Quantitative Research Designs
1. Descriptive Research Designs
The purpose of descriptive research is to describe the status of an identified variable, such as events, people, or subjects as they exist. It involves comparisons, contrasts, and correlations, and in some cases, it may establish cause-effect relationships.
a. Descriptive-Normative Surveys
- Used to describe trends in a large population rather than testing activities or examining associations among variables.
- Surveys involve administering questionnaires to a sample to identify trends in attitudes, opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a larger population.
- Establishes norms or standards based on survey data, which may include demographic characteristics and perceptions.
- Data can be presented using:
- Univariate tables (single variable frequency counts).
- Multivariate tables (cross-classifications for multiple variables).
- Example: A study on the profile of school principals in the Philippines, including variables such as age, sex, educational attainment, IQ, languages spoken, civil status, and family size.
b. Correlational Research Studies
- Estimates the extent to which different variables are related within a population.
- Involves:
- Identifying variables of interest.
- Selecting respondents.
- Using statistical techniques to determine the strength of relationships between variables.
- Involves two or more quantitative variables from the same group of subjects.
- Correlation does not mean causation, but it allows for prediction.
- Example: A study on the relationship between managerial effectiveness and variables such as age, educational attainment, and mental ability among school principals.
c. Descriptive-Evaluative Studies
- Focuses on judging the goodness of a criterion measure.
- Types of studies:
- Longitudinal studies: Tracks changes over time using the same group of subjects.
- Cross-sectional studies: Compares different groups at the same point in time to assess developmental changes.
- Example: A study on IQ changes in children over a five-year period.
d. Assessment/Evaluation Studies
- Determines the effectiveness or efficiency of certain practices or policies.
- Assessment: Measures key indicators without attaching judgments.
- Evaluation: Involves making value judgments based on measured results.
- Commonly used to inform policies and legislation.
- Example: An assessment of the K to 12 Basic Education Program based on factors such as cost, efficiency, and impact on quality.
e. Descriptive-Comparative Studies
- Seeks to establish significant differences between two or more groups based on a criterion measure.
- Unlike experimental research, no attempts are made to control extraneous variables.
- Independent variables are naturally occurring and cannot be manipulated (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status).
- Example: A study comparing the managerial effectiveness of three groups of managers (A, B, and C).
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