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Quantitative Research – Methods, Types and Analysis

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What is Quantitative Research

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a type of research that collects and analyzes numerical data to test hypotheses and answer research questions . This research typically involves a large sample size and uses statistical analysis to make inferences about a population based on the data collected. It often involves the use of surveys, experiments, or other structured data collection methods to gather quantitative data.

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods are as follows:

Descriptive Research Design

Descriptive research design is used to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. This research method is used to answer the questions of what, where, when, and how. Descriptive research designs use a variety of methods such as observation, case studies, and surveys to collect data. The data is then analyzed using statistical tools to identify patterns and relationships.

Correlational Research Design

Correlational research design is used to investigate the relationship between two or more variables. Researchers use correlational research to determine whether a relationship exists between variables and to what extent they are related. This research method involves collecting data from a sample and analyzing it using statistical tools such as correlation coefficients.

Quasi-experimental Research Design

Quasi-experimental research design is used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables. This research method is similar to experimental research design, but it lacks full control over the independent variable. Researchers use quasi-experimental research designs when it is not feasible or ethical to manipulate the independent variable.

Experimental Research Design

Experimental research design is used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables. This research method involves manipulating the independent variable and observing the effects on the dependent variable. Researchers use experimental research designs to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Survey Research

Survey research involves collecting data from a sample of individuals using a standardized questionnaire. This research method is used to gather information on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of individuals. Researchers use survey research to collect data quickly and efficiently from a large sample size. Survey research can be conducted through various methods such as online, phone, mail, or in-person interviews.

Quantitative Research Analysis Methods

Here are some commonly used quantitative research analysis methods:

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis is the most common quantitative research analysis method. It involves using statistical tools and techniques to analyze the numerical data collected during the research process. Statistical analysis can be used to identify patterns, trends, and relationships between variables, and to test hypotheses and theories.

Regression Analysis

Regression analysis is a statistical technique used to analyze the relationship between one dependent variable and one or more independent variables. Researchers use regression analysis to identify and quantify the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable.

Factor Analysis

Factor analysis is a statistical technique used to identify underlying factors that explain the correlations among a set of variables. Researchers use factor analysis to reduce a large number of variables to a smaller set of factors that capture the most important information.

Structural Equation Modeling

Structural equation modeling is a statistical technique used to test complex relationships between variables. It involves specifying a model that includes both observed and unobserved variables, and then using statistical methods to test the fit of the model to the data.

Time Series Analysis

Time series analysis is a statistical technique used to analyze data that is collected over time. It involves identifying patterns and trends in the data, as well as any seasonal or cyclical variations.

Multilevel Modeling

Multilevel modeling is a statistical technique used to analyze data that is nested within multiple levels. For example, researchers might use multilevel modeling to analyze data that is collected from individuals who are nested within groups, such as students nested within schools.

Applications of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research has many applications across a wide range of fields. Here are some common examples:

  • Market Research : Quantitative research is used extensively in market research to understand consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. Researchers use surveys, experiments, and other quantitative methods to collect data that can inform marketing strategies, product development, and pricing decisions.
  • Health Research: Quantitative research is used in health research to study the effectiveness of medical treatments, identify risk factors for diseases, and track health outcomes over time. Researchers use statistical methods to analyze data from clinical trials, surveys, and other sources to inform medical practice and policy.
  • Social Science Research: Quantitative research is used in social science research to study human behavior, attitudes, and social structures. Researchers use surveys, experiments, and other quantitative methods to collect data that can inform social policies, educational programs, and community interventions.
  • Education Research: Quantitative research is used in education research to study the effectiveness of teaching methods, assess student learning outcomes, and identify factors that influence student success. Researchers use experimental and quasi-experimental designs, as well as surveys and other quantitative methods, to collect and analyze data.
  • Environmental Research: Quantitative research is used in environmental research to study the impact of human activities on the environment, assess the effectiveness of conservation strategies, and identify ways to reduce environmental risks. Researchers use statistical methods to analyze data from field studies, experiments, and other sources.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Here are some key characteristics of quantitative research:

