Quantitative research

Question 1

Introduction - NREMP

Answer 1

• Explains phenomena using NUMERICAL data and statistical analysis
• identifies RELATIONSHIPS & patterns between variables
• includes EXPERIMENTS, analysis of existing data and content analysis
• MEASURES a stable reality to create general conclusions
• The idea of POSITIVISM is important to understand quantitative research

Question 2

Positivism - MOHVPF

Answer 2

• Based on using the same METHODS and procedures from the natural sciences in social sciences
• notes that only OBSERVABLE or measurable things like facts count in science - feelings and subjective experiences don’t fit
• Notes that HUMAN behaviour can be analyzed using scientific methods
• positivism entails a particular approach to VALUES :

> PERSONAL values must be removed to keep the research accurate

> FACTS need to be separated from opinions

Question 3

Reasons for selecting quantitative designs CROLLK

Answer 3

• Produces CONSISTENT results which ensures reliability
• if REPEATED under the same conditions, the study would produce similar outcomes
• maintains OBJECTIVITY as it relies on numerical data and statistical analysis
• Uses LARGE samples, which makes it possible to generalize findings to a larger population
• uses data from a LARGE population to determine the needs of a population
• KEEPS track of changes over time by comparing new data with the initial data collected when a project started.

Question 4

Experimental research designs - AMICRI

Answer 4

• Analyses how ANIMALS or humans respond to different conditions in a controlled environment
• involves MANIPULATING variables to see how they affect other variables.
• aims to INVESTIGATE whether independent variables have an impact on dependent variables
• Researchers have CONTROL over the research environment and can control the level at which the dependent variable can be applied

However…

• creating conditions for RANDOM assignment is difficult
• INTERVENTIONS cannot be controlled

Question 5

Quasi-experimental research designs - MPEEG

Answer 5

• The researcher can’t MANIPULATE the conditions as precisely as in traditional experimental research
• This is the PREFERRED research method choice in the social sciences
• EVENTS have already happened or can’t be controlled

e.g When the researcher wants to determine what the EFFECTS of school facilities (independent variable) on the educational performance of learners (dependent variable) is, they are unable to manipulate the research conditions.

The independent variable is GIVEN, so the researcher cannot randomly assign subjects to experimental and control groups, which is a key method in experimental research

Question 6

Time series (longitudinal) design

Answer 6

Involves observing phenomena repeatedly over a specified duration.

Question 7

Cross-sectional design - SSEQ

Answer 7

• Data is collected from a SAMPLE of respondents representing a target population at a single point in time.
• This approach provides a SNAPSHOT of the population’s characteristics and behaviors at that moment -

allowing researchers to study relationships and patterns across different groups

• EXPLORATORY and descriptive studies are often cross-sectional (e.g., the South African census).
• Data is collected usually as QUICKLY as possible, given the practical constraints