Overview of Quantitative Research PDF

Overview of Quantitative Research Practical Research 2 Jeffrey P. Paris Quantitative research is a systematic investigation that primarily focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, or phenomena through statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. This method i...

Overview of Quantitative Research Practical Research 2 Jeffrey P. Paris Quantitative research is a systematic investigation that primarily focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, or phenomena through statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. This method is widely used in various fields, including social sciences, health sciences, and market research, to objectively measure variables and analyze numerical data to derive conclusions or test hypotheses (Creswell, 2014). Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.  Overall Goal Confirm or test Quantitative theory or hypothesis Understand Qualitative or explore idea  Hypothesis Quantitative It incorporates the use of a hypothesis. Qualitative It does not involve the use of a hypothesis.  Analysis Quantitative Qualitative Analyzed through the use Analyzed through of statistical methods such summarizing, categorizing, as Spearman’s Rho, and interpreting. Pearson’s R, ANOVA, Chi- (Thematic Analysis). Square, etc.  Samples Quantitative Qualitative It does not It requires a large require a large number of number of respondents. participants.  Instrument It utilizes closed-ended Quantitative questions. It employs open-ended Qualitative questions.  Key Characteristics of Quantitative Research  Objective Measurement Quantitative research aims for objectivity using instruments and procedures that produce reliable and replicable data. This helps minimize researcher bias (Creswell, 2014).  Structured Tools It employs structured research instruments such as surveys, questionnaires, and tests to gather quantifiable data. These tools ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection (Bryman, 2016).  Large Sample Sizes Quantitative studies often involve large sample sizes to ensure that the findings are generalizable to a larger population. This enhances the external validity of the research (Polit & Beck, 2017).  Statistical Analysis The data collected are subjected to statistical analysis to identify patterns, relationships, or trends. Statistical methods help in testing hypotheses and making inferences about the population (Babbie, 2010).  Hypothesis Testing Quantitative research is often hypothesis-driven. Researchers begin with a specific hypothesis and use statistical methods to test its validity (Kerlinger & Lee, 2000).  Replication The structured methodology of quantitative research allows for replication of the study by other researchers, which is essential for verifying results and establishing reliability (Neuman, 2014).  Data Presentation Results are typically presented in the form of tables, graphs, and charts. This visual representation helps in summarizing and interpreting the data effectively (Creswell, 2014).  Generalizability Due to the use of random sampling and large sample sizes, the findings from quantitative research can often be generalized to the larger population from which the sample was drawn (Polit & Beck, 2017).