Quantitative Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples

What is Quantitative Research?

Quantitative Research Definition: Quantitative research, is defined as a systematic
investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable data and performing statistical,
mathematical or computational techniques. Quantitative research gathers information from
existing and potential customers using sampling methods and sending out online surveys,
online polls, questionnaires etc., the results of which can be depicted in the form of
numericals. After careful understanding of these numbers to predict the future of a product or
service and make changes accordingly.

An example of quantitative research is, the survey conducted to understand the amount of
time a doctor takes to tend to a patient when the patient walks into the hospital. A patient
satisfaction survey template can be administered to ask questions like how much time did a
doctor take to see a patient, how often does the patient walk into a hospital and other such
questions. 

Quantitative research is mostly conducted in social sciences using the statistical methods used
above to collect quantitative data from the research study. In this research method,
researchers and statisticians deploy mathematical frameworks and theories that pertain to the
quantity under question.

Quantitative research templates are objective, elaborate and many a times, are investigational
in nature. The results achieved from this research method are logical, statistical and unbiased.
Data collection happens using a structured method and conducted on larger samples which
represent the entire population.

Quantitative Research Methods: Types with Examples

As mentioned above, quantitative research is data oriented. There are two methods to conduct
quantitative research. They are:

Primary Quantitative Research Methods

There are four different types of quantitative research methods:

Primary quantitative research is the most widely used method of conducting market research.
The distinct feature of primary research is that the researcher focuses on collecting data
directly rather than depending on data collected from previously done research. Primary
quantitative research can be broken down into 3 further distinctive tracks as well as the
process flow. They are:

A. Techniques and Types of Studies

There are multiple types of primary quantitative research. They can be distinguished into the
four following distinctive methods, which are:
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1. Survey Research:

Survey Research is the most fundamental tool for all quantitative research methodologies and
studies. Surveys used to ask questions to a sample of respondents, using various types such as
such as online polls, online surveys, paper questionnaires, web-intercept surveys etc. Every
small and big organization intends to understand what their customers think about their
products and services, how well are new features faring in the market and other such details.

By conducting survey research, an organization can ask multiple survey questions, collect
data from a pool of customers and analyze this collected data to produce numerical results. It
is the first step towards collecting data for any research.

This type of research can be conducted with a specific target audience group and also can be
conducted across multiple groups along with comparative analysis. A prerequisite for this
type of research is that the sample of respondents must have randomly selected members.
This way, a researcher can easily maintain the accuracy of the obtained results as a huge
variety of respondents will be addressed using random selection. Traditionally, survey
research was conducted face-to-face or via phone calls but with the progress made by online
mediums such as email or social media, survey research has spread to online mediums as
well.

Traditionally, survey research was conducted face-to-face or via phone calls but with the
progress made by online mediums such as email or social media, survey research has spread
to online mediums as well.

There are two types of surveys, either of which can be chosen on the basis of the time in-hand
and the type of data required: 

Cross-sectional surveys: Cross-sectional surveys are observational surveys, conducted in

situations where the researcher intends to collect data from a sample of the target population
at a given point in time. Researchers can evaluate various variables at a particular time. Data
gathered using this type of survey is from people who depict similarity in all variables except
the variables which is considered for research. All throughout the survey, this one variable
will stay constant.

 Cross-sectional surveys are popular with retail, SMEs, healthcare industries.

Information is garnered without modifying any parameters in the variable ecosystem.
 Using cross-sectional survey research method, multiple samples can be analyzed and
compared.
 Multiple variables can be evaluated using this type of survey research.
 The only disadvantage of cross-sectional surveys is that the cause-effect relationship
of variables cannot be established as it usually evaluates variables at a particular time
period and not across a continuous time frame.

Longitudinal surveys: Longitudinal surveys are also observational surveys but, unlike cross-
sectional surveys, longitudinal surveys are conducted across various time durations in order
to observe a change in respondent behavior and thought-processes. This time period can be
days, months, years or even decades. For instance, a researcher planning to analyze the
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change in buying habits of teenagers over a period of 5 years will conduct longitudinal
surveys.

