Quantitative Research
Understanding Quantitative Research
- Quantitative research is a research methodology that deals with numbers and statistics.
- It is often used to quantify the opinions, behaviours, and other defined variables, aiming to generalise results from a larger sample.
- The main focus of quantitative research is on the objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected.
Main Methods of Quantitative Research
- Surveys: large amounts of data collected using closed-ended questions. Can be carried out face-to-face, over the phone, or online.
- Experiments: controlled situations where variables are manipulated to explore cause and effect relationships.
- Structured interviews: participant responses are restricted to a predefined set of answers.
- Questionnaires: written sets of questions aimed at obtaining specific information. Often used with larger populations.
- Longitudinal studies: data is collected from the same sample over a long time period.
Strengths of Quantitative Research
- Provides a wide scope of study, as data can be gathered from a large population.
- Findings are easier to generalise, due to the large sample size.
- Can be used to test hypotheses and identify patterns.
- Often considered to be more reliable and valid than qualitative research, due to its structured and standardised nature.
Limitations of Quantitative Research
- Can lack depth, as it doesn’t explain why a particular outcome occurred.
- Process of quantifying human behaviour can lead to oversimplification.
- Less flexible as the methodology is fully established before starting the research.
- The need for large sample sizes can make it time-consuming and expensive.
Key Ethical Issues
- Need for informed consent of participants
- Protection of participant data privacy
- Avoidance of harm to participants
- Ensuring research has scientific value and net benefit
- Consideration of the vulnerability of participant groups involved in the research