QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH PLAN

Measurement and Instruments for a Quantitative Research Plan

Measurement and Instruments for a Quantitative Research Plan

Introduction

Quantitative research methodologies are most often associated with scientific investigation of quantifiable properties and their relationships. It uses mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses to measure and portray the empirical associations found in natural phenomena. It is frequently the research methodology employed for inquiry in natural science and social science fields such as physics, biology, psychology, and sociology.

Quantitative Proposed Program

The choice of a quantitative research design requires the researcher to formulate an initial, hypothesis that will serve to guide the study. Thought and planning must be incorporated into the development of instruments and methods for measurement. Variables must be identified and their control; and manipulation must be factored into the research design (Fink, 2005).

Experimental Research

Identifies at least one independent variable for interventions and manipulated, whereas other, related variables are controlled. Effects on dependent variables observed (example, measuring student achievement levels by examining and controlling selected variables such as age, grade level, reading level, time, teacher characteristics, etc.). Two subgroups fall within this category: true experimental and quasi-experimental research (McNabb, 2009).

True Experimental Research: Participants are randomly selected and placed into control and experimental groups prior to the intervention; the experimental group receives the intervention and the control group does not; random selection and placement of the participants allows the researcher to control for extraneous variables; this method provides for true causal relationships between independent and dependent variables (Isaak, 1975).

Quasi-Experimental Research

This research used when the researcher cannot or should not randomly assign participants to control and experimental groups; lack of random variable.

Correlation Research

Seeks to examine the degree of relationship that may exist between two or more variables in a single group of participants through the collection of relevant data; this research cannot transparently identify cause-and-effect relationships because of a lack of random selection and assignment of participants, and because of a lack of variable manipulation; lack of randomization also limits the generalize ability of results.

Causal-Comparative Research

Investigates the causes or consequences of existing differences in groups of individuals; may also be referred to as ex post factor research due to the nature of dealing with groups. That have already been established (example, whether students whose parents have attended college enter post secondary education at a higher rate than students whose parents who have not attended college); because the events have already occurred, variable manipulation is impossible; results must be interpreted with caution limited (Levy, 2003).

Components of a Quantitative Research Plan

For a solid proposal, the researcher needs to write in such a way that the study can be envisioned by the readers. The proposal should be clear and concise, with attention to detail. The following subgroups represent the sections of a written plan for conducting quantitative research. Although the subtitles may not be the same for every proposal, this information serves as an outline for developing the plan of research.

How will you ensure content validity, empirical validity, and construct validity for your study?

To ensure content validity and empirical ...