 In cross-sectional surveys, the same variables were evaluated at a given point in time
and in longitudinal surveys, different variables can be analyzed at different intervals
of time.
 Longitudinal surveys are extensively used in the field of medicine and applied
sciences. Apart from these two fields, they are also used to observe a change in
market trend, analyze customer satisfaction or gain feedback on products/services.
 In situations where the sequence of events is highly important, longitudinal surveys
are used.
 Researchers say that when there are research subjects that need to be thoroughly
inspected before drawing conclusions, they rely on longitudinal surveys.

2. Correlational Research:

Comparison between two entities is invariable. Correlation research is conducted to establish

a relationship between two closely knit entities and how one impacts the other and what are
the changes that are eventually observed. This research method is carried out to give value to
naturally occurring relationships and a minimum of two different groups are required to
successfully conduct this quantitative research method. Without assuming different aspects, a
relationship between two groups or entities must be established.

Researchers use this quantitative research method to correlate two or more variables using
mathematical analysis methods. Patterns, relationships, and trends between variables are
concluded as they exist in their natural set up. The impact of one of these variables on the
other is observed along with how it changes the relationship between the two variables.
Researchers tend to manipulate one of the variables to attain the desired results.

Ideally, it is advised to not make conclusions merely on the basis of correlational research.
This is because it is not mandatory that if two variables are in sync that they are interrelated.

Example of Correlational Research Questions:

o The relationship between stress and depression.

o The equation between fame and money.
o The relation between activities in a third-grade class and its students.

3. Causal-Comparative Research:

This research method mainly depends on the factor of comparison. Also called the quasi-
experimental research, this quantitative research method is used by researchers to draw
conclusions about cause-effect equation between two or more variables, where one variable is
dependent on the other independent variable. The independent variable is established but not
manipulated and its impact on the dependent variable is observed. These variables or groups
must be formed as they exist in the natural set up. As the dependent and independent
variables will always exist in a group, it is advised that the conclusions are carefully
established by keeping all the factors in mind.

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Causal-comparative research is not restricted to the statistical analysis of two variables but
extends to analyzing how various variables or groups change under the influence of the same
changes. This research is conducted irrespective of the type of relation that exists between
two or more variables. Statistical analysis is used to distinctly present the outcome of
obtained using this quantitative research method.

Example of Causal-Comparative Research Questions:

o The impact of drugs on a teenager.

o The effect of good education on a freshman.
o The effect of substantial food provision in the villages of Africa.

4. Experimental Research: Also known as true experimentation, this research method is

reliant on a theory. Experimental research, as the name suggests, is usually based on one or
more theories. This theory has not been proved in the past and is merely a supposition. In an
experimental research, an analysis is done around proving or disproving the statement. This
research method is used in natural sciences.

There can be multiple theories in experimental research. A theory is a statement which can be
verified or refuted.

After establishing the statement, efforts are made to understand whether it is valid or invalid.
This type of quantitative research method is mainly used in natural or social sciences as there
are various statements which need to be proved right or wrong.  

o Traditional research methods are more effective than modern techniques.

o Systematic teaching schedules help children who find it hard to cope up with
the course.
o It is a boon to have responsible nursing staff for ailing parents.

B. Data Collection Methodologies

The second major step in primary quantitative research is the data collection. Data collection
can be divided into sampling methods and data collection with the use of surveys and polls.

Step 1: Sampling Methods

There are two main sampling methods for quantitative research: Probability and Non-
probability sampling.

