Quantitative methods emphasize objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected

through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques

main characteristics are:

 The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.

 The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population.
 The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.
 Researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought.
 All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected.
 Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts, figures, or other non-textual forms.
 Project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate causal relationships.
 Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect numerical data.

Things to keep in mind when reporting the results of a study using quantiative methods:

1. Explain the data collected and their statistical treatment as well as all relevant results in relation to the research problem
you are investigating. Interpretation of results is not appropriate in this section.
2. Report unanticipated events that occurred during your data collection. Explain how the actual analysis differs from the
planned analysis. Explain your handling of missing data and why any missing data does not undermine the validity of your
analysis.
3. Explain the techniques you used to "clean" your data set.
4. Choose a minimally sufficient statistical procedure; provide a rationale for its use and a reference for it. Specify any
computer programs used.
5. Describe the assumptions for each procedure and the steps you took to ensure that they were not violated.
6. When using inferential statistics, provide the descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and sample sizes for each
variable as well as the value of the test statistic, its direction, the degrees of freedom, and the significance level [report the
actual p value].
7. Avoid inferring causality, particularly in nonrandomized designs or without further experimentation.
8. Use tables to provide exact values; use figures to convey global effects. Keep figures small in size; include graphic
representations of confidence intervals whenever possible.
9. Always tell the reader what to look for in tables and figures.

The characteristics of quantitative research are as follows:

1. Generation of models,theories and hypotheses

2. Collecting imperical data
3. Modelling of data
4. Analysis of data
5. Experimental control
6. Variable manipulation
7. Development of instruments
8. Measurement methods
9. Quantitative research is important because it utilizes more robust sets of numbers.
10. Numbers can be intimidating, which can often prevent people from fully utilizing and understanding quantitative research
results. When used correctly, numbers can sometimes be more accurate than words, but it is the quality of the analysis
process that brings meaning to those numbers. Numbers do not speak for themselves. Interpretation and analysis bring
quantitative results to life and help them to positively impact your business decisions.
11. Specifically, quantitative research provides statistical significance in which results are essentially “stat testing” and
provide a greater level of validity and less likelihood of error.

Sources of Quantitative Data

The most common sources of quantitative data include:

 Surveys, whether conducted online, by phone or in person. These rely on the same questions being asked in the same way to a large number of
people;
 Observations, which may either involve counting the number of times that a particular phenomenon occurs, such as how often a particular word
is used in interviews, or coding observational data to translate it into numbers; and
 Secondary data, such as company accounts.
Quantitative methods are those research methods that use numbers as its basis for making generalizations about a
phenomenon. These numbers originate from objective scales of measurement of the units of analysis called variables.
Four types of measurement scale exist namely nominal, ordinal, ratio, and interval

7 Characteristics of Quantitative Methods

Seven characteristics discriminate qualitative methods of research from qualitative ones.

1. Data gathering instruments contain items that solicit measurable characteristics of the population (e.g. age, the number of children,
educational status, economic status).
2. Standardized, pre-tested instruments guide data collection thus ensuring the accuracy, reliability and validity of data.
3. For more reliable data analysis, 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’s bias in interpreting the results that defeat the purpose of research.
4. 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 to the readers or clients of the research investigation.
5. 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.
6. Quantitative models or formula derived from data analysis can predict outcomes. If-then scenarios can be constructed using complex
mathematical computations with the aid of computers.
7. Advanced digital or electronic instruments are used to measure or gather data from the field.
8.
Knowledge produced might be too abstract and general for directapplication to specific local situations, contexts, and individuals