  • Numerical data : Quantitative research involves collecting numerical data through standardized methods such as surveys, experiments, and observational studies. This data is analyzed using statistical methods to identify patterns and relationships.
  • Large sample size: Quantitative research often involves collecting data from a large sample of individuals or groups in order to increase the reliability and generalizability of the findings.
  • Objective approach: Quantitative research aims to be objective and impartial in its approach, focusing on the collection and analysis of data rather than personal beliefs, opinions, or experiences.
  • Control over variables: Quantitative research often involves manipulating variables to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-effect relationships. Researchers aim to control for extraneous variables that may impact the results.
  • Replicable : Quantitative research aims to be replicable, meaning that other researchers should be able to conduct similar studies and obtain similar results using the same methods.
  • Statistical analysis: Quantitative research involves using statistical tools and techniques to analyze the numerical data collected during the research process. Statistical analysis allows researchers to identify patterns, trends, and relationships between variables, and to test hypotheses and theories.
  • Generalizability: Quantitative research aims to produce findings that can be generalized to larger populations beyond the specific sample studied. This is achieved through the use of random sampling methods and statistical inference.

Examples of Quantitative Research

Here are some examples of quantitative research in different fields:

  • Market Research: A company conducts a survey of 1000 consumers to determine their brand awareness and preferences. The data is analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and patterns that can inform marketing strategies.
  • Health Research : A researcher conducts a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a new drug for treating a particular medical condition. The study involves collecting data from a large sample of patients and analyzing the results using statistical methods.
  • Social Science Research : A sociologist conducts a survey of 500 people to study attitudes toward immigration in a particular country. The data is analyzed using statistical methods to identify factors that influence these attitudes.
  • Education Research: A researcher conducts an experiment to compare the effectiveness of two different teaching methods for improving student learning outcomes. The study involves randomly assigning students to different groups and collecting data on their performance on standardized tests.
  • Environmental Research : A team of researchers conduct a study to investigate the impact of climate change on the distribution and abundance of a particular species of plant or animal. The study involves collecting data on environmental factors and population sizes over time and analyzing the results using statistical methods.
  • Psychology : A researcher conducts a survey of 500 college students to investigate the relationship between social media use and mental health. The data is analyzed using statistical methods to identify correlations and potential causal relationships.
  • Political Science: A team of researchers conducts a study to investigate voter behavior during an election. They use survey methods to collect data on voting patterns, demographics, and political attitudes, and analyze the results using statistical methods.

How to Conduct Quantitative Research

Here is a general overview of how to conduct quantitative research:

  • Develop a research question: The first step in conducting quantitative research is to develop a clear and specific research question. This question should be based on a gap in existing knowledge, and should be answerable using quantitative methods.
  • Develop a research design: Once you have a research question, you will need to develop a research design. This involves deciding on the appropriate methods to collect data, such as surveys, experiments, or observational studies. You will also need to determine the appropriate sample size, data collection instruments, and data analysis techniques.
  • Collect data: The next step is to collect data. This may involve administering surveys or questionnaires, conducting experiments, or gathering data from existing sources. It is important to use standardized methods to ensure that the data is reliable and valid.
  • Analyze data : Once the data has been collected, it is time to analyze it. This involves using statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and relationships between variables. Common statistical techniques include correlation analysis, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing.
  • Interpret results: After analyzing the data, you will need to interpret the results. This involves identifying the key findings, determining their significance, and drawing conclusions based on the data.
  • Communicate findings: Finally, you will need to communicate your findings. This may involve writing a research report, presenting at a conference, or publishing in a peer-reviewed journal. It is important to clearly communicate the research question, methods, results, and conclusions to ensure that others can understand and replicate your research.

