Quantitative Research Definition

Quantitative research methods emphasize objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or
numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating pre-
existing statistical data using computational techniques. Quantitative research focuses on gathering
numerical data and generalizing it across groups of people or to explain a particular phenomenon. The
final written report has a set structure consisting of introduction, literature and theory, methods,
results, and discussion.

Your goal in conducting quantitative research study is to determine the relationship between one thing
[an independent variable] and another [a dependent or outcome variable] within a population.
Quantitative research designs are either descriptive [subjects usually measured once] or experimental
[subjects measured before and after a treatment]. A descriptive study establishes only associations
between variables; an experimental study establishes causality.

Quantitative research deals in numbers, logic, and an objective stance. Quantitative research focuses on
numeric and unchanging data and detailed, convergent reasoning rather than divergent reasoning [i.e.,
the generation of a variety of ideas about a research problem in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner].

Its main characteristics are:

The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.

The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population.
 The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.

The researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought.

All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected.

Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts, figures, or other non-
textual forms.

Project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate causal
relationships.

The researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect numerical data.

The overarching aim of a quantitative research study is to classify features, count them, and construct
statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed.

Things to keep in mind when reporting the results of a study using quantitative methods:

Explain the data collected and their statistical treatment as well as all relevant results in relation to the
research problem you are investigating. Interpretation of results is not appropriate in this section.

Report unanticipated events that occurred during your data collection. Explain how the actual analysis
differs from the planned analysis. Explain your handling of missing data and why any missing data does
not undermine the validity of your analysis.

Explain the techniques you used to "clean" your data set.

Choose a minimally sufficient statistical procedure; provide a rationale for its use and a reference for it.
Specify any computer programs used.

Describe the assumptions for each procedure and the steps you took to ensure that they were not
violated.

When using inferential statistics, provide the descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and sample sizes
for each variable as well as the value of the test statistic, its direction, the degrees of freedom, and the
significance level [report the actual p value].

Avoid inferring causality, particularly in nonrandomized designs or without further experimentation.

Use tables to provide exact values; use figures to convey global effects. Keep figures small in size;
include graphic representations of confidence intervals whenever possible.

Always tell the reader what to look for in tables and figures.

NOTE: When using pre-existing statistical data gathered and made available by anyone other than
yourself [e.g., government agency], you still must report on the methods that were used to gather the
data and describe any missing data that exists and, if there is any, provide a clear explanation why the
missing data does not undermine the validity of your final analysis.
Babbie, Earl R. The Practice of Social Research. 12th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage, 2010; Brians,
Craig Leonard et al. Empirical Political Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. 8th ed.
Boston, MA: Longman, 2011; McNabb, David E. Research Methods in Public Administration and
Nonprofit Management: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. 2nd ed. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe,
2008; Quantitative Research Methods. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Singh, Kultar.
Quantitative Social Research Methods. Los Angeles, CA: Sage, 2007.

Basic Research Design

Before designing a quantitative research study, you must decide whether it will be descriptive or
experimental because this will dictate how you gather, analyze, and interpret the results. A descriptive
study is governed by the following rules: subjects are generally measured once; the intention is to only
establish associations between variables; and, the study may include a sample population of hundreds
or thousands of subjects to ensure that a valid estimate of a generalized relationship between variables
has been obtained. An experimental design includes subjects measured before and after a particular
treatment, the sample population may be very small and purposefully chosen, and it is intended to
establish causality between variables.

Introduction

The introduction to a quantitative study is usually written in the present tense and from the third person
point of view. It covers the following information:

Identifies the research problem -- as with any academic study, you must state clearly and concisely the
research problem being investigated.

Reviews the literature -- review scholarship on the topic, synthesizing key themes and, if necessary,
noting studies that have used similar methods of inquiry and analysis. Note where key gaps exist and
how your study helps to fill these gaps or clarifies existing knowledge.

Describes the theoretical framework -- provide an outline of the theory or hypothesis underpinning your
study. If necessary, define unfamiliar or complex terms, concepts, or ideas and provide the appropriate
background information to place the research problem in proper context [e.g., historical, cultural,
economic, etc.].

Methodology

The methods section of a quantitative study should describe how each objective of your study will be
achieved. Be sure to provide enough detail to enable the reader can make an informed assessment of
 the methods being used to obtain results associated with the research problem. The methods section
should be presented in the past tense.

Study population and sampling -- where did the data come from; how robust is it; note where gaps exist
or what was excluded. Note the procedures used for their selection;

Data collection – describe the tools and methods used to collect information and identify the variables
being measured; describe the methods used to obtain the data; and, note if the data was pre-existing
[i.e., government data] or you gathered it yourself. If you gathered it yourself, describe what type of
instrument you used and why. Note that no data set is perfect--describe any limitations in methods of
gathering data.

Data analysis -- describe the procedures for processing and analyzing the data. If appropriate, describe
the specific instruments of analysis used to study each research objective, including mathematical
techniques and the type of computer software used to manipulate the data.

Results

The finding of your study should be written objectively and in a succinct and precise format. In
quantitative studies, it is common to use graphs, tables, charts, and other non-textual elements to help
the reader understand the data. Make sure that non-textual elements do not stand in isolation from the
text but are being used to supplement the overall description of the results and to help clarify key points
being made. Further information about how to effectively present data using charts and graphs can be
found here.

Statistical analysis -- how did you analyze the data? What were the key findings from the data? The
findings should be present in a logical, sequential order. Describe but do not interpret these trends or
negative results; save that for the discussion section. The results should be presented in the past tense