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Published on: Jan 18, 2018
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Quantitative research is specifically used to identify, collect, and analyze numerical data. It is different from the qualitative research method, which is based on collecting non-numerical data. It has different types, and each type is used for a different purpose.
Quantitative research focuses on numbers and numerical values, while qualitative research is about collecting and evaluating non-numerical data. It attempts to understand its subject matters in its natural setting and actual reality.
It is one of the two major kinds of research; qualitative and quantitative research. It is used in natural and social sciences, including chemistry, biology, economics, sociology, psychology, and marketing.
Conducting research is time taking and talking about quantitative research, collecting and interpreting numerical data is difficult. Due to this, the students have to spend sufficient time conducting this kind of research.
To learn more, read the blog.
As per the definition, quantitative research is a systematic approach to investigating a phenomenon, fact, or event by collecting numerical data. The students conduct statistical, computational, and mathematical methods to do it.
In quantitative research, the data is collected through online surveys, questionnaires, and online polls.
The results could be converted into helpful information and data. It could be further used to predict and forecast the future of a product or a service. Usually, this kind of research is a part of the social sciences. The researchers use mathematical and statistical theories and other means to analyze the collected data.
The templates used in this kind of research are usually elaborate, objective, and somewhat investigative. The acquired results, through these methods, are neutral, statistical, and logical.
The data conducted on extensive and inclusive samples are used as the representatives of the chosen group of people. Quantitative research has different types and methods, and these are used for different purposes.
Here are some distinct features of quantitative research.
Have a look at the complete discussion of these points.
These characteristics make quantitative research different from qualitative research.
‘What are the four types of quantitative research?’
Quantitative research has four distinct types, and all four of them are regarded as primary research methods. Primary quantitative research is more common and useful than secondary research methods. It is mainly because, in them, the researcher collects the data directly.
He does not depend on previous research and collects the data from scratch. Below are the four types of quantitative research methods.
This type of research is conducted through means of online surveys, online polls, and questionnaires. A group of people is chosen for the survey, and the method is used by big and small organizations and companies. They use it to understand their customers better.
Ideally, the survey is done through face-to-face meetings and interviews. Now, it is conducted through various online methodologies also. Below are the common types of surveys.
This kind of research is used for industries like retail, small-scale businesses, and healthcare industries.
This kind of research is used in the fields of applied sciences, medicine, and marketing.
Correlational research is conducted to identify the relationship between two entities. These entities must be closely related and have a significant impact on each other.
This research is conducted to identify, evaluate, and understand the correlation between the variables and how they depend on each other.
The researchers use mathematical and statistical methods to understand this correlation. Some factors that they consider include relationships, trends, and patterns between these variables.
Sometimes, the researchers make changes in one of the variables to notice the effect on the other one.
This research is also known as quasi-experimental research. It is based on the cause and effect relationship between the two variables. Here, one of the variables is dependent on the other one, but the other one is independent. The researcher does not change the independent variable.
The research is not limited to statistical analysis only but includes other groups and variables also. The research could be conducted on the variables, no matter the kind of relationship they have. The statistical analysis method is used to acquire the results.
This kind of research is based on proving or contradicting a theory or statement. It is also known as true experimentation and is usually focused on single or multiple theories.
The respective theory is not proved yet, and the research method is commonly used in natural sciences.
There could be some theories involved in this research. Due to this, it is more common in social sciences.
After determining the kind of research, finding the right data collection method is the most important step. Data could be collected through both the sampling and surveys and polls method.
In quantitative research, two types of sampling methods are used; probability and non-probability sampling.
The data is collected by sifting some individuals from the general population and creating samples. The individuals, data samples are chosen randomly and without any particular selection criteria.
Probability sampling is further divided into the following kinds.
In this kind of data collection, the researcher uses his knowledge and experience to choose the samples. The researcher is involved and has a set of criteria. Due to this, not all individuals have the chance to be selected for the research.
Below are the main types of non-probability sampling frameworks.
After the sample or group is chosen, the researcher could use polls or surveys to collect the required research data.
In this kind of research, the data is collected from a selected group of people. The data is used to identify new trends and collect information about different things and topics. Through the survey, the researcher could reach a wider population.
Based on the time allocated for the research, it could be used to collect more information and data.
When creating questions and options for the survey, the researchers use four measurement scales or criteria. These four parameters include nominal, interval, ordinal, and ratio measurement scales. Without them, no multiple-choice questions could be created.
The questions used for the survey must be close-ended. These could be a mix of different kinds of questions, and the responses could be analyzed through different rating scales.
After creating the survey, the next thing is to distribute it. Below are some of the commonly used survey distribution methods.
Like surveys, polls are also used to collect the data. It also has close-ended quantitative research questions, and election and exit polls are commonly used in this survey.
Data analysis is the third important aspect of quantitative research. After collecting the data, the data is analyzed with statistical methods. When analyzing, it is important that the results are relevant and related to the objective and aim of the research.
Below are some common statistical analysis methods that are used to analyze the collected data.
Afterward, other methods like inferential statistics could be used to gather the results.
Quantitative and qualitative research are major kinds of research. They are mainly used in the subjects that follow detailed research patterns. How does it differ from quantitative research? Below is a detailed comparison of the two kinds of research.
Quantitative Research vs. Qualitative Research | ||
Quantitative Research | Research Perspective | Qualitative Research |
Test the hypothesis and analyze research aspects and questions | Aim of the Research | Find new ideas and research new elements |
Testing and analyzing | Research Method | Observation and interpretation of the results |
Properly structured | Data Collection Method | Unstructured |
Uninvolved and the results are all-inclusive | Involvement of the Researcher | Involved and the results are detailed |
Samples are large, and results are generalized | Sampling | Samples are small and in their natural state |
Quantitative research offers several advantages to researchers. Some of the main reasons why researchers use this kind of research are discussed below.
Due to all of these advantages, researchers prefer using this kind of research method. It is easy to sample, collect and analyze data and repeat the procedure easily.
Despite the benefits for the researchers, quantitative research design has some limitations. It may not be suitable for more complex and detailed kinds of topics
Below are some common quantitative research limitations.
Due to these reasons, quantitative research is not an ideal choice for detailed kinds of research. For them, qualitative research works better.
To help you further, we have added some useful examples of quantitative research here.
Below are some helpful quantitative research examples to help you understand it better.
If you need more help regarding your quantitative research paper or thesis, you can contact a professional writer at MyPerfectWords.com. We are the best essay writing service that processes your ‘write my essay’ requests by submitting a high-quality paper.
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Different methods for collecting data exist. Questionnaires, observations, focus groups and interviews are a few of the most commonly used techniques.
WRITTEN BY
Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)
Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.
Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.
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