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Strengths
_ Testing and validating already constructed theories about how andwhy phenomena occur
_ Testing hypotheses that are constructed before the data are collected
_ Can generalize research findings when the data are based on randomsamples of sufficient size
_ Can generalize a research finding when it has been replicated on manydifferent populations and subpopulations
_ Useful for obtaining data that allow quantitative predictions to bemade
_ The researcher may construct a situation that eliminates theconfounding influence of many variables, allowing one to more crediblyestablish
cause-and-effect relationships
_ Data collection using some quantitative methods is relatively quick (e.g., telephone interviews)
_ Provides precise, quantitative, numerical data
_ Data analysis is relatively less time consuming (using statisticalsoftware)
_ The research results are relatively independent of the researcher (e.g.,statistical significance)
_ It may have higher credibility with many people in power (e.g.,administrators, politicians, people who fund programs)
_ It is useful for studying large numbers of people
Weaknesses
_ The researcher’s categories that are used might not reflect local constituencies’ understandings
_ The researcher’s theories that are used might not reflect local constituencies’ understandings
_ The researcher might miss out on phenomena occurring because of the focus on theory or hypothesis testing rather than on theory or
hypothesisgeneration (called the confirmation bias)
_ Knowledge produced might be too abstract and general for directapplication to specific local situations, contexts, and individuals

four types of quantitative research:

Survey Research

uses interviews, questionnaires, and sampling polls to get a sense of behavior with intense precision. It allows researchers to
judge behavior and then present the findings in an accurate way. This is usually expressed in a percentage. Survey research c an
be conducted around one group specifically or used to compare several groups. When conducting survey research it is important
that the people questioned are sampled at random. This allows for more accurate findings across a greater spectrum of
respondents.

It is very important when conducting survey research that you work with statisticians and field service agents who are reputable .
Since there is a high level of personal interaction in survey scenarios as well as a greater chance for unexpected circumstan ces to
occur, it is possible for the data to be affected. This can heavily influence the outcome of the survey.
There are several ways to conduct survey research. They can be done in person, over the phone, or through mail or email. In t he
last instance they can be self-administered. When conducted on a single group survey research is its own category. However
survey research can be applied to the other types of research listed below.

You’ve probably taken part in several survey research projects, since they are extremely common. Have you ever received a
receipt from a store or restaurant where you’re asked to call a number at the bottom to participate in a survey and be entere d to
win? Have you ever been asked to “stay on the line” to answer a few questions after an experience with a customer service rep?
Have you ever been asked to give your thoughts after visiting a website? These are all examples of survey research.

Correlational Research

Correlational research tests for the relationships between two variables. Performing correlational research is done to establish
what the affect of one on the other might be and how that affects the relationship. Correlational research is conducted in or der to
explain a noticed occurrence. In correlational research the survey is conducted on a minimum of two groups. In most
correlational research there is a level of manipulation involved with the specific variables being researched. Once the infor mation
is compiled it is then analyzed mathematically to draw conclusions about the affect that one has on the other.

Remember, correlation does not always mean causation. For example, just because two data points sync doesn’t mean that there
is a direct cause and effect relationship. Typically, you should not make assumptions from correlational research alone.

Causal-Comparative Research

Causal-comparative research looks to uncover a cause and effect relationship. This research is not conducted between the two
groups on each other. Rather than look solely for a statistical relationship between two variables it tries to identify, specifically,
how the different groups are affected by the same circumstance. Causal-comparative research involves ‘comparison.’ In causal-
comparative research the study of two or more groups is done without focusing on their relationship. As always the use of
statistical analysis is engaged to synthesize the data in a clear method for presentation.

Experimental Research

Though questions may be posed in the other forms of research, experimental research is guided specifically by a hypothesis.
Sometimes experimental research can have several hypotheses. A hypothesis is a statement to be proven or disproved. Once that
statement is made experiments are begun to find out whether the statement is true or not. This type of research is the bedrock of
most sciences, in particular the natural sciences. If natural sciences, such as biology, are something you are interested in you
should check out Udemy’s course on writing an A+ Biology Paper. It will help you use the types of quantitative research to
great effect.

Quantitative research can be exciting and highly informative. It can be used to help explain all sorts of phenomena. The best
quantitative research gathers precise empirical data and can be applied to gain a better understanding of several fields of s tudy.
Now that you’ve compiled your research, it’s time to start writing.