Nature and Inquiry of Research — Quantitative Research (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on quantitative research, including definitions of quantitative research, descriptive and correlational methods, philosophies, and strengths/weaknesses.

Quantitative Research

Systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena using mathematics and statistics; involves measurement and numbers; often adopts the scientific method and deductive reasoning.

Descriptive Research

A quantitative approach focused on investigating, measuring, and describing one or more aspects or characteristics of one or more groups, communities, or phenomena.

Correlational Research

Study of relationships between two or more characteristics or variables; can verify or disprove a systematic relationship; does not imply causation.

Positive Correlational

An increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other variable.

Negative Correlational

An increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other variable (inverse relationship).

No Correlational

A change in one variable does not predict a consistent change in the other variable.

Causal-Comparative Research

Also called ex post facto; compares measurable characteristics of two or more groups to infer possible causes after events; non-experimental.

Experimental Research

Researchers manipulate an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable; aims to approximate natural sciences in social settings, often with controls and randomization.

Empiricism

Philosophy that knowledge comes from sensory experience and observation; what cannot be observed with the senses cannot reasonably be studied.

Positivism

Philosophy that authoritative knowledge comes from empirical observation and logical reasoning; emphasizes observable phenomena.

Scientific Method

Systematic sequence of steps: observe a problem, identify it, formulate a hypothesis, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.

Measurement

Process of assigning numbers to observations according to a rule; central to quantification in quantitative research.

Quantification

The act of expressing observations with numbers to enable statistical analysis.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

Generalizable findings with large samples; easier replication; objective data; consistent terminology and procedures; efficient analysis of large numerical datasets.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Some aspects of people and behavior are difficult or impossible to measure; measurement errors; loss of context and nuance; potential misinterpretation if data are not representative.

Objectivity

Relying on observable, measurable evidence and minimizing researcher biases in the study.

Replication

Ability for other researchers to reproduce a study’s methods and results.

Numerical Data

Data expressed in numbers, enabling statistical analysis and comparison.

Variables

Measurable characteristics that can take on different values and be analyzed in a study.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative uses numbers and statistics to test hypotheses; qualitative uses non-numerical data and interpretive analysis, reflecting different problems and philosophies.

Communication of Data

Statistical terminology and procedures are relatively consistent across disciplines, aiding clear communication of results.