What Is Quantitative Research?

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Quantitative Research

What is Quantitative Research?


Quantitative research can be characterized as a systematic
empirical study through the use of mathematical and statistical
tools of social phenomena. The word "quantitative" implies that
quantification or calculation is part of this work and is usually
numerical. The word “empirical” means that this form of study
deals with measurable objects or properties. The term
"social phenomena" highlights the fact that individuals, societies,
organizations, and even behavior, are at risk. Initially, quantitative
work was used in the natural sciences but later adopted in the
social sciences.

            Quantitative research uses quantitative methods and


these terms are often used interchangeably. Quantitative methods
pertain to the various quantitative techniques for the collection,
analysis, and interpretation of data. The use of surveys is one of
the most common methods of collecting quantitative
data. Descriptive statistics are widely used in the analysis of
data, as well as interpretative statistics.

Quantitative research can be used in a wide variety of applications,


it is very useful to measure or evaluate something or find
numerical answers to complex questions. It is also useful if we
want to develop mathematical models for predicting or modeling
future events based on past events or scenarios. Quantitative
research is used extensively in education,
the economy, corporations, management, financial, sociological,
psychological, political science, and other fields.
 (To learn about the characteristics and preoccupations of the quantitative research,
refer to pages 14 – 19 of your book.)

Features of Quantitative Research


Quantitative research is distinguished from qualitative research by
(1) the research problems of which it is concerned; (2)
the philosophical foundation; (3) the adoption of scientific
method; and (4) its deductive orientation. The conceptual steps
for a quantitative approach to analysis are different from a
qualitative approach. We should quickly discuss these features of
quantitative research.

1. Measurement and quantitative research

The best way to answer the research problems or concerns


involving quantification or calculation is through the quantitative
method. It is suitable for analyzing factors or attributes which can
be evaluated in person, social, actions, or organizational ways.
You are involved, for example, in researching population groups.
Any of them can be identified, calculated, and interpreted
empirically by a number — an 18-year-old group; 1st-grade pupils;
self-employed persons who earn 20,000 PHP per month.

Nevertheless, not every dimension or attribute of individuals


can be easily quantified. A person, for example, cannot easily
quantify lived memories, dreams, perceptions, feelings, or
thoughts. Private and social phenomena are valid research
subjects, but they are best researched and analyzed using
approaches to qualitative analysis.

1. Empiricism and Positivism: The philosophies of


quantitative research

Many scholars subscribe to a philosophy known as positivism.


Through positivism, scientific observation and the use of inference
are considered to be the basis of authoritative understanding. The
task of the quantitative researcher is the discovery through
objective, deliberate, systematic observation and verification of
patterns, structures, and laws that regulate social phenomena. So
many quantitative scientists believe in empiricism. It is not fair to
research what cannot be perceived with five senses. It promotes
impartial analysis by providing a standard guide for the
assessment of data or facts.

1. Scientific method in the social sciences

Quantitative researchers believe the processes in social science


are identical to natural sciences. They follow research methods,
measurements, review, and rigorous experiments that represent
scientific researchers in disciplines such as physics, chemistry,
and biology. This is often referred to as the scientific method.
Social scientists emphasize the need for a standardized set of
methods for data collection and analysis. These can also allow
social science initiatives to follow replicability standards. This
means that other scientists must be able to carry out a similar
analysis on the same topic and predict similar results following the
same steps.

Scientific Method in the Research Cycle

Strengths and Weaknesses of


Quantitative Research

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