Quantitative

Research
Definition, Characteristics and Purpose
Contents

Definition of Quantitative Research

Purpose of Quantitative Research

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Definition
It emphasizes objective
measurements and the
statistical, mathematical, or The final written report has a
numerical analysis of data set structure consisting of
collected through polls, introduction, literature and
questionnaires, and theory, methods, results,
surveys, or by manipulating and discussion.
Quantitative research
pre-existing statistical data
focuses on gathering
using computational
numerical data and
techniques.
generalizing it across groups
of people or to explain a Reporting
particular phenomenon. Quantitative
Methodology Results
Nature
Purpose of Quantitative
Research

classify features Generate knowledge

and create
count understanding about
the social and
construct statistical scientific world. 
models
Characteristics

Data are in the form of numbers and statistics,

1 often arranged in tables, charts, figures, or other
non-textual forms.

The researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires 2

or computer software, to collect numerical data.

The data is usually gathered using structured

3 research instruments.

The research study can usually be replicated or

repeated, given its high reliability. 4
Characteristics

The researcher has a clearly defined research

5
question to which objective answers are sought.

Project can be used to generalize concepts more

widely, predict future results, or investigate causal 6
relationships.

All aspects of the study are carefully designed

7 before data is collected.

The results are based on larger sample sizes

8
that are representative of the population.
Thank You!
 References
Babbie, Earl R. The Practice of Social Research. 12th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Cengage, 2010;
Brians, Craig Leonard et al. Empirical Political Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative
Research Methods. 8th ed. Boston, MA: Longman, 2011
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches. Sage publications.
McNabb, David E. Research Methods in Public Administration and Nonprofit
Management: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. 2nd ed. Armonk, NY: M.E.
Sharpe, 2008
Muijs, Daniel. Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS. 2nd edition. London:
SAGE Publications, 2010.
Quantitative Research Methods. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University
Singh, Kultar. Quantitative Social Research Methods. Los Angeles, CA: Sage, 2007.
Next Topic…