Quantitative research

Quantitative research is a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative relationships.

History

Quantitative research began in the physical sciences, but has since expanded into the social sciences and other fields. The quantitative research design was largely influenced by the positivist paradigm, which assumes that there is a single, observable, and measurable reality.

Methodology

Quantitative research is often contrasted with qualitative research, which purports to be focused more on discovering underlying meanings and patterns of relationships, including classifications of types of phenomena and entities, in a manner that does not involve mathematical models.

Data collection

In quantitative research, data collection often involves surveys, experiments, or observational studies. The data collected is often numerical and can be manipulated to produce statistics.

Data analysis

Data analysis in quantitative research involves statistical procedures that can range from simple descriptive statistics (such as means and standard deviations) to complex statistical tests.

Applications

Quantitative research is used in many disciplines, including natural science, social science, and business. It is also used in policy and decision making, where it helps to inform decisions with empirical evidence.

See also

• Qualitative research
• Mixed-method research
• Empirical research
• Scientific method

External links

• Quantitative Research - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Quantitative research Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia