5.1 Introduction to Quantitative Research

Question 1

Categories of Research

Answer 1

Quantitative - Process of testing relationships, differences and cause and effect interactions among and between variables. Processes are tested with either hypothesis or research questions

Qualitative - The study of research questions about human experiences. It is often conducted in a natural setting and uses data that is textual rather than numerical to describe the experiences being studied

Question 2

Quantitative Research Design

Answer 2

Literature review, theoretical framework (if used), and research question/hypothesis all interrelate with, complement, and assist in operationalizing the design.

What to look for in a quantitative Design
- Plan/Blueprint of study
- A vehicle for systemically testing research questions and hypotheses
- A structure for maintaining “control” in a study

Question 3

Concepts of Qualitative Research

Answer 3

Objectivity - Conceptualization of a research question. Literature review to assess current knowledge.

Feasibility - Feasibility of the research such as sufficient subjects, time to complete study, costs and ethics must also be considered for the study

Accuracy - All aspects of the study systemically and logically flow with the research question. The study MUST be consistent with the research question to both answer the question and maintain optimal amounts of control

Question 4

Control

Answer 4

Control - Used to keep a study consistent and avoid possible bias or errors in measurement of the dependent (outcome) variable. They help control threats to validity. Accomplished by ruling out intervening (extraneous) variables that occur between the independent and dependent variable.

Homogenous Sampling
- Using a sample with similar characteristics. This increases the generalizability of findings to a similar population

Constancy in Data Collection
- “Cookbook” approach to data collection. Data collected from each subject must be in the same manner and in the same condition.

Question 5

Intervention Fidelity

Answer 5

“Treatment Fidelity”
- Interventions are standardized in the study and administered to each subject in the same way under the same conditions

Question 6

Manipulation of the Independent Variable

Answer 6

Administration of a program/intervention to one group within the study and not to another group. The first group is the experimental group and the second group is the control group
IMPORTANT
- This is what experimental and quasi-experimental designs use. Non-experimental designs do not have a control or manipulate the independent variable

Question 7

Randomization of Subjects

Answer 7

Used when required number and type of subjects from a participation from the population are obtained in a way that each potential subject has an equal chance of being assigned treatment (intervention) group