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M AY 1 6 , 2 0 2 2 B Y A D M I N

Strengths and Weaknesses of

Quantitative Research

A
t the outset, it must be noted that when we
talk about the “strengths” of quantitative
research, we do not necessarily mean that it
is better than qualitative research; nor we say that it
is inferior to qualitative research if we talk about its
weaknesses. Hence, these strengths and
weaknesses depend only on a specific purpose they
serve, such as in terms of the problems or gaps that
it aims to address or in terms of the time needed to
complete the research. This means, therefore, that
quantitative research is better than qualitative
research only in some respects, and vice versa.

So, what are some of the major strengths of

quantitative research?

First, in terms of objectivity and accuracy. If the

issue is about objectivity and accuracy, then
quantitative research is strong and more preferrable
because, as we may already know, quantitative
research explains phenomena according to
numerical data which are analyzed by means of
mathematically based methods, especially statistics.
In this way, biases are reduced to the minimum and
analysis and interpretations are more objective and
accurate. In fact, another important point to
remember in quantitative research is that it is
informed by objectivist epistemology. This means
that quantitative research seeks to develop
explanatory universal laws, for example, in social
behaviors, by statistically measuring what it
assumes to be a static reality. In relative vein, a
quantitative approach endorses the view that
psychological and social phenomena have an
objective reality that is independent of the subject,
that is, the knower or the researcher and the known
or subjects are viewed as relatively separate and
independent. Hence, in quantitative research, reality
should be studied objectively by the researchers
who should put a distance between themselves and
what is being studied. In other words, in quantitative
research, the researcher lets the “object” speaks for
itself by objectively describing rather than giving
opinions about it. This explains why quantitative
researchers are supposed to play a neutral role in
the research process. Hence, the meaning
participants ascribe to the phenomenon studied is
largely ignored in quantitative studies.

Second, in terms of sample size. It must be noted

that a broader study can be made with quantitative
approach, which involves more subjects and
enabling more generalizations of results. In fact,
scholars and researchers argue that one major
advantage of quantitative research is that it allows
researchers to measure the responses of a large
number of participants to a limited set of questions.
Also, quantitative methods and procedures allow the
researchers to obtain a broad and generalizable set
of findings from huge sample size and present them
succinctly and parsimoniously.

Third, in terms of efficiency in data gathering. In

terms of data gathering, quantitative research allows
researchers to use a pre-constructed standardized
instrument or pre-determined response categories
into which the participants’ varying perspectives and
experiences are expected to fit. Hence, data
gathering in quantitative research is faster and
easier. In fact, data gathering in quantitative research
can be automated via digital or mobile surveys
which, for example, allows thousands of interviews
to take place at the same time across multiple
countries. As we can see, data gathering in
quantitative research is efficient and requires less
effort.

And fourth, in terms of cost efficiency. Since data

gathering in quantitative research is efficient and
requires less effort, then obviously, the cost of
someone conducting quantitative research is
typically far less than in qualitative research.

So much for the major strengths of quantitative

research. Let me now discuss very briefly its major
weaknesses.

First is that results in quantitative research are

less detailed. Since results are based on numerical
responses, then there is a big possibility that most
results will not offer much insight into thoughts and
behaviors of the respondents or participants. In this
way too, results may lack proper context.

Second, because quantitative research puts too

much emphasis on objectivity and accuracy, it
does not consider meaning behind phenomena.
Needles to say, in every phenomenon, there are
always important points that cannot be fully
captured by statistics or mathematical
measurements. Indeed, not all phenomena can be
explained by numbers alone.

Third is on the issue of artificiality. Quantitative

research can be carried out in an unnatural
environment so that controls can be applied. This
means that results in quantitative research may differ
from “real world” findings.

Fourth is that in quantitative research, there is a

possibility of an improper representation of the
target population. Improper representation of the
target population might hinder the researcher from
achieving its desired aims and objectives. Despite
the application of an appropriate sampling plan, still
representation of the subjects is dependent on the
probability distribution of observed data. As we can
see, this may lead to miscalculation of probability
distribution and falsity in proposition.

Fifth, quantitative research is limiting. Quantitative

research employs pre-set answers which might ask
how people really behave or think, urging them to
select an answer that may not reflect their true
feelings. Also, quantitative research method
involves structured questionnaire with close-ended
questions which leads to limited outcomes outlined
in the research proposal. In this way, the results,
expressed in a generalized form, cannot always
represent the actual occurrence or phenomenon.

And sixth is the difficulty in data analysis.

Quantitative studies require extensive statistical
analysis, which can be difficult to perform for
researchers from non-statistical backgrounds.
Statistical analysis is based on scientific discipline
and, hence, difficult for non-mathematicians to
perform. Also, quantitative research is a lot more
complex for social sciences, education, sociology,
and psychology. Effective response should depend
on the research problem rather than just a simple
yes or no response. For example, to understand the
level of motivation perceived by Grade 12 students
from the teaching approach taken by their class
teachers, mere “yes” and “no” might lead to
ambiguity in data collection and, hence, improper
results. Instead, a detailed interview or focus group
technique might develop in-depth views and
perspectives of both the teachers and children.

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Q U A N T I TAT I V E R E S E A R C H S T R E N G T H S A N D
WEAKNESSES, STRENGTHS AND
W E A K N E S S E S O F Q U A N T I TAT I V E R E S E A R C H

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ABOUT PHILO-NOTES

PHILO-notes provides free online learning materials

in philosophy, particularly in Introduction to
Philosophy of the Human Person (IPHP), Ethics,
Logic, Understanding the Self, and other sub-
branches in philosophy. PHILO-notes also provides
learning materials in social sciences, arts, and
research.

ABOUT PHILO-NOTES

PHILO-notes provides free online learning materials

in philosophy, particularly in Introduction to
Philosophy of the Human Person (IPHP), Ethics,
Logic, Understanding the Self, and other sub-
branches in philosophy. PHILO-notes also provides
learning materials in social sciences, arts, and
research.

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