Probability sampling: A theory of probability is used to filter individuals from a population

and create samples in probability sampling. Participants of a sample are chosen random
selection processes. Each member of the target audience has an equal opportunity to be a
selected in the sample.
There are four main types of probability sampling-

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 Simple random sampling: As the name indicates, simple random sampling is

nothing but a random selection of elements for a sample. This sampling technique is
implemented where the target population is considerably large.
 Stratified random sampling: In the stratified random sampling method, a large
population is divided into groups (strata) and members of a sample are chosen
randomly from these strata. The various segregated strata should ideally not overlap
one another.
 Cluster sampling: Cluster sampling is a probability sampling method using which
the main segment is divided into clusters, usually using geographic and demographic
segmentation parameters.
 Systematic sampling: Systematic sampling is a technique where the starting point of
the sample is chosen randomly and all the other elements are chosen using a fixed
interval. This interval is calculated by dividing population size by the target sample
size.

Non-probability sampling: Non-probability sampling is where the researcher’s knowledge

and experience are used to create samples. Because of the involvement of the researcher, not
all the members of a target population have an equal probability of being selected to be a part
of a sample.

There are five non-probability sampling models:

 Convenience Sampling: In convenience sampling, elements of a sample are chosen

only due to one prime reason: their proximity to the researcher. These samples are
quick and easy to implement as there is no other parameter of selection involved. 
 Consecutive Sampling: Consecutive sampling is quite similar to convenience
sampling, except for the fact that researchers can chose a single element or a group of
samples and conduct research consecutively over a significant time period and then
perform the same process with other samples.
 Quota Sampling: Using quota sampling, researchers can select elements using their
knowledge of target traits and personalities to form strata. Members of various strata
can then be chosen to be a part of the sample as per the researcher’s understanding.
 Snowball Sampling: Snowball sampling is conducted with target audiences which
are difficult to contact and get information. It is popular in cases where the target
audience for research is rare to put together.
 Judgmental Sampling: Judgmental sampling is a non-probability sampling method
where samples are created only on the basis of the researcher’s experience and skill.

Step 2: Using Surveys & Polls

Once the sample is determined, then either surveys or polls can be distributed to collect the
data for quantitative research.
  Using Surveys for Primary Quantitative Research

A Survey is defined as a research method used for collecting data from a pre-defined group of
respondents to gain information and insights on various topics of interest. The ease of survey
distribution and the wide number of people it can be reached depending on the research time

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and research objective make it one of the most important aspects of conducting quantitative
research.

Fundamental Levels of Measurement – Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio Scales

There are four measurement scales which are fundamental to creating a multiple-choice
question in a survey. They are nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio measurement scales
without the fundamentals of which, no multiple choice questions can be created. Hence, it is
important to understand these levels of measurement to be able to create a robust survey.

Use of Different Question Types

To conduct quantitative research, close-ended questions have to be used in a survey. They

can be a mix of multiple question types including multiple-choice questions like semantic
differential scale questions, rating scale questions etc.

Survey Distribution and Survey Data Collection

In the above, we have seen the process of building a survey along with the survey design to
conduct primary quantitative research. Survey distribution to collect data is the other
important aspect of the survey process. There are different ways of survey distribution. Some
of the most commonly used methods are:

 Email: Sending a survey via email is the most commonly used and most effective
methods of survey distribution. Response rate is high in this method because the
respondents are aware of your brand. You can use the QuestionPro email management
feature to send out and collect survey responses.
 Buy respondents: Another effective way to distribute a survey and conduct primary
quantitative research is use a sample. Since the respondents are knowledgeable and
are on the panel by their own will, responses are much higher.
 Embed survey in a website: Embedding a survey in a website increases a high
number of responses as the respondent is already in close proximity to the brand when
the survey pops up.
 Social distribution: Using social media to distribute the survey aids in collecting
higher number of responses from the people that are aware of the brand.
 QR code: QuestionPro QR codes store the URL for the survey. You can print/publish
this code in magazines, on signs, business cards, or on just about any object/medium.
 SMS survey: A quick and time effective way of conducting a survey to collect a high
number of responses is the SMS survey.
 QuestionPro app: The QuestionPro App allows to quickly circulate surveys and the
responses can be collected both online and offline.
  API integration: You can use the API integration of the QuestionPro platform for
potential respondents to take your survey.

