Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns, relationships, or causality. It is often used to test hypotheses or generalize findings to a larger population.
Common Methods:
- Experiments:
- How to use: Manipulate one or more independent variables to observe their effect on a dependent variable, while controlling for extraneous variables.
- Example: Testing the effect of a new drug on blood pressure by randomly assigning participants to treatment and control groups.
- Surveys/Questionnaires:
- How to use: Distribute structured questionnaires to a sample population to collect data on attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics.
- Example: Conducting a survey to measure customer satisfaction with a product.
- Longitudinal Studies:
- How to use: Collect data from the same subjects over an extended period to observe changes or trends.
- Example: Tracking the academic performance of students over 10 years.
- Cross-sectional Studies:
- How to use: Collect data from a population at a single point in time to analyze relationships between variables.
- Example: Studying the relationship between income and health outcomes in a specific year.
- Secondary Data Analysis:
- How to use: Analyze existing datasets (e.g., government statistics, organizational records) to answer new research questions.
- Example: Using census data to study population demographic