When to use Quantitative Research

Here are some situations when quantitative research can be appropriate:

  • To test a hypothesis: Quantitative research is often used to test a hypothesis or a theory. It involves collecting numerical data and using statistical analysis to determine if the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.
  • To generalize findings: If you want to generalize the findings of your study to a larger population, quantitative research can be useful. This is because it allows you to collect numerical data from a representative sample of the population and use statistical analysis to make inferences about the population as a whole.
  • To measure relationships between variables: If you want to measure the relationship between two or more variables, such as the relationship between age and income, or between education level and job satisfaction, quantitative research can be useful. It allows you to collect numerical data on both variables and use statistical analysis to determine the strength and direction of the relationship.
  • To identify patterns or trends: Quantitative research can be useful for identifying patterns or trends in data. For example, you can use quantitative research to identify trends in consumer behavior or to identify patterns in stock market data.
  • To quantify attitudes or opinions : If you want to measure attitudes or opinions on a particular topic, quantitative research can be useful. It allows you to collect numerical data using surveys or questionnaires and analyze the data using statistical methods to determine the prevalence of certain attitudes or opinions.

Purpose of Quantitative Research

The purpose of quantitative research is to systematically investigate and measure the relationships between variables or phenomena using numerical data and statistical analysis. The main objectives of quantitative research include:

  • Description : To provide a detailed and accurate description of a particular phenomenon or population.
  • Explanation : To explain the reasons for the occurrence of a particular phenomenon, such as identifying the factors that influence a behavior or attitude.
  • Prediction : To predict future trends or behaviors based on past patterns and relationships between variables.
  • Control : To identify the best strategies for controlling or influencing a particular outcome or behavior.

Quantitative research is used in many different fields, including social sciences, business, engineering, and health sciences. It can be used to investigate a wide range of phenomena, from human behavior and attitudes to physical and biological processes. The purpose of quantitative research is to provide reliable and valid data that can be used to inform decision-making and improve understanding of the world around us.

Advantages of Quantitative Research

There are several advantages of quantitative research, including:

  • Objectivity : Quantitative research is based on objective data and statistical analysis, which reduces the potential for bias or subjectivity in the research process.
  • Reproducibility : Because quantitative research involves standardized methods and measurements, it is more likely to be reproducible and reliable.
  • Generalizability : Quantitative research allows for generalizations to be made about a population based on a representative sample, which can inform decision-making and policy development.
  • Precision : Quantitative research allows for precise measurement and analysis of data, which can provide a more accurate understanding of phenomena and relationships between variables.
  • Efficiency : Quantitative research can be conducted relatively quickly and efficiently, especially when compared to qualitative research, which may involve lengthy data collection and analysis.
  • Large sample sizes : Quantitative research can accommodate large sample sizes, which can increase the representativeness and generalizability of the results.

Limitations of Quantitative Research

There are several limitations of quantitative research, including:

  • Limited understanding of context: Quantitative research typically focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the context or underlying factors that influence a phenomenon.
  • Simplification of complex phenomena: Quantitative research often involves simplifying complex phenomena into measurable variables, which may not capture the full complexity of the phenomenon being studied.
  • Potential for researcher bias: Although quantitative research aims to be objective, there is still the potential for researcher bias in areas such as sampling, data collection, and data analysis.
  • Limited ability to explore new ideas: Quantitative research is often based on pre-determined research questions and hypotheses, which may limit the ability to explore new ideas or unexpected findings.
  • Limited ability to capture subjective experiences : Quantitative research is typically focused on objective data and may not capture the subjective experiences of individuals or groups being studied.
  • Ethical concerns : Quantitative research may raise ethical concerns, such as invasion of privacy or the potential for harm to participants.

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Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences pp 27–49 Cite as

Quantitative Research

  • Leigh A. Wilson 2 , 3  
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Quantitative research methods are concerned with the planning, design, and implementation of strategies to collect and analyze data. Descartes, the seventeenth-century philosopher, suggested that how the results are achieved is often more important than the results themselves, as the journey taken along the research path is a journey of discovery. High-quality quantitative research is characterized by the attention given to the methods and the reliability of the tools used to collect the data. The ability to critique research in a systematic way is an essential component of a health professional’s role in order to deliver high quality, evidence-based healthcare. This chapter is intended to provide a simple overview of the way new researchers and health practitioners can understand and employ quantitative methods. The chapter offers practical, realistic guidance in a learner-friendly way and uses a logical sequence to understand the process of hypothesis development, study design, data collection and handling, and finally data analysis and interpretation.

