226x Filetype PDF File size 0.18 MB Source: eclass.aegean.gr
See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320346875 Quantitative Research Methods : A Synopsis Approach Article · October 2017 DOI: 10.12816/0040336 CITATIONS READS 12 109,736 1 author: Oberiri Destiny Apuke Taraba State University 63 PUBLICATIONS 108 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Exploring the issues in Oil Production in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Security Challenges and Suggested Solutions View project Western Television Programmes and Its Influence on the Cultural Values of Students' in Taraba State University View project All content following this page was uploaded by Oberiri Destiny Apuke on 12 October 2017. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. Arabian J Bus Manag Review (Kuwait Chapter) An Open Access Journal DOI: 10.12816/0040336 Vol. 6 (10), 2017 Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Kuwait Chapter) Research Article Homepage: www.arabianjbmr.com Arabian Group of Journals Research Article AGJ QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS A SYNOPSIS APPROACH Oberiri Destiny Apuke Department of Mass Communication, Taraba State University, P.M.B 1167, Jalingo, Nigeria. Email: apukedestiny@gmail.com Abstract The aim of this study is to explicate the quantitative methodology. The study established that quantitative research deals with quantifying and analyzing variables in order to get results. It involves the utilization and analysis of numerical data using specific statistical techniques to answer questions like who, how much, what, where, when, how many, and how. It also describes the methods of explaining an issue or phenomenon through gathering data in numerical form. The study further reveals that quantitative methods can be categorized into; survey research, correlational research, experimental research and causal-comparative research. Keywords: Quantitative methodology, research, analysis, numerical, phenomenon Introduction/Background to the study In understanding the quantitative methodology, it is pertinent to give an overview of what research is all about. Thus, research deal with the search for knowledge. Since research deals with academic activity it, it is pertinent to define it in a more technical way. Therefore, Kothari, (2004) describes research as “a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic”. Research also involves creativity that is carried in a systematic way in order to improve knowledge which consists of human knowledge, culture, and society, (OECD 2002). This implies that research is utilized to investigate facts, reconfirm the results of previous experiments, provide solutions for existing or new issues, support theories, as well as propound new theories. Furthermore, research involves knowledge building, carrying out experiments to find out the cause and effect of something as well as to provide the basis for further studies. On the other hand, people most times mistake research to be information gathering, putting down of facts as well as thoroughly searching for a subject matter, it is more to that, it involves the collection, analyzing, and interpreting of data in order to get a thorough understanding of an event, happening, fact, or situation (Leedy & Ormrod, 2001). In this case, research is said to be systematic because it follows certain guidelines such as thoroughly defining an objective, analysis of data and communicating findings. These guidelines acquaint researchers on what should be included and removed in their research as well as the manner in which research should be carried out. In addition, Fischler (nd) sees “research as a process of steps used to collect and analyze information in order to increase our understanding of a topic or issue”. Moreso, research deals with at least one question to one phenomenon, this implies that research originates as a result of answering a question about a phenomenon. For example, what is the perception of women towards journalism as a career? (Williams, 2005) Therefore, the research investigates such issues by critically collecting data, analyzing and discussing results in order to get inference or draw conclusions. Questions of research could be: Descriptive: How many women work at the EUL health center? How many hours a week do EUL secretaries spend at their desks? Or • ISSN: 2224-8358 40 Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Kuwait Chapter) Inferential: Does having masters in communication help students speak well? Does having multiple partners cause HIV/AIDS. Problems with Research According to Fischler, (ND) the problems of research include: • Contradictory or vague findings • Questionable data • Unclear statements about the intent of the study • Lack of full disclosure of the data collection procedure • Inarticulate rendering of the research problem. Basic steps of most research • 1) Developing a research question • 2) Conducting of thorough literature review • 3) Re-define research question • 4) Design research methodology/study • 5) Create