Quantitative Research Reflection

A500.7.3.RB SchmidtSandra Quantitative Research Reflection

 

The topic of quantitative research has been studied for many years. There are many definitions give to the topic. Creswell (1994) defined quantitative research as a type of research that is explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics)”.

Key elements of quantitative research are:

1. Explaining the phenomena

2. Collecting numerical data

3. Analyzing using mathematically based methods (statistics)

In my literature research it appears that the core of quantitative research is gathering data (numerical) to explain phenomenon. Quantitative research seeks to answer why something occurs. 

Another key element to quantitative research is the use of the most appropriate data collections instruments and research design.

There are several types of research designs and associated methods that can be used and they include: survey, correlation all, experimental and casual-comparative.

 

According to an article titled Fundamentals of quantitative research (Sukamolson 2007) there are several advantages of quantitative research and they include 1) estimates of large populations 2) provides extensiveness of attitudes of people, 3) results can be converted into statistics, 4) provides precision, 5) measures occurrences and 6) can quantify responses.

The research process involves the following steps (Mamia):

1.      Develop Research Idea

2.      Conduct Literature Review

3.      Create theoretical formulation of research problem

4.      Develop empirical research questions

5.      Complete Research Design

6.      Collect the data

7.      Analyze the data

8.      Answer the empirical research questions

9.      Complete theoretical interpretations of the results

10.  Compare results with earlier research

11.  Draw conclusions. 

There is a new paradigm in the thinking around quantitative and qualitative research. The research suggests that the use of both qualitative and quantitative yields more in depth research results. (Goethals, MacGregor, Soreson 2004).  The suggested steps listed above can be used with both methods.

 

References

 

Creswell, J.W., (1994)  Research Design:  Qualitative and quantitative approaches, London: SAGE Publications

Goethals, G., MacGregor J., Soreson, G., (2004)  Qualitative Leadership, Encyclopedia of Leadership, London: SAGE Publication Retrieved from http://wagner.nyu.edu/leadership/publications/files/Qualitative_Research.pdf

Mamia, Tero  Quantitative Research Methods, General Studies ISS

Sukamolson, S. (2007). Fundamentals of quantitative research. Retrived from http://www. culi.chula.ac.th