  • Quantitative
  • Epidemiology
  • Data analysis
  • Methodology
  • Interpretation

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Wilson, L.A. (2019). Quantitative Research. In: Liamputtong, P. (eds) Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5251-4_54

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What is quantitative research?

2020-06-30 Market Research

purpose of quantitative research

Quantitative research is the most common research framework in the social sciences. While other research frameworks, such as qualitative research, can be subjective, quantitative research is more objective. It studies processes through numbers, and often, the goal of the research is to produce statistics. The information researchers collect using quantitative methods allows them to perform analyses that can be simple or complex, such as showing the connections made between data, calculating averages or percentages, or using inferential statistics to make generalizations about a large population. Researchers use specific methodologies, such as experiments, questionnaires, and structured observations, to collect the data they use for quantitative research.

Let’s take a closer look at quantitative research methods and data analysis to understand what quantitative research is and how you can use it.

What is the purpose of quantitative research?

Quantitative research aims to help scientists, marketers, and researchers better understand society and people. It often involves the exploration or examination of events or occurrences that affect individuals. An example of quantitative research could involve a hospital that conducts surveys after patients have been admitted and discharged. The surveys’ purpose could be to discover how much time doctors who work at the hospital actually spend with their patients.

Surveys could ask patients research questions about how long their visits with a doctor lasted and how long they spent waiting to be seen. The surveys could also ask patients to rank their overall satisfaction with the care they received on a rating scale from one to 10. The surveys’ goal might be to discover if doctors are spending enough time with patients and how that correlates with the patients’ overall care. Using the data collected in the surveys, the hospital can estimate how much time each physician spends with patients. The hospital may also see a connection between higher patient satisfaction — such as patients giving scores of eight, nine or 10 — and increased patient-physician interaction or shorter wait times.

purpose of quantitative research

Types of quantitative research methods and techniques

Quantitative research design describes how a researcher arranges a study in an attempt to control the variables. At one end of the spectrum is a method to observe and describe data rather than control or manipulate variables. At the opposite end are methods that aim to control variables and establish clear connections between them. The method you might use depends on your overall goals and what you hope to get from your research.

1. Descriptive research

Descriptive research describes situations, circumstances, or variables. The focus of descriptive statistics is the “what” instead of “why.” Usually, descriptive research involves a fair amount of observation. A researcher might ask children to describe how they spent their summer vacation or watch a teacher during a class to see how they explain concepts to students.

When using descriptive research, a scientist isn’t likely to start from a hypothesis. If they develop one at all, it will be after they have collected data. They can then use the data to test the hypothesis through synthesis and analysis. As they collect data, they need to be careful about the variables they measure and the items they study. Descriptive research typically doesn’t end with an explanation of the cause and effect between variables.

Some examples of descriptive research include:

  • A description of teenagers’ alcohol habits:  Researchers can issue surveys asking teens how much they drink, when they drink, and who they drink with. They can conduct the surveys over a period of years to see how teenage alcohol consumption changes with time.
  • A description of how people in assisted-living facilities spend their time:  Researchers can conduct surveys asking people who live or work at assisted-living facilities how much time they spend on certain activities. A researcher might also visit a facility to observe residents and workers, timing their activities.
  • A description of how the housing market in a particular city has changed over the years:  A researcher can collect data on housing prices, sales volume, and time-on-the-market to see how real estate in a city has changed over a defined period, such as the past 10 years. Since the researcher aims to describe the data, they aren’t looking for factors that could have affected homes’ prices, such as economic recessions or new amenities in the city.
  • A description of how opinions on a subject have changed over a period:  Researchers can describe how opinions on a subject, such as climate change or driving while intoxicated, have changed over time. They can collect data by conducting surveys that ask people to rank their feelings or beliefs on a subject on a scale from one to 10. They can follow up with the same people year after year to describe the evolution of opinions.

purpose of quantitative research

2. Correlational research

The goal of correlational research is to examine and determine the relationship between multiple variables or data points. Like descriptive research, correlational research doesn’t attempt to identify a reason for the connection between variables or find a cause for the relationship. Instead, the intent is to discover patterns or trends between the variables by making comparisons. A researcher performing correlational research shouldn’t manipulate or adjust the data.

