How Quantitative Research Works: Udemy's Introductory Statistics Course

There are four basic types of quantitative research: survey, correlational,
causal-comparative, and experimental. But we must first understand how

quantitative research works.
How Quantitative Research Works

To better understand this style of research we need to break down its major
tenets. There are three: observing and explaining something that happens,
collecting information, and analyzing the information. The combination of
these three parts is at work when presenting clear and well-researched
findings.
Observing and explaining occurrences is the first step. The search for this
explanation can be presented in the form of a question. It can also be
expressed as a hypothesis. In the case of a hypothesis the search for an
explanation is made as a statement to be proved of disproved – depending on
the goals of your research.
The collection of information in quantitative research is what sets it apart

from other types. Quantitative research is focused specifically on numerical
information, also known as ‘data.’ Because the research requires its
conductor to use mathematical analysis to investigate what is being
observed, the information collected must be in numbers.
The last step of the research revolves around using mathematics to analyze
the ‘data’ collected. This is done with statistics. When most people think
about quantitative research they think specifically about statistics. You might
want to check out Udemy’s Introductory Statistics course. It can help
you to better understand how to crunch numbers for better quantitative
research practices.
Now, let’s go over the four types of quantitative research:
Survey 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 can 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 circumstances 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 the 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 entered 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 order 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 information 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 study. Now that you’ve compiled your
research, it’s time to start writing. There is no better way to get started then
with Udemy’s course on how to write a great research paper. The world
of information is waiting for you. What will you find?

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There are four basic types of quantitative research: survey, correlational,

causal-comparative, and experimental. But we must first understand how

How Quantitative Research Works

The collection of information in quantitative research is what sets it apart

Now, let’s go over the four types of quantitative research:

Quantitative research can be exciting and highly informative. It can be used

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