Quantitative Research Fundamentals

Flashcards covering the definition, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of quantitative research as presented in the lecture.

Quantitative research

A research method that focuses on collecting and analyzing data in numerical form, involving structured surveys, experiments, or other formal instruments to gather data from a sample population.

Objective

A characteristic of quantitative research where the researcher remains neutral, minimizes personal biases, and aims to measure and analyze variables in a systematic manner.

Numerical Data

Data collected in a format that allows for statistical analysis and measurement.

Large Sample Size

Often involved in quantitative research to ensure the findings have generalizability and representativeness.

Structured Research Process

The use of a systematic procedure that spans from initial problem identification to final data analysis.

Statistical Analysis

The processing of data using mathematical and statistical techniques, including tests like T-tests, One-way ANOVA, Correlation Tests, and Regression Tests.

High Replicability

A characteristic that allows the quantitative method to be repeated to verify findings, enhancing validity and ensuring conclusions are not false or immature.

Objectivity

One of the five identified strengths of quantitative research, focusing on neutrality and lack of bias.

Generalizability

A strength of quantitative research that allows results obtained from a sample to be applied to the broader population.

Causality

The ability of quantitative research to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

Depth of Exploration

A weakness of quantitative research, as it often lacks the necessary data to explore a problem or concept deeply.

Human Experiences

Contextual information that quantitative research fails to explain comprehensively, including certain feelings and beliefs.

Limited Responses

A weakness where participants are restricted to choosing only from given responses in a structured instrument.

Cost of Large Sample Size

A weakness where the requirement for a significant number of participants makes data collection more costly.