Quantitative methods

Quantitative methods

1. objective measurements

   • statistical
     • numerical analysis of data collected
       • polls
         • questionnaires
           • surveys
             • gathering numerical data
               • generalizing it across groups of people
                 • explain phenomenon.

2. Characteristics

   • determine
     • relationship
       • independent variable
         • dependent or outcome variable
   • The data
     • gathered using structured research instruments
     • form of numbers and statistics,
       • arranged in tables
         • charts, figures, or other non-textual forms
   • Quantitative research designs
     • descriptive
       • subjects usually measured once
     • experimental
       • subjects measured before and after a treatment
   • The results are base
     • larger sample sizes
       • representative of the population
   • Researcher
     • clearly defined research questio
       • objective answers are sought

3. When reporting the results

   • To keep in mind
     • Explain the data collected
       • all relevant results in relation to the research problem
     • Report unanticipated events
       • Explain how the actual analysis differs from the planned analysis.
     • Explain the techniques
       • used to "clean" your data set
     • Choose a minimally sufficient statistical procedure
       • provide a rationale for its use and a reference for it
     • Describe the assumptions
       • for each procedure and the steps you took to ensure that they were not violated
     • When using inferential statistics
       • provide the descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and sample sizes for each variable as well as the value of the test statistic, its direction, the degrees of freedom, and the significance level
     • Avoid inferring causality
       • particularly in nonrandomized designs or without further experimentation
     • Use tables to provide exact values
       • use figures to convey global effects. Keep figures small in size; include graphic representations of confidence intervals whenever possible.

4. Research Quantitative

   • descriptive study
     • subjects are generally measured once
     • establish associations between variables
     • a sample population of hundreds or thousands
   • experimental study
     • subjects measured before and after a particular treatment
     • The sample population may be very small and purposefully chosen

5. Phases of the methodology

   • Methodology
     • should describe how each objective of your study will be achieved
       • Study population and sampling
         • describe the procedures for processing and analyzing the data
       • Data collection
         • describe the tools and methods used to collect information and identify the variables being measured
       • Data analysis
         • where did the data come from; how robust is it
   • Introduction
     • Identifies the research problem
       • state clearly and concisely the research problem being investigated
     • Reviews the literature
       • review scholarship on the topic, synthesizing key themes and, if necessary, noting studies that have used similar methods of inquiry and analysis.
     • Describes the theoretical framework
       • Provide an outline of the theory or hypothesis underpinning your study. If necessary, define unfamiliar or complex terms, concepts, or ideas
   • Results
     • The finding of your study should be written objectively and in a succinct and precise format
       • Statistical analysis
         • Describe but do not interpret these trends or negative results
   • Discussion
     • Interpretation of results
       • Description of trends, comparison of groups, or relationships among variables
         • Discussion of implications
           • Limitations
   • Conclusion
     • To summarizing the topic and provide a final comment and assessment of the study

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