quasi-experiments have
treatment effects. Further, this research design supports the in common with true experiments is that some subjects receive
ability to limit alternative explanations and to infer direct an intervention and provide data likely to reflect its impact.
causal relationships in the study; the approach provides the 2. NON-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN. In this kind of design,
highest degree level of evidence for single studies. the researcher observes the phenomena as they occur naturally
A. PRE-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN. A type of research and no external variables are introduced. In this research
apply to experimental design that with least internal validity. design, the variables are not deliberately manipulated nor is
One type of pre-experiment, the simple group, pre-test-post- the setting controlled. Researchers collect data without making
test design, measures the group two times, before and after changes or introducing treatments. This may also called as
the intervention. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH DESIGN because it is only
Instead of comparing the pretest with the posttest within one under non-experimental design.
one group, the posttest of the treated groups is compared with DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH DESIGN’s main purpose is
that of an untreated group. Measuring the effect as the to observe, describe and document aspects of a situation as it
difference between groups marks this as between-subjects naturally occurs and sometimes to serve as a starting point for
design. Assuming both groups experienced the same time- hypothesis generation or theory development.
related influences, the comparison group feature should The types of descriptive design are as follows:
protect this design from the rival explanations that threaten the A. SURVEY. It is used to gather information from groups of
within-subject design. people by selecting and studying samples chosen from a
Two classes of experimental design that can provide better population. This is useful when the objective of the study
internal validity than pre-experimental designs are: quasi- is to see general picture of the population under
experimental and true experimental design (Dooly, 1999). investigation in terms of their social and economic
B. QUASI – EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN. In this design, characteristics, opinions, and their knowledge about the
the researcher can collect more data, either by scheduling behavior towards a certain phenomenon.
more observations or finding more existing measures. Quasi- B. CORRELATIONAL. It is conducted
experimental design involves selecting groups, upon which a by researchers whose aim would be to find out the direction,
variable is tested, without any random pre-selection associations and/or relationship between different variables
processes. For example, to perform an educational or groups of respondents under study. Correlational
experiment, a class might be arbitrarily divided by Research has three types, these are:
alphabetical selection or by seating arrangement. The a. Bivariate Correlational Studies – It obtains score
division is often convenient and, especially in an educational from two variables for each subject, and then uses them
situation, causes as little disruption as possible. After this to calculate a correlation coefficient. The term bivariate
selection, the experiment proceeds in a very similar way to implies that the two variables are correlated (variables
any other experiment, with a variable being compared are selected because they are believed to be related).
between different groups, or over a period of time. Example: Children of wealthier (variable one), better educated
There are two types of quasi-experimental design, these (variable 2) parents earn higher salaries as adults.
are: b. Prediction Studies – It uses correlation
a. Non-Equivalent Control Group. This refers to coefficient to show how one variable (the predictor
the chance failure of random assignment to variable) predicts another (the criterion variable).
equalize the conditions by converting a true Example: Which high school applicants
should be admitted to college?
 c. Multiple Regression Prediction Studies – All In recent times, research studies are gaining an
variables in the study can contribute to the over-all unprecedented focus and attention. Then, only the faculty in
prediction in an equation that adds together the predictive higher education has so much interest and conduct researchers,
but now even the teachers in the basic education are engrossed
power of each identified variable.
in researches and devote time and effort in conducting
Example: Suppose the High School GPA is not the sole researches to improve educational practices that may lead to
predictor of college GPA, what might be other good more quality learning of the students. Many teachers do action
predictors? researches because there is a serious need to identify the
C. EX-POST FACTO or CAUSAL-COMPARATIVE. problems of the deteriorating quality of education. By doing
This kind of research derives conclusion from observations so, they can address systematically and make educational
and manifestations that already occurred in the past and now decisions regarding the problems met. Innovative teaching
strategies are product of research.
compared to some dependent variables. It discusses why and
In the natural and social sciences, quantitative
how a phenomenon occurs. research is the systematic, empirical investigation of
Example 1: A researcher is interested in how weight observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or
influences stress-coping level of adults. Here the subjects computational techniques. The objective of quantitative
would be separated into different groups (underweight, research is to develop and employ mathematical models,
normal, overweight) and their stress-coping levels measured. theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The
This is an ex post facto design because a pre-existing process of measurement is central to quantitative research
because it provides the fundamental connection between
characteristic (weight) was used to form the groups.
empirical observation and mathematical expression of
Example 2: What is the Effect of Home Schooling on the quantitative relationships.
