Statistical: Quantitative Research

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Quantitative research

This involves systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties


and phenomena and their relationships, by asking a narrow question and
collecting numerical data to analyze it utilizing statistical methods. The
quantitative research designs are experimental, correlational, and survey
(or descriptive).[39] Statistics derived from quantitative research can be
used to establish the existence of associative or causal relationships
between variables. Quantitative research is linked with the philosophical
and theoretical stance of positivism.
The quantitative data collection methods rely on random sampling and
structured data collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into
predetermined response categories.[citation needed] These methods produce results
that are easy to summarize, compare, and generalize.[citation needed] Quantitative
research is concerned with testing hypotheses derived from theory or being
able to estimate the size of a phenomenon of interest.
If the research question is about people, participants may be randomly
assigned to different treatments (this is the only way that a quantitative study
can be considered a true experiment).[citation needed] If this is not feasible, the
researcher may collect data on participant and situational characteristics to
statistically control for their influence on the dependent, or outcome,
variable. If the intent is to generalize from the research participants to a
larger population, the researcher will employ probability sampling to select
participants.[40]
In either qualitative or quantitative research, the researcher(s) may collect
primary or secondary data. Primary data is data collected specifically for the
research, such as through interviews or questionnaires. Secondary data is
data that already exists, such as census data, which can be re-used for the
research. It is good ethical research practice to use secondary data wherever
possible.[41]
Mixed-method research, i.e. research that includes qualitative and
quantitative elements, using both primary and secondary data, is becoming
more common.[42] This method has benefits that using one method alone
cannot offer. For example, a researcher may choose to conduct a qualitative
study and follow it up with a quantitative study to gain additional insights.[43]
Big data has brought big impacts on research methods so that now many
researchers do not put much effort into data collection; furthermore, methods
to analyze easily available huge amounts of data have also been developed.
[44]

Non-empirical research
Non-empirical (theoretical) research is an approach that involves the
development of theory as opposed to using observation and experimentation.
As such, non-empirical research seeks solutions to problems using existing
knowledge as its source. This, however, does not mean that new ideas and
innovations cannot be found within the pool of existing and established
knowledge. Non-empirical research is not an absolute alternative to
empirical research because they may be used together to strengthen a
research approach. Neither one is less effective than the other since they
have their particular purpose in science. Typically empirical research
produces observations that need to be explained; then theoretical research
tries to explain them, and in so doing generates empirically testable
hypotheses; these hypotheses are then tested empirically, giving more
observations that may need further explanation; and so on. See Scientific
method.
A simple example of a non-empirical task is the prototyping of a new drug
using a differentiated application of existing knowledge; another is the
development of a business process in the form of a flow chart and texts
where all the ingredients are from established knowledge. Much
of cosmological research is theoretical in nature. Mathematics research does
not rely on externally available data; rather, it seeks to
prove theorems about mathematical objects.

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