research proposal • 6) Apply for funding • 7) Apply for ethics approval • 8) Collect and analyze data • 9) Draw conclusions and relate findings Although research involves a series of steps, this project will concentrate on the quantitative research methods, exploring its types and relationship with qualitative research. Quantitative Research (Leedy & Ormrod 2001; Williams, 2011) describe the research methodology as the holistic steps a researcher employ in embarking on a research work (p. 14). Therefore, a quantitative research method deals with quantifying and analysis variables in order to get results. It involves the utilization and analysis of numerical data using specific statistical techniques to answer questions like who, how much, what, where, when, how many, and how. Expatiating on this definition, Aliaga, and Gunderson (2002), describes quantitative research methods as the explaining of an issue or phenomenon through gathering data in numerical form and analyzing with the aid of mathematical methods; in particular statistics.Going by the above definition, it could be deduced that the first thing a research tackles or deals with is explaining of an issue, be it qualitative or quantitative, when we embarked on a research we are always on their verge of explaining a given phenomenon which could be, How many Nigerian actresses’ dress nude? How many communication students in EUL speak well?. The next feature in the above definition is that in quantitative research numeral data are collected and analyzed using statistical methods.On the other hand, (Leedy & Ormrod 2001; Williams, 2011). State that “Quantitative research involves the collection of data so that information can be quantified and subjected to statistical treatment in order to support or refute alternative knowledge claims” Furthermore, Williams, (2011) remark that quantitative research starts with a statement of a problem, generating of hypothesis or research question, reviewing related literature, and a quantitative analysis of data. Similarly, (Creswell 2003; Williams, 2011) states, quantitative research “employ strategies of inquiry such as experiments and surveys, and collect data on predetermined instruments that yield statistical data” (p. 18). Having known to an extent what quantitative research is all about, it is vital to analyze the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. Table 1: below give a vivid description of the difference between qualitative and quantitative research is all about. Below is a table that differentiates between qualitative and quantitative research. • ISSN: 2224-8358 41 Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Kuwait Chapter) QUALITATIVE VERSUS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Criteria Qualitative Research Quantitative Research Purpose To understand & interpret social To test hypotheses, look at cause & effect, interactions. & make predictions. Group Studied Smaller & not randomly selected. Larger & randomly selected. Variables Study of the whole, not variables. Specific variables studied Type of Data Collected Words, images, or objects. Numbers and statistics. Form of Data Collected Qualitative data such as open- ended Quantitative data based on precise responses, interviews, participant measurements using structured & observations, field notes, & reflections. validated data-collection instruments. Type of Data Analysis Identify patterns, features, themes. Identify statistical relationships. Objectivity and Subjectivity Subjectivity is expected. Objectivity is critical. Role of Researcher Researcher & their biases may be known Researcher & their biases are not known to participants in the study, & participant to participants in the study, & participant characteristics may be known to the characteristics are deliberately hidden researcher. from the researcher (double blind studies). Results Particular or specialized findings that is Generalizable findings that can be applied less generalizable. to other populations. Scientific Method Exploratory or bottom–up: the researcher Confirmatory or top-down: the researcher generates a new hypothesis and theory tests the hypothesis and theory with the from the data collected. data. View of Human Behavior Dynamic, situational, social, & personal. Regular & predictable. Most Common Research Explore, discover, & construct. Describe, explain, & predict. Objectives Focus Wide-angle lens; examines the breadth & Narrow-angle lens; tests a specific depth of phenomena. hypotheses. Nature of Observation Study behavior in a natural environment. Study behavior under controlled conditions; isolate causal effects. Nature of Reality Multiple realities; subjective. Single reality; objective. Final Report Narrative report with contextual Statistical report with correlations, description & direct quotations from comparisons of means, & statistical research participants. significance of findings. Source: (Johnson, & Christensen, 2008, p. 34; Lichtman, 2006, p 7-8; Xavier University Library, 10/12/12) • ISSN: 2224-8358 42
no reviews yet
Please Login to review.