Examples of correlational research include:

  • An examination of the relationship between depression and diet:  A researcher might ask people to rate their depression on a scale from one to 10 and provide details about what types of food they eat and how much of each food. For example, a researcher might notice a correlation between eating less than one serving of vegetables or fruit each day and more severe depression. They might notice that people who rate their depression as a one or two tend to eat multiple servings of sweets during the day.
  • An examination of the relationship between SAT scores and grades during the first year of college:  A researcher might be curious to see if there is a connection between standardized test scores and grades once a student is in college. They might look at the grades of first-year college students who received scores of 2200 or higher on the SATs to see if there is a relationship.
  • An examination of people’s lifestyle habits and the prevalence of certain diseases:  Researchers can ask people about their lifestyle habits, such as how much alcohol they drink daily or weekly or how many cigarettes they smoke, to see if there is a connection between habits and the prevalence of diseases. People who smoke more might have higher lung cancer rates or more respiratory issues than people who don’t smoke.
  • An examination of types of classroom exercises and the grades students receive:  A researcher might be interested in discovering if there is a connection between the types of exercises a teacher leads in a classroom setting and the grades students earn on tests. The research might measure how much time students spend listening to lectures, performing group work, or working individually, then compare that information to the grades students receive.

purpose of quantitative research

3. Causal-comparative research

Causal-comparative research is also called quasi-experimental research. It has aspects in common with experimentation but can’t be considered a true experiment. The goal of causal-comparative research is to create a cause-and-effect relationship among multiple variables. What sets this type of research apart from true experimentation is that the researchers cannot manipulate the independent variable. Researchers also need to use naturally occurring or pre-existing groups as part of the study and randomly assign individuals to particular groups. Unlike a true experiment, there is no control group during quasi-experimental research.

Examples of quasi-experimental research include:

  • Examining the effect taking vitamins has on children’s school attendance:  A researcher might examine the attendance record of a group of elementary school students who take a multi-vitamin each day to see if the students taking the vitamin are more likely to go to school regularly compared to a group of students who don’t take the vitamin.
  • Examining the connection between gender and scores on math tests:  A researcher might ask students in the same grade to take a math test, then examine the scores the students received to see if one gender scored higher than the other overall.
  • Examining the effect exercise habits have on heart health:  A researcher compares blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels, and resting heart rates of people who exercise daily and people who don’t exercise to see if there is a connection between exercise and heart health.
  • Examining the effect going to preschool has on high school graduation rates:  A researcher might look at preschool attendance rates and compare them to graduation rates later on to see if students who started their education earlier were more likely to finish high school.

One thing to keep in mind with quasi-experimental research is that many other variables, not just the ones studied, can impact the results. Students who take multivitamins might also have other things going on in their lives that cause them to go to school more often, for example. People who exercise and have lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels might have other factors, such as a healthier diet or family history, that make them more likely to have better heart health.

purpose of quantitative research

4. Experimental research

An experimental research approach relies on the scientific method to manipulate and control variables to determine the cause-and-effect relationship. Experiments can take place in lab settings, but researchers can also conduct them in workshops or classrooms. To be considered a true experiment, research needs to have a control group and control over all possible variables except the independent variable, which the researchers manipulate. Participants in the experiment are assigned to a random group rather than self-selected, as they usually are in a quasi-experimental research method.

Examples of experimental research include:

  • Examining the effect of a new medication on chronic illness:  Researchers divide patients with the same illness into three groups. One group receives no treatment, one receives a placebo, and the third receives a new medication. At the end of the experiment, the researchers assess the patients to determine if the new medication was more effective than a placebo or no treatment at all.
  • Examining the effect of personalized instruction on students’ grades:  Researchers divide a class of students into two. Both groups receive in-class instruction. One group also gets an hour of one-on-one tutoring three times a week. At the end of the trial, the students take a test. The researchers examine the students’ grades to see if those who received tutoring performed better than those who didn’t.
  • Examining the effect of race or gender on crime:  Researchers hire actors to pretend to commit a crime in broad daylight, such as stealing a bike or breaking into a car. The experiment’s goal is to determine if bystanders react differently based on the gender or race of the actor.

purpose of quantitative research

Data collection methodologies

Data collection is a critical part of any research study. When you perform quantitative research, you use one or more methods to gather your data.

