LESSON 1: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH – CHARACTERISTICS, STRENGTH, WEAKNESSES and KINDS

In quantitative research, researchers know in advance what they are looking for.

Quantitative research can be easily misinterpreted because it provides numerical data.

Quantitative research puts emphasis on proof, rather than discovery

Qualitative research requires a large number of respondents. It assumes that the larger the sample is, the more statistically accurate the findings are.

One characteristics of quantitative research is that its method can be repeated to verify findings in another setting, thus, reinforcing validity findings.

In quantitative experiments it filters out external factors, if properly designed, and so the results gained can be seen, as real and unbiased.

Data is in the form of words, pictures or objects.

The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments

It is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers and statistical methods as key research indicators and tools.

It tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic perspective, often studying a single occurrence or small number of occurrences/case studies in great depth.

The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.

Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts, figures, or other non-textual forms.

Emphasis is on discovery rather than proof.

The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population.

It tends to be associated with emergent research design, using a wide range of approaches