Quantitative Research – Key Vocabulary

These vocabulary flashcards cover the essential terms, characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and types of quantitative research presented in your lecture notes.

Quantitative Research

A research approach that uses numerical data to describe phenomena or infer relationships and test hypotheses.

Variable

A measurable trait or characteristic that can vary and is used to describe or give meaning to an object, phenomenon, or group.

Independent Variable

The variable that researchers deliberately manipulate in an experiment to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The variable that responds to changes in the independent variable; the outcome being measured.

Controllability

A characteristic of quantitative research in which all relevant variables are identified and kept constant except for those being studied.

Generalizability

The extent to which research findings based on a sample can be applied to the larger population.

Objectivity

The use of observable, measurable data collected with structured instruments, minimizing researcher bias.

Replicability

The ability of other researchers to repeat a study and obtain similar results.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

Include statistical data analysis, capability for large-scale studies, and presentation of findings in tables or graphs.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Require large samples and expert statistical skills; may oversimplify complex phenomena by reducing them to numbers.

Experimental Research

A quantitative design that manipulates independent variables to establish cause-effect relationships.

Nonexperimental Research

Quantitative studies that do not manipulate variables but describe or analyze existing conditions.

True Experimental Research

An experimental design using random sampling to determine causal relationships between variables.

Quasi-Experimental Research

Similar to experimental research but uses assigned (non-random) groups, limiting causal conclusions.

Descriptive Research

A nonexperimental design focused on describing factors, variables, or phenomena as they naturally occur.

Comparative Research (Causal-Comparative)

A design comparing two or more groups to explore possible cause-effect links without manipulation.

Correlational Research

A design that measures two variables to determine the strength and direction of their relationship.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the connection between variables in a study.

Random Sampling

A selection method giving every member of a population an equal chance to be included, used in true experiments.

Assigned Sampling

Grouping participants based on existing traits (e.g., height) rather than random selection, typical in quasi-experiments.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistical tools such as mean, median, and mode used to summarize data sets.

Cause-Effect Relationship

A connection where a change in one variable (cause) directly produces a change in another (effect).

Sample Size

The number of observations or participants in a study; larger sizes enhance generalizability.

Statistical Analysis

The application of statistical methods to interpret quantitative data and draw conclusions.