1. Surveys or questionnaires

A survey or questionnaire asks participants questions to help researchers collect the data they need. Survey questions can be open-ended, such as, “How do you feel after drinking a cup of coffee?” or closed, such as, “How many cups of coffee do you drink daily?: 0-1, 2-3, 4 or more.” Quantitative research surveys usually use closed questions that provide a numerical value as an answer.

Your sampling methods, or how you choose the  people you will survey , are a key part of data collection. You might want to collect surveys from people who fit a certain demographic description or a wider subset of the population. How frequently you collect survey information is also essential. Two general methods of conducting surveys exist:

  • Cross-sectional surveys  gather data from multiple demographic groups at the same point in time. The method lets you compare answers across demographics and also lets you track multiple variables.
  • Longitudinal surveys  gather data from one demographic group at multiple periods. A longitudinal survey might follow up with participants one month later, one year later, and five years later. This type of survey aims to see how habits can change over time or what impact habits have on a particular group of people over the course of months or years.

2. Interviews

Interviews are similar to questionnaires. Instead of having a participant fill out a paper or digital form, the researcher asks the questions while sitting face-to-face with the participant or while they are on the phone. Interviews can be structured, meaning the researcher asks the same questions, in the same order, to everyone who participates. During an unstructured interview, the researcher might ask questions as they think of them or questions in response to what the participant says.

3. Observation

Observation involves watching people and taking note of their behaviors and habits. It’s commonly used to collect qualitative data but can be used to collect quantitative data. For example, a researcher might observe employees leaving work for the day and count those who leave right at 5 p.m., those who leave a bit early and those who stay late. The researcher might observe employees for several days to see if there are patterns or changes when people leave work.

purpose of quantitative research

Advantages of quantitative research

Quantitative research has many advantages for researchers and companies that need to get information on their customers. Some of the benefits of quantitative research include:

  • Reliability:  Quantitative research is objective, meaning the variables and data you collect are reliable and accurate. When you ask someone how many cups of coffee they drink every day, you get a direct, objective answer.
  • Reproducibility:  Since you are collecting numerical or computational data when you perform quantitative research, it’s easy to reproduce the surveys or interviews when needed. Replication is a key component of a quantitative approach.
  • Impartiality:  Numbers and statistics don’t have a bias. There’s no way for a research team to influence the results or otherwise make the results biased when using a quantitative approach.
  • Scalability:  You can scale quantitative research up or down as needed without affecting the quality of the surveys or the data’s validity.

purpose of quantitative research

Disadvantages of quantitative research

Quantitative research might not be the best option in all cases. Some possible drawbacks of the method include:

  • Might not tell the whole story:  The variables you collect through quantitative methods can be superficial or limited. For example, asking people how much coffee they drink doesn’t tell you very much. It can also be the case that other factors you are surveying affect the responses people give.
  • Sample sizes can be small:  Small sample sizes can limit the impact research has. Asking 10 people about their coffee drinking habits won’t give you a good idea of how coffee consumption plays out across the country, for example.
  • Data can be over-manipulated:  It’s possible for the setting of a research study to be manipulated and controlled to such an extent that it affects the accuracy of the results or for a range of other, unaccounted-for variables to affect the study.

Although there can be drawbacks to quantitative research, a well-designed study will account for those drawbacks and seek to eliminate them. For example, ensuring a large sample size and setting representational population parameters can help increase the accuracy of the results.

Secondary quantitative research methods

Secondary data is data someone else has already collected. Secondary research is sometimes called desk research since it involves collecting, summarizing, synthesizing and analyzing existing data rather than collecting data, often to strengthen the results from primary research. Secondary data is available from various sources, including:

  • Universities and colleges
  • Public and private libraries
  • Government institutions
  • Non-government organizations
  • Commercial information sources

What’s the difference between quantitative and qualitative research?