Social Skills of Adolescents? Health Sciences (Medical Technology, Dentistry,
D. COMPARATIVE. It involves comparing and Nursing, Medicine, etc.) use quantitative research designs like
contrasting two or more samples of study subjects on descriptive, pre-experimental, quasi-experimental, true-
one or more variables, often at a single point of time. experiment, case study, among others.
Specifically, this design is used to compare two distinct
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH & ACCOUNTING,
groups on the basis of selected attributes such as
BUSINESS and MANAGEMENT (ABM)
knowledge level, perceptions, and attitudes, physical or
psychological symptoms. Researches can help design a new product or service,
Example: A comparative Study on the Health Problems figuring out what is needed and ensure the development of
among Rural and Urban People in Ilocos Region, Philippines. product is highly targeted towards demand. Businessmen can
E. NORMATIVE. It describes the norm level of also utilize research results to guarantee sufficient distribution
characteristics for a given behavior. For example: If you are of their products and decide where they need to increase their
product distribution. Conducting researches can also help a
conducting a research on the study habits of the high school
business determine whether now is the proper time to open
students you are to use the range of score to describe the another branch or whether it needs to apply for a new loan. It
level of their study habits. The same true is when you would may also help a small business decide if a procedure or
want to describe their academic performance. strategy should be change to meet the requirements of the
F. EVALUATIVE. It is a process used to customer base. Research is important for any organization to
determine what has happened during a given activity or in an remain in the market. The primary function of research in
ABM is to correctly determine its customers and their
institution. The purpose of evaluation is to see if a given
preferences, establish the enterprise in the most feasible
program is working, an institution is successful according to location, deliver quality goods and services, analyze what the
the goals set for it, or the original intent was successfully competitors are doing and find ways on how to continuously
attained. In other words, in evaluation judgments can be in satisfy the growing and varied needs of the clients.
the forms of social utility, desirability, or effectiveness of a QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH and ANTHROPOLOGY
process. For example, we can cite here a situation. In Anthropology is a research method of combining
evaluation study, it will not just be considering the qualitative and quantitative research data. It is concerned with
exploring connections simultaneously, amidst cultural
performance of the students who were taught under modular
differences, alternatives and identity. In the contemporary
instruction; instead, it is the rate of progress that happened academic, socio-cultural and political climate these concepts
among the students who were exposed to modular have immense symbolic overtones.
instruction. Quantitative research is use in Anthropology in many
Example: A test of children in school is used to assess the aspects. Like, true experiments may use in studying people
effectiveness of teaching or the deployment of a curriculum. provided that you follow certain steps (Bernard, 2004). This is
G. METHODOLOGICAL. In this approach, the to look into the Effects of an intervention in ethnic behavior of
a group. In here, you need at least two groups, called the
implementation of a variety of methodologies forms a critical
treatment group and the control group. On group gets the
part of achieving the goal of developing a scale-matched intervention and the other group don’t. Next, individuals may
approach, where data from different disciplines can be be randomly assigned, either to the intervention group or to
integrated. the control group to ensure that the groups are equivalent.
IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Then, the groups are measured on one or more dependent
ACROSS FIELDS variables; this is called the pre-test. After which, the
intervention is introduced. Lastly, the dependent variables are
People do research to find solutions, even tentative measured again. This is the post test.
ones, to problems, in order to improve or enhance ways of True in experiments with people in laboratory are
doing things, to disprove or provide a new hypothesis, or also common. Laboratory experiments often produce results
simply to find answers to questions or solutions to problems in that beg to be tested in the natural world by Anthropologists.
daily life. Research findings can affect people’s lives, ways of Aaron and Mills (1959, as cited by Bernard, 2004)
doing things, laws, rules and regulations, as well as policies, demonstrated in a lab experiment that people who go through
among others. Widely, quantitative research is often used severe initiation to a group tend to be more positive toward the
because of its emphasis on proof rather than discovery. group than are people who go through a mild initiation. They
reasoned that people who go through tough initiation rites put Quasi Experiments are most often used in evaluating
a lot of personal investments into getting into the group. Later, social problems. Suppose a researcher has invented a
if people see evidence that the group is not what they thought technique for improving reading comprehension among third
it would be, they are reluctant to admit the fact because of the graders. She/he selects two third grade classes in a school
investments. district. One of them gets the intervention and the other
In Field, Janet Schofield and her colleagues did a 3 doesn’t. Students are measured before and after the
year ethnographic study in middle school. During the first intervention to see whether their reading scores improve. This
year, they noticed that African-American and while children design contains many of the elements of true experiment, but
seemed to react differently to “mildly aggressive acts’ – things the participants are not assigned randomly to the treatment and
like bumping in the hallway, poking one another in the control groups.
