research

Quantitative Research

Gathers data in a numerical form which can be categorized, ranked, or measured.

Population

The entire group being studied in a research project.

Sample

A specific group selected from the population for research purposes.

Experiments

Research method that limits reactions and expressions of appropriate social behavior in participants.

Controlled Observation/Questionnaire

Research method that uses ratings or closed questions to produce numerical data.

Descriptive Statistics

Techniques that summarize or describe data.

Inferential Statistics

Methods that take a results from a sample and make inferences about the larger population.

Pearson's r

A measurement of the relationship between two variables.

T-test

A statistical test that determines the differences between the means of two groups.

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)

A statistical method used to compare the means of two or more groups.

Multiple Regression

An analysis that examines the relationship between multiple independent variables and one dependent variable.

Goal of Quantitative Research

To test hypotheses, explore causal relationships, make predictions, and generalize findings within a population.

Generalization

The extent to which findings represent the broader population.

Control Extraneous Variables

A goal of quantitative researchers to minimize interference in experiments.

Objectivity in Research

The aim to conduct research without bias, keeping the researcher separate from the data.

Reality in Quantitative Research

The view that reality is objective and can be observed by anyone, separate from the researcher.

Theory Testing

Research is designed to support or reject existing theories.