Quantitative research methods - 1913 Words

Quantitative Research Methods Quantitative means quantity which implies that there is something that can be counted. Quantitative research has been defined in many ways. It is the kind of research that involves the tallying, manipulation or systematic aggregation of quantities of data (Henning, 1986) John W. Creswell defined quantitative research as an inquiry into a social or human problem based on testing a theory composed a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers, and analysed with statistical procedures in order to determine whether the predictive generalisations of the theory holds true. (Creswell, 2003) On the other hand, another author defined quantitative research as the collection of numerical data in order to†¦show more content†¦Nowadays this is carried out with the aid of sophisticated statistical computer packages. The analysis enables the researcher to determine to what extent, there is a relationship between two or more variables. This could be a simple association (for example people who exercise on a daily basis have lower blood pressure) or a causal relationships (for example daily exercise actually leads to lower blood pressure) Statistical analysis permits the researcher to discover complex causal relationships and to determine to what extent one variable influences another. The results of statistical analysis are presented in a standard way, the end result being a Probability value. Reasons for selecting a quantitative paradigm Researcher’s world view A researcher’s comfort with ontological, epistemological, axiological, rhetorical, and methodological assumptions of the quantitative paradigm Training and Experience of the researcher Technical Writing Skills, computer statistical skills, library skills Researcher’s Psychological attributes Comfort with rules and guidelines for conducting research; low tolerance for ambiguity; time for a study short duration Nature of the problem Previously studied by other researchers so that body of literature exists, known variables; existing theories Audience of the study Individuals accustomed to/ supportive of quantitative studies Peculiarities of QuantitativeShow MoreRelatedQuantitative And Quantitative Research Methods1520 Words   |  7 PagesResearch is a process that is systematic and gathers, analyzes and interprets data collected about a specific subject with the objective of better understanding and meeting a goal (Leedy Ormond, 2010). Before initiating the research process the researchers need to have a clear understanding of the question and the goal of what is going to be studied or investigated. The development of a plan designed with specific methods needs to be included to acquire relevant data. The research should be guidedRead MoreResearch Methods Of Quantitative Research1087 Words   |  5 Pages Week 2 Assignment Adam Morrison PSY 326 Research Methods Jessica Lee Qualitative researchers are focused on interpreting and making sense out of what they observe rather than trying to simplify and quantify these observations by collecting and observing people, places and things in their natural setting. In doing this, researchers are able to investigate hypothesis with more freedom and rigidity while accepting the fact that they relinquish their ability to control direct and indirectRead MoreQuantitative Research Methods For Research1077 Words   |  5 PagesQuantitative research methods are typically concerned with measuring criminological or criminal justice reality. There are a number of different quantitative research methods available to researchers, most of which fall under the rubric of a research design, which can be defined as the plan for a study that includes the exploratory, descriptive, explanatory and evaluative of an investigation. Purpose of exploratory research is to identify context, issues and concerns whereas descriptive is to p rovideRead MoreQualitative And Quantitative Research Methods936 Words   |  4 PagesQualitative and quantitative research methods are two alternative applications for research methods. Both are very different in how data is collected, what data is collected, and how data is measured. Both of these research methods are utilized amongst the major areas of psychology and the social sciences. This paper will provide a brief description of qualitative and quantitative methods, provide the differences between the two approaches along with the terminology used for both; I will alsoRead MoreQuantitative And Qualitative Research Methods Essay1850 Words   |  8 Pages3.2 Research Methods â€Å"Quantitative and Qualitative† were the two principal approaches in psychological research currently (Bavelas, 1998). Quantitative research is concerned with applying statistical approaches to test hypotheses. Statistical methods are to consider as the analysis of data, it normally concerned with â€Å"probabilistic model† as a background. (Sibson, 1999), the prominent characteristic of probabilistic model is as the analysis of data was collected, which is considered about â€Å"mean,Read MoreQuantitative And Qualitative Research Methods Essay1218 Words   |  5 Pagesindividuals are confused about or not aware of the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods. Some think those terms can be used interchangeably. Describe the key features (up to 5) that distinguish quantitative research from qualitative research. Provide examples to demonstrate your main points. Firstly, qualitative and quantitative research methods are used for different purposes. Quantitative methods try to explain and make predictions, confirm and validate an existingRead MoreQuantitative And Qualitative Research Methods871 Words   |  4 Pagessociology, researchers can use a different range of research methods to acquire new data. The various forms of research methods include surveys, ethnomethodology, experiments and documentary research. A common distinction is often made in sociology between quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative methods intend to measure social phenomena by using mathematical methods and statistical analysis. On the other hand, qualitative methods mean to collect rich, detailed data, allowing forRead Morequalitative and quantitative research methods1823 Words   |  8 PagesPsychological Research Methods: Exploring Qualitative and Quantitative Research In psychology, answers to our questions are not as succinct as in other types of sciences, and the findings essentially depend upon the underlying epistemology used. This essay seeks to define and examine the fields of qualitative and quantitative research. It will address the different epistemologies and methodologies of each paradigm, and aim to give you a brief overview of the two main research methodsRead MoreMethodology And Methods Of Quantitative Research1627 Words   |  7 Pagescollects the grouped primary research data by way of responding to the research topic in the most appropriate manner. Notions and philosophies that emphasize the right procedures are taken into account in the way of effecting judicious methodology. The methodology area identifies, clarifies and explains the approaches that will be taken to lead primary research and confirms any misunderstanding, or contradicts what has been discovered in the literature review. The word â€Å"Methods â€Å" denotes the measuresRead MoreQualitative Quantitative Research Methods1047 Words   |  5 PagesQualitative amp; Quantitative Research Methods PSY 326 Dr. Willow Aureala March 29, 2011 Qualitative amp; Quantitative Research Methods There are two types of research methods: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research methods are complex meaningful analyses characterized by processes and meanings that are not measured in terms of mathematical measurements. Quantitative research however, relies and builds on mathematical procedures and methods, such as frequency, quality, amount