QUANTITATIVE RESEARC

 

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. It is ideal for identifying trends and averages, making predictions, testing relationships, and generalizing results for large populations.

This method is widely used in natural and social sciences, such as biology, chemistry, psychology, economics, sociology, marketing, and others.

This article will provide you with an overview of the different types of quantitative research, tips on applying this method, and the benefits of conducting it. 

What is quantitative research?

Quantitative research is a systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable data and performing statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. Quantitative research collects information from existing and potential customers using sampling methods and sending online surveys, online polls, and questionaries.

Characteristics of the Quantitative Research

• For more reliable data analysis of quantitative data, a normal population distribution curve is preferred over a non-normal distribution. This requires a large population, the numbers of which depend on how the characteristics of the population vary. This requires adherence to the principle of random sampling to avoid researcher bias in interpreting the results that defeat the purpose of the research.
  The data obtained using quantitative methods are organized using tables, graphs, or figures that consolidate large numbers of data to show trends, relationships, or differences among variables. This fosters understanding in the readers or clients of the research investigation.

  • Researchers can repeat the quantitative method to verify or confirm the findings in another setting. This reinforces the validity of groundbreaking discoveries or findings thus eliminating the possibility of spurious or erroneous conclusions.
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  CAN PREDICT OUTCOMES

  •   Quantitative models or formulas derived from data analysis can predict outcomes. If-then scenarios can be constructed using complex mathematical computations with the aid of computers.
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  USE MEASURING DEVICES

  • Advanced digital or electronic instruments are used to measure or gather quantitative data from the field. The instruments ensure objective and accurate data collection provided that they are calibrated. Calibration means that the instruments used by the researcher match the measurements of a reference instrument that is considered a standard.

• USE REPEATABLE METHOD

• PRESENT DATA IN TABLES, GRAPHS, OR FIGURES

       Data gathering instruments contain items that solicit measurable characteristics of the population. These measurable characteristics are referred to as the variables of the study such as age, the number of children, educational status, and economic status.

     The data collection instruments include questionnaires, polls, or surveys. Standardized, pre-tested instruments guide data collection thus ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and validity of data. Pre-testing helps identify areas in the research instruments that need revisions. It makes sure that respondents provide the expected answers or satisfy the intent of the researcher to meet the research objectives.

Main Uses of the Method

You can use quantitative research methods for descriptive, correlational, or experimental research.

• In descriptive research, you simply seek an overall summary of your study variables.

• In correlational research, you investigate relationships between your study variables.

• In experimental research, you systematically examine whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

Advantages:

• Replication

• Direct comparisons of results

• Large samples

• Hypothesis testing

• Superficiality

• Narrow focus

• Structural bias

• Lack of context

Quantitative research is often used to standardize data collection and generalize findings.

    Repeating the study is possible because of standardized data collection protocols and tangible definitions of abstract concepts.

   The study can be reproduced in other cultural settings, at times, or with different groups of participants. Results can be compared statistically.

  Data from large samples can be processed and analyzed using reliable and consistent procedures through quantitative data analysis.

     Using formalized and established hypothesis testing procedures means that you have to carefully consider and report your research variables, predictions, data collection, and testing methods before coming to a conclusion.

     Disadvantages

     Despite the benefits of quantitative research, it is sometimes inadequate in explaining complex research topics.

  Using precise and restrictive operational definitions may inadequately represent complex concepts. For example, the concept of mood may be represented with just a number in quantitative research but explained with elaboration in qualitative research.

    Predetermined variables and measurement procedures can mean that you ignore other relevant observations.

 Despite standardized procedures, structural biases can still affect quantitative research. Missing data, imprecise measurements, or inappropriate sampling methods are biases that can lead to the wrong conclusions.

    Quantitative research often uses unnatural settings like laboratories or fails to consider historical and cultural contexts that may affect data collection and results.