Quantitative Research Method

Question 1

What is quantitative research?

Answer 1

Quantitative research is the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data. It can be used to find patterns and averages, make predictions, test causal relationships, and generalize results to wider populations

Question 2

How is quantitative research used?

Answer 2

Quantitative research is widely used in the natural and social sciences: biology, chemistry, psychology, economics, sociology, marketing, etc

You can use quantitative research methods for descriptive, correlational or experimental research

Question 3

What are the advantages of quantitative research?

Answer 3

• Replication: Repeating the study is possible because of standardized data collection protocols
  and tangible definitions of abstract concepts.
• Direct comparisons of results: The study can be reproduced in other cultural settings, times or
  with different groups of participants. Results can be compared statistically.
• Large samples: Data from large samples can be processed and analyzed using reliable and
  consistent procedures through quantitative data analysis.
• Hypothesis testing: Using formalized and established hypothesis testing procedures means that you have to carefully consider and report your research variables, predictions, data collection and
  testing methods before coming to a conclusion.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of quantitative research?

Answer 4

• Superficiality: Using precise and restrictive operational definitions may inadequately represent complex concepts. For example, the concept of mood may be represented with just a number in quantitative research, but explained with elaboration in
  qualitative research.
• Narrow focus: Predetermined variables and measurement procedures can mean that you ignore other relevant observations.
• Structural bias: Despite standardized procedures, structural biases can still affect quantitative research. Missing data, imprecise measurements or inappropriate sampling
  methods are biases that can lead to the wrong conclusions.
• Lack of context: Quantitative research often uses unnatural settings like laboratories or fails to consider historical and cultural contexts that may affect data collection and
  results

Question 5

What are variables?

Answer 5

●Independent variables are also known as exogenous variables.
●Dependent variable is also known as endogenous variable. Moderating variable
●Apart from mediating variable, there can be a moderating variable.

An independent variable (the thing you’ll change)
A dependent variable (the thing you’ll measure)
A moderating variable (something that might influence the effect)

Question 6

What is measurement error?

Answer 6

Measurement Error (also called Observational Error) is the difference between
a measured quantity and its true value. It includes random error (naturally
occurring errors that are to be expected with any experiment) and
systematic error (caused by a mis-calibrated instrument that affects all measurements).

Question 7

What are the different measures of error?

Answer 7

1. Absolute Error: the amount of error in your measurement. For example, if you step on a scale and it says 150 pounds but you know your true weight is 145 pounds, then the scale has an
   absolute error of 150 lbs – 145 lbs = 5 lbs.
2. Greatest Possible Error: defined as one half of the measuring unit. For example, if you use a
   ruler that measures in whole yards (i.e. without any fractions), then the greatest possible error is one half yard.
3. Instrument Error: error caused by an inaccurate instrument (like a scale that is off or a poorly worded questionnaire).
4. Margin of Error: an amount above and below your measurement. For example, you might say
   that the average baby weighs 8 pounds with a margin of error of 2 pounds (± 2 lbs).

Question 8

What are the ways in which we can reduce measurement error?

Answer 8

• Double check all measurements for accuracy. For example, double-enter all inputs on two worksheets and compare them.
• Double check your formulas are correct.
• Make sure observers and measurement takers are well trained.
• Make the measurement with the instrument that has the highest precision.
• Take the measurements under controlled conditions.
• Pilot test your measuring instruments. For example, put together a focus group and ask how easy or difficult the questions were to understand.
• Use multiple measures for the same construct. For example, if you are testing for depression, use
  two different questionnaires.

Question 9

What are the methods used to assess “Absolute reliability”

Answer 9

• Standard error of measurement (SEM): estimates how repeated measurements taken on the same instrument are estimated around the true score.
• Coefficient of variation (CV): a measure of the variability of a distribution of repeated scores or measurements. Smaller values indicate a smaller variation and therefore values closer to the true score.
• Limits of agreement (LOA): gives an estimate of the interval where a proportion of the differences lie between measurement

Question 10

Define validity?

Answer 10

Validity refers to how accurately a method measures what it is intended to measure.

If research has high validity, that means it produces results that correspond to real properties, characteristics, and variations in the physical or social world. High reliability is one indicator that a measurement is valid. Validity has three types,

construct validity
content validity
criterion validity

Question 11

Explain construct validity?

Answer 11

Construct validity is The adherence of a measure to existing theory and
knowledge of the concept being measured. A self-esteem questionnaire could be assessed by measuring other traits known or assumed to be related to the concept of self-esteem (such as social skills and optimism). Strong correlation between the scores for self-esteem and associated traits would indicate high construct validity

Question 12

What is content validity?

Answer 12

Content validity is the extent to which the measurement covers all aspects of the concept being measured. A test that aims to measure a class of students’ level of Spanish contains reading, writing and speaking components, but no listening component.

Experts agree that listening
comprehension is an essential aspect of language ability, so the test lacks content validity for measuring the overall level of ability in Spanish.

Question 13

What is criterion validity?

Answer 13

Criterion validity is the extent to which the result of a measure corresponds to other valid measures of the same concept.

A survey is conducted to measure the political opinions of voters in a region. If the results accurately predict the later outcome of an election in that region, this indicates that the survey has high criterion validity.

Question 14

What are the 4 types of measurement scales?

Answer 14

1. Nominal
2. Ordinal
3. Interval
4. Ratio

Question 15

What is nominal scale?

Answer 15

It categorizes labels, classifies, names, or identifies types or kinds of things that cant be quantified.

Question 16

What are ordinal scales?

Answer 16

It provides rank order of objects or individuals from first to last or best to worst

Question 17

What are interval scales?

Answer 17

It includes rank ordering and this additional characteristic: equal intervals or distances between adjacent numbers

Question 18

What are ratio scales?

Answer 18

It includes rank ordering, equal intervals or and an additional characteristic: an absolute zero point (which permits forming ratio statements)

Question 19

What are the most commonly used scaling techniques?

Answer 19

Ordinal Rating Scale

Interval Rating Scale