Lesson: Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

According to Palmer (2019), the following are the strengths and weaknesses of employing quantitative research. 

STRENGTHS

A. It is GENERALIZABLE.

This can approximately represent a wider population because of its greater number of respondents.

B. It is OBJECTIVE.

The use of systematic and mathematical procedures in summarizing and analyzing the data is scientifically accurate and rational.

C. It can be REPLICATED.

Repetition of this study in other location and different set of respondents is allowed and it can be compared with its related studies since it has a well- structured standard.

D. It can PROCESS FASTER DATA ANALYSIS.

The use of statistical software can summarize information and can compare across categories and over time in a short period of time.

E. It can TEST HYPOTHESES.

The statistical analysis is capable of testing significant relationship. difference and effect. City

F. It is UNBIASED.

Gathering of data preferred random sampling which keeps distances from the respondents.


WEAKNESSES

A. It may miss some circumstantial or contextual facts (SUPERFICIAL).

In the process of data collection, the researcher cannot explain the meaning of the questions for the respondents and there are no opportunities respondents to explain their answers. It may gather much narrower and shallow dataset.

B. A fixed struc structure may lead to its inflexibility process of discovery.

Division The study is designed first before it is conducted which makes its procedures fixed that leads to limited information.

C. It can lead to structural bias and false representation.

The researcher may define more personalized and standard questions instead of the respondents' reflection.

D. It is COSTLY. Due to very large sample, the expenses will be greater in reaching out to these people and in reproducing the questionnaires.


Let's Do This

Instruction: Draw a happy face "" on the blank if each characteristic describes as strengths of a quantitative research. Otherwise, draw a sad face"".

1. It can process faster data analysis.

2. It has confirmation bias. in

3. It can test hypotheses.

4. It has more objective result.

5. A fixed structure may lead to its inflexibility process of discovery.

6. It can be replicated in other settings.

7. It can minimize personal bias.

8. It may miss some circumstantial or contextual facts.

9. The study may not elaborate human ideas.

10. It can lead to structural bias and false representation.

Let's Remember This

It can process faster data analysis; 

1. The following are the strengths of quantitative research

It is generalizable;

It is objective;

It can test hypotheses; and

It is unbiased.

2. The following are the weaknesses of quantitative research: 

It may miss some circumstantial or contextual facts (superficial);

A fixed structure may lead to its inflexibility process of discovery;

It can lead to structural bias and false representation; and

It is costly


Let's Test Ourselves

Multiple Choice

Instruction: Read the following items and choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following describes strength of quantitative research which uses statistical software to summarize information in a short period 

a. It can process faster data analysis

b. Study result may not elaborate human ideas

c. It can minimize personal bias

d. It can collect data through survey

2. The use of systematic and mathematical procedures in summarizing and analyzing the data is scientifically accurate and rational describes the result as of

a. subjective

b. objective

c. ambiguous

d. different

3. The fixed objective answers in the research instrument of quantitative research nay not ret answer of the respondents and just approximate to developed hypothesis that may result to; a fixed and

vision

a. confirmation bias

b. personal bias

c. structural bias

d. uncertain answer

4. Which of the following may describes the result of the process in data collection where the researcher cannot explain the meaning of the questions for the respondents and there are no opportunities respondents to explain their answers. It may gather much narrower and shallow dataset?

a. A fixed structure may lead to its inflexibility process of discovery

b. It enhances its generalization of findings.

c. It has more objective result

d. It may miss some circumstantial or contextual facts


5. Which of the following enhances the generalization of findings of quantitative research?

a. Clearly defined research questions

b. Large sample size

C. Structured research instrument

d. Replication of the study in other setting