classroom, asking for food, or using another student’s pencil QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH and PSYCHOLOGY
without permission. There appeared to be no event of racial Mertens (2005) says that the dominant paradigms that
conflict in the school, but during interviews while students guided early psychological research were positivism and its
were more likely to report being intimidated by their African- successor, post positivism. Positivism is based on rationalistic,
American peers than vice versa (Sagar & Schofield, 1980, as empiricist philosophy that originated with Aristotle, Francis
cited by Bernard, 2004) Bacon, John Locke, August Comte, and Immanuel Kant. the
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH and COMMUNICATION underlying assumptions of positivism include the belief that
Researchers are often interested in how an the social world can be studied in the same way as the natural
understanding of a particular communication phenomenon world, that there is a method for studying the social world that
might generalize to a larger population. For example, is value-free, and that explanations of a causal nature can be
researchers can advance questions like “What Effect do provided.
punitive behavioral control statements have on a classroom? QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH & SCIENCE,
What communicative behaviors are associated with different TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, and MATHEMATICS
stages in romantic relationships? What communicative Medical practitioners, for example, conduct
behaviors are used to respond to co-workers displaying researches to obtain significant information about diseases
emotional stress? (Allen, Titsworth, Hunt, 2009) trends and risk factors, results of various health interventions,
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH and SPORTS MEDICINE patterns of care and health care cost and use. The different
Quantitative research is used to analyze how sports approaches to research provide complementary insights.
may be used as an alternative way of medicating an illness. An Researchers help in determining the effectiveness and even
example is the research done by University of Eastern Finland side effect of drugs and therapies in different populations and
which investigated the relationship between mushrooming of various institutions. It is also necessary in evaluating
fast food chains and obesity, as well as the intervention needed experiences in clinical practice in order to develop
to prevent children’s obesity from reaching serious mechanisms for best practices and to ensure high quality
proportions. The research focused on the children’s physical patient care. Researchers in these fields ultimately aim for
activity and physical inactivity and the concomitant impact on man’s longevity.
the children’s amount of adipose tissue (fat mass) and the As for engineers, architects, and other builders,
endurance fitness. The study is used to analyze certain the research helps in providing designs which are creatively
effect of physical activity in weight control. beautiful and at the same time give more convenience and
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH and MEDICAL efficiency as they utilize modern technology to adapt to the
EDUCATION ever changing society. New materials and procedures may be
Quantitative research in medical education tends to developed so as to further strengthen the structural materials
be predominantly observational research based on surveys or than can withstand various calamities and disasters.
correlational studies. The designs test interventions like
curriculum, teaching-learning process, or assessment with an
experimental group. Either a comparison or controlled group
learners may allow researchers to overcome validity concerns
and infer potential cause-effect generalizations. Researchers
are using to cope with the emerging trends in recent times.
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH and BEHAVIORAL
SCIENCES
Relationship Questions in today’s quantitative trend
tend to explore how one behavior exhibited by people is
related to other types of behavior. Examples are verbally
aggressive behaviors related to physical aggression – that is,
when a person has a level of verbally aggressive behavior,
does he or she tend to be physically aggressive? Are certain
supervisor communication skills related to the emotional
experiences of employees?
Questions of difference explore how patterns of
behavior or perceptions might differ from one group or type of
a person to another: Do people with disabilities experience
emotional labor differently from those without disabilities? Do
women perceive talkativeness (or lack of it) differently form
men? Do communication styles differ from one culture to the
next? (Alle, Titsworth, Hunt, 2009).
When quantitative researchers explore questions of
differences or questions of relationships, they do so in an
attempt to uncover certain patterns of behavior. If the
researcher discovers that a certain relationship exists in sample
that she or he has drawn form the population, she/he is then in
a position to draw generalizations about patterns expected of
human behavior.
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IN EDUCATION