Quantitative research and qualitative research are often compared. While quantitative research focuses on objectivity and numerical values, qualitative research is subjective and values descriptions of feelings or situations. Quantitative research focuses more on establishing measurable (quantifiable) data, while qualitative research is more interpretive and focused on qualities or characteristics.

Some of the data collection methods used during qualitative research are the same as those used during quantitative research, but the end goal is different. A qualitative research study might involve observation and surveys. The survey questions will generally be open-ended. Observation will be to see and describe how people approach situations, rather than counting how frequently they do something.

Another way to look at the difference between quantitative and qualitative research is that one often informs the other — in fact,  they can be used together . Businesses typically perform qualitative research when they want to create a hypothesis. Asking people their opinions on a subject can help a business learn more about its customers’ concerns or the opportunities available to it. The company uses the information gathered to form a hypothesis, which it then tests using quantitative research.

purpose of quantitative research

Learn More About Cint’s Quantitative Research Tools

Quantitative research can help you learn more about your company’s customers, potential customers, and the overall market. Cint connects brands and businesses to the right audience for quantitative research surveys. To learn more about our platform and what we do to ensure the data we collect is high-quality and accurate, contact us today.

purpose of quantitative research

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International Women’s Day 2024. Cint’s Women in leadership share their career insights

International Women’s Day 2024. Cint’s Women in leadership share their career insights

To celebrate International Women's Day, we asked some of our incredible women in leadership share their best career advice.

Insights into International Women’s Day 2024  

Insights into International Women’s Day 2024  

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate wins, raise awareness and get conversations going. We’ve dived into the narrative at Cint by uncovering the insights around International Women’s Day.

Independent study names Cint #1 supplier of accurate survey responses

Independent study names Cint #1 supplier of accurate survey responses

We’re proud to share that Cint, a global leader in market research, emerged as the leader in sample quality for online polls in a third-party study. Sapio Research, a UK market research agency, conducted the study to understand if online surveys are accurate. Sapio surveyed 2,036 UK consumers – representative by age and gender of the UK population.

purpose of quantitative research

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  1. Accounting Nest

    purpose of quantitative research

  2. PPT

    purpose of quantitative research

  3. Purpose of a Quantitative Methodology (With images)

    purpose of quantitative research

  4. Quantitative Research -What Is It, Examples, Methods, Advantages

    purpose of quantitative research

  5. PPT

    purpose of quantitative research

  6. A Guide To Quantitative Research Methods And Types

    purpose of quantitative research

VIDEO

  1. Quantitative research process

  2. What is Quantitative Research

  3. Explorative Research: Purpose of Research

  4. Purpose of Research: Explanatory Research

  5. 6 Quantitative Research Methods

  6. Quantitative and Qualitative research in research psychology

COMMENTS

  1. Quantitative Research

    Purpose of Quantitative Research. The purpose of quantitative research is to systematically investigate and measure the relationships between variables or phenomena using numerical data and statistical analysis. The main objectives of quantitative research include:

  2. Quantitative research

    Quantitative research is a research strategy that focuses on quantifying the collection and analysis of data. It is formed from a deductive approach where emphasis is placed on the testing of theory, shaped by empiricist and positivist philosophies.

  3. Quantitative Research

    The purpose of all quantitative research is to collect data to obtain information about a particular topic or given area of research. Data are observations or measurement of a particular variable. Variables are characteristics of interest in a given population.

  4. What is Quantitative Research

    What is the purpose of quantitative research? Quantitative research aims to help scientists, marketers, and researchers better understand society and people. It often involves the exploration or examination of events or occurrences that affect individuals.

  5. Quantitative Research: What It Is, Practices & Methods -

    In summary, quantitative research involves collecting, analyzing, and presenting quantitative data using statistical analysis. It offers numerous advantages, including the collection of reliable and accurate data, quick data collection, a broader scope of data analysis, and the elimination of bias, making it a valuable approach in the field of ...