Quantitative research is a research method that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to describe or explain hypotheses or predict and, sometimes, control phenomena of interest, using a structured and objective approach, which involves the study of variables to determine relationships cause effect.
Quantitative research is one of the research methodologies more implemented, since it allows knowing, explaining or interpreting a reality objectively, using numerical data as a base to reach a conclusion or result.
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Well, through the quantification of data, a solid basis can be obtained to issue a reliable result on the proposed hypothesis; Therefore, the quantitative approach is widely used in various disciplines, companies, for example, They often use it for market research and the development of marketing strategists, among other things. areas.
Let's see what this methodology is about, through 12 practical examples of quantitative research.
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In this article you will find:
What is a quantitative research?
The Quantitative investigation is a research method focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to describe, explain, predict, and sometimes control phenomena of interest. It is a form of structured and objective research that involves testing hypotheses.
quantitative research uses data collection methodssuch as surveys and experiments, and statistical data analysis techniques to reach conclusions or discoveries.
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Through this type of research, the findings of a sample studied can be generalized to a larger population.
Hernández, Fernández and Batista argue that the Quantitative approach Uses data collection to test hypotheses based on measurement numerical and statistical analysis, in order to establish behavior patterns and test theories.” (p. 4)
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In this sense, quantitative research is a research alternative that allows collecting and analyzing data based on statistical procedures, leaving aside the subjectivities and influences of the researcher himself, which makes this an alternative of more reliable than the qualitative research.
Quantitative research characteristics
Some of the key features of quantitative research are:
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- Data is presented in numerical form and statistical methods are used to analyze the data.
- It is used to confirm or refute a pre-existing theory or hypothesis.
- The investigator is generally separate from the investigation and uses objective methods of data collection.
- It is objective, the data collected are based on precise and exact measurements that are not influenced by the emotions or personal interpretations of the researcher.
- Quantitative Research Results can be replicated and verified.
- Experiments are used that involve the control of variables to determine cause-effect relationships.
- It is generally more structured than qualitative research.
- Applies data collection methods such as, surveys, controlled experiments, observations, and review of existing records.
It is important to note that quantitative and qualitative research are not mutually exclusive and are often used together in what is known as mixed methods research.
12 Examples of Quantitative Research
Any research that can be measured and quantified is considered quantitative research, as outlined in the following examples:
Study of the prevalence of obesity in children
Researchers might want to know what percentage of children in a specific region are considered obese.
To do this, they could carry out quantitative research in which they measure the height and weight of a representative sample of children in that region, and then use that data to calculate each child's body mass index, the results of which can be generalized to the entire population of children in that region.
Investigation of the effect of a new drug in cancer patients
Researchers might conduct a controlled clinical trial in which one group of patients receives the new drug and another group receives a placebo; They collect numerical data on the effectiveness of the drug in terms of reducing cancer symptoms and analyze the results for improvements in quality of life.
Customer satisfaction survey
A company may want to know how satisfied its customers are with its products or services, they might distribute a survey that uses a numerical rating scale to measure customer satisfaction customer; the data collected would allow the company to quantify the level of customer satisfaction.
Study of correlation between smoking and lung disease
Researchers could collect data on the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the presence of lung disease in a sample of individuals.
They could then use statistical techniques to determine if there is a correlation between smoking and lung disease.
Research on the dropout rate
A researcher might be interested in knowing the dropout rate in a specific city. You could collect numerical data on the number of students who drop out of school before graduation and analyze this data to determine the dropout rate.
Psychology experiment on memory
A psychologist might conduct an experiment to examine the effect of repetition on memory retention.
The participants could be divided into two groups, with one group repeating a list of words a certain number of times, while the other group does not repeat the list; Data on how many words each participant remembers after a period of time would be collected and analyzed to determine the effect of repetition on memory.
Analysis of the relationship between income and educational level
A socioeconomic study could investigate the relationship between educational level and income of a population. Researchers could collect data on education and income from a representative sample and then analyze the relationship between these two variables.
Evaluation of the impact of a training program on job performance
A company might implement a new training program and want to evaluate its impact on the job performance of employees. Researchers could collect data on performance before and after the implementation of the program, and analyze whether there are significant improvements.
Research on the incidence of heart disease in different demographic groups
Researchers might be interested in learning how the incidence of heart disease varies in different age groups, genders, and ethnicities. They could collect data from medical records and perform an analysis to determine if there are significant differences in the incidence of heart disease between the different groups demographics
Study on the effectiveness of a vaccination campaign
Researchers might want to assess the impact of a vaccination campaign on the spread of a disease.
They could collect data on the number of people vaccinated and the number of cases of the disease before and after the campaign, and analyze this data to determine the effectiveness of the campaign.
Study on student performance according to study hours
A study could be carried out to investigate whether there is a relationship between the hours students spend studying and their grades. Researchers could collect data on hours studied and grades earned, and then analyze whether there is a correlation between the two variables.
Market research on consumer preferences
A company looking to launch a new product might conduct quantitative research to determine which features are most attractive to consumers. They can use surveys with multiple choice questions and rating scales to collect data.
Bibliographic references
- Hernandez Sampieri, R. Fernndez Collado, C. and Baptista Lucio P. (2014). Investigation methodology. Sixth edition. McGRAW-HILL / INTERAMERICANA EDITORES, S.A. DE C.V.Mexico D.F.