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Survey Example

An example of a survey is short customer satisfaction (CSAT) survey template that can
quickly be built and deployed to collect feedback about what the customer thinks about a
brand and how satisfied and referenceable is the brand.

You can also opt to use from any of over 300+ free survey templates from the QuestionPro
survey template and questionnaire repository to conduct your quantitative research.

 Using Polls for Primary Quantitative Research

Polls are a method to collect feedback with the use of close-ended questions from a sample.
The most commonly used types of polls are election polls and exit polls. Both of these are
used to collect data from a large sample size but using basic question types like a multiple-
choice question.

C. Data Analysis Techniques

The third aspect of primary quantitative research is data analysis. After the collection of raw
data, there has to be an analysis of this data to derive statistical inferences from this research.
It is important to relate the results to the objective of research and establish the statistical
relevance of results.

It is important to consider aspects of research which were not considered for the data
collection process and report the difference between what was planned vs. what was actually
executed.

It is then required select precise statistical analysis method such as SWOT, Conjoint, Cross-
tabulation etc. to analyze the quantitative data.

 SWOT Analysis: SWOT Analysis stands for the acronym of Strengths, Weakness,
Opportunities and Threat analysis. Organizations use this statistical analysis technique
to evaluate their performance internally and externally to develop effective strategies
for improvement.
 Conjoint Analysis: Conjoint Analysis is a market analysis method to learn how
individuals make complicated purchasing decisions. Trade-offs are involved in the
daily activities of an individual and these reflect their ability to decide from a complex
list of product/service options.
  Cross-tabulation: Cross-tabulation is one of the preliminary statistical market
analysis methods which establish relationships, patterns, and trends within the various
parameters of the research study.
 TURF Analysis: TURF Analysis, an acronym for Totally Unduplicated Reach and
Frequency Analysis, is executed in situations where the reach of a favorable
communication source is to be analyzed along with the frequency of this
communication. It is used for understanding the potential of a target market.

Inferential statistics methods such as confidence interval, margin of error etc. can then be
used to provide results.

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Secondary Quantitative Research Methods

Secondary quantitative research or desk research is a research method that involves using
already existing data or secondary data. Existing data is summarized and collated to increase
the overall effectiveness of research.

This research method involves the collection of quantitative data from existing data sources
like the internet, government resources, libraries, research reports etc. Secondary quantitative
research helps to validate the data that is collected from primary quantitative research as well
as aid to strengthening or proving or disproving previously collected data.

Following are five popularly used secondary quantitative research methods:

1. Data available on the internet: With the high penetration of internet and mobile
devices, it has become increasingly easy to conduct quantitative research using the
internet. Information about most research topics is available online and this aids in
boosting the validity of primary quantitative data as well as proving the relevance on
previously collected data.
2. Government and non-government sources: Secondary quantitative research can
also be conducted with the help of government and non-government sources that deal
with market research reports. This data is highly reliable and in-depth and hence can
be used to increase the validity of quantitative research.
3. Public libraries: Now a sparingly used method of conducting quantitative research, it
is still a reliable source of information though. Public libraries have copies of
important research that were conducted earlier. They are a storehouse of important
information and documents from which information can be extracted.
4. Educational institutions: Educational institutions conduct in-depth research on
multiple topics and hence the reports that they publish are an important source of
validation in quantitative research.
5. Commercial information sources: Local newspapers, journals, magazines, radio and
TV stations are a great source to obtain data for secondary quantitative research.
These commercial information sources have in-depth, first-hand information on
economic developments, political agenda, market research, demographic
segmentation and similar subjects.

Quantitative Research Characteristics

Some distinctive characteristics of quantitative research, are:

 Structured tools: Structured tools such as surveys, polls or questionnaires are used to
gather quantitative data. Using such structure methods helps in collecting in-depth