Understanding Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research

Involves counting or measuring data.

Statistical Tests

Applied to detect or confirm trends.

Purpose of Research

To obtain precise, accurate results.

Questionnaire

A popular tool for quantitative research.

Quantitative Data

Presented through numerical parameters and statistics.

Systematic Investigation

Organized approach to studying phenomena.

Controlled Research

Minimizes variables to ensure valid results.

Empirical Research

Based on observed and measured phenomena.

Analytical Research

Involves breaking down data for understanding.

Objective Research

Unbiased and logical approach to findings.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon.

Good Research Characteristics

Includes systematic, controlled, and empirical methods.

Researcher Qualities

Traits like efficient, creative, and reliable.

Questionnaire Survey Steps

Define problem, develop and pretest questionnaire.

Mail Questionnaire

Sent via postal service to respondents.

Web-based Questionnaire

Administered online for data collection.

Interview Questionnaire

Conducted through direct interaction with respondents.

Questionnaire Advantages

Broad coverage and anonymous responses.

Questionnaire Disadvantages

May have low response rates and unclear questions.

Factual Questions

Gather demographic or experience-related data.

Informative Questions

Assess knowledge about specific topics.

Attitudinal Questions

Gauge beliefs and feelings of respondents.

Self-perception Questions

Compare personal views with others' actions.

Standard of Action Questions

Predict future behaviors in specific situations.

Projective Questions

Indirectly assess feelings through others' perspectives.

Structured Questions

Provide fixed responses for easier analysis.

Unstructured Questions

Allow open-ended responses for exploration.

Dichotomous Questions

Offer two response options, like yes/no.

Multiple Choice Questions

Respondents select from several options.

Contingency Questions

Determine eligibility for subsequent questions.

Likert-type Scale

Ranks responses on a continuum of opinions.

Semantic Differential Scale

Uses bipolar adjectives for rating performance.

Rank-order Scale

Respondents rank preferences or importance.

Question Placement

Order questions to build trust and flow.

Opening Questions

Start with easy, non-threatening inquiries.

Sensitive Questions

Ask after establishing respondent trust.

Personal Data Questions

Collect demographic information for analysis.