What characteristics of quantitative research refers to its necessity to arrive at a more reliable data?

What are quantitative research methods? What is its definition, when are these research methods used and what are its characteristics?

This article defines quantitative research methods and lists seven characteristics of quantitative research that discriminate these research methods from qualitative research approaches.

When to Use Quantitative or Qualitative Research

The methods used by researchers may either be quantitative or qualitative. The decision to select the method largely depends on the researcher’s judgment as well as the nature of the research topic. Some research topics are better studied using quantitative methods while others are more appropriately explored using qualitative methods.

Recently, many researchers use both methods, thereby the era of using mixed methods in research arose as a more desirable and encompassing approach in understanding phenomena. Qualitative methods may be used to explore a phenomenon and identify factors for a quantitative study. Or, a quantitative study may identify research areas that require the application of qualitative methods to provide an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon at hand or when the use of quantitative methods is insufficient to answer questions that relate to human behavior such as feelings, values, and beliefs.

J. Pizarro has already described qualitative research in this site, so this article focuses on quantitative methods, its meaning and characteristics.

What are quantitative research methods?

Quantitative research methods are those research methods that use numbers as its basis for making generalizations about a phenomenon. It emphasizes numerical data analysis using computational techniques. The numbers used in statistical analysis 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 (see 4 Statistical Scales of Measurement).

The data that will serve as the basis for explaining a phenomenon, therefore, can be gathered through surveys. Such surveys use instruments that require numerical inputs or direct measurements of parameters that characterize the subject of investigation (e.g. pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, and conductivity to measure water quality).

These numbers will then be analyzed using the appropriate statistical application software to unravel significant relationships or differences between variables. The output serves as the basis for making the conclusions and generalizations of the study.

Seven characteristics discriminate qualitative methods of research from qualitative ones. The characteristics of quantitative research methods are enumerated in the following list.

1. Contain Measurable Variables

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.

2. Use Standardized Research Instruments

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 satisfies the intent of the researcher to meet the research objectives.

3. Assume a Normal Population Distribution

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’s bias in interpreting the results that defeat the purpose of research.

4. Present Data in Tables, Graphs, or Figures

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 of the readers or clients of the research investigation.

5. Use Repeatable Method

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. Can Predict Outcomes

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. Use Measuring Devices

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

The characteristics of quantitative research methods listed in this article make this research approach popular among researchers. Using qualitative research methods, however, is appropriate on issues or problems that need not require quantification or exploratory in nature.

Reference

University of Southern California (2015). Quantitative methods. Retrieved on 3 January, 2015 from http://goo.gl/GMiwt

© 2015 January 3 P. A. Regoniel
updated: 2020 October 26

The term quantitative research refers to the techniques, strategies, and assumptions used to study various processes. The objective of a quantitative research study is to determine the relationship between an independent variable and an outcome or dependent variable within a population. Quantitative research methods may include a sample population research study and multiple choice or closed ended questions administered. Quantitative research is the research method type the social sciences most often utilize. Additional processes that commonly utilize quantitative research include psychology and economics.

The ultimate purpose of quantitative research is to produce knowledge. Using quantitative research, social sciences professionals and researchers can learn more about a specific research problem or concern. Quantitative research also allows professionals to learn more about a sample population which is a particular group of people. Data gathered ideally answers questions about the sample population that researchers hold.

Note-: Social sciences and economics often utilize quantitative research methods for knowledge acquisition purposes.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

There are various characteristics of quantitative research that all social sciences researchers and business professionals should be aware of. Distinctive characteristics of quantitative research range from sample size to closed ended questions administered. A characteristic of quantitative research is that research design is either experimental or descriptive. Descriptive research design typically measures subjects one time while experimental research design measures before and after treatment. While descriptive research design defines variable associates only, experimental research design defines causality.A research study that is quantitative is logical and objective, focusing on convergent reasoning. The data quantitative research professionals gather is unchanging in nature. Within quantitative research numeric patterns are examined and statistical analysis is commonplace. Numerical data utilized in a quantitative research project can be extremely complex or relatively simple. Data collected during a quantitative research study is often expressed in percentages or averages.Case studies are commonly used in order to extrapolate previous statistical analysis and research study information. A case study can help researchers decide which research problem and research questions they are interested in. Case studies also offer research project ideas that may require further data gathered to reach conclusions. Unsurprisingly, quantitative data is foundational for quantitative research. Quantitative data is widely represented through charts, graphs, and tables. Quantitative data proves market research validity and ensures data gathered is understood optimally.Structured tools are a notable characteristic of quantitative research. Methods used include surveys, questionnaires, and polls. Data collected by these structured tools are detailed and actionable. Closed ended questions are formulated based on the research study topic. Closed ended questions also facilitate streamlined quantitative data collection.

Another distinctive characteristic of quantitative research includes sample sizes that represent a larger target market. In order for the sample size to be accurate, appropriate sampling methods must be utilized. Research methods that are quantitative grant generalization of sample size results for an entire population. As such, using quantitative research methods allows researchers to take suitable actions to address a research problem appropriately.

Advantages and Best Practices of Quantitative Research

Using quantitative research methods offers researchers many significant advantages. However, best practices must be abided by in order for optimal results to occur. Best practices include understanding the differences between qualitative vs quantitative research methodologies. Differentiating between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies allows for researchers to select the research method best suited to their needs.Best practices of quantitative research necessitate a suitable sample size chosen. The sample population must be representational of the larger population. Research questions and goals should be both concise and clear. It is essential that researchers in the social sciences and other fields designate research goals before data collection occurs. As a result, the data collected is both purposeful and directly associated with the particular research problem and goal designated.Best practices also assert that questions administered to study participants should be simple. Oftentimes, researchers facilitate this by posing close ended questions and multiple choice answer options. A significant advantage that quantitative research methods offer is participant anonymity. So long as researchers can verify that participants fit into the target population additional personal information is not necessary. Anonymous data gathered is more truthful as respondents are more honest when allowed anonymity.Likewise, quantitative research does not necessitate direct observation of respondents. Lack of supervision can also help respondents in a research study feel less pressured or stressed. Data quantitative research offers is less prone to subjectivity and error than qualitative research data. With less subjectivity and error potential quantitative research conclusions are often viewed as more prestigious than qualitative research conclusions. Quantitative research is also commonly considered more prestigious than qualitative research due to the complex data analysis involved. Unsurprisingly, many small businesses consider their quantitative research accomplishments as a subject of immense pride.Another advantage that quantitative research offers is duplicative results. Quantitative research study results may have slight variations throughout a period of time but should not have large differences. Quantitative research conclusions reached are able to be duplicated by future quantitative research studies.

The accuracy and longevity of quantitative data posit case studies that utilize it as reliable and valuable. Considering that many quantitative research studies use past case study results, researchers can build off each other's work. However, experts warn that all previously formed case studies and quantitative data used must be vetted thoroughly.

Fact-: Deciding between qualitative vs quantitative research methodologies necessitates understanding the differences between them.

What is Quantitative Research?- Key Takeaways

• Characteristics of quantitative research include descriptive and experimental research design types.
• Best practices of quantitative research include both sample size accuracy and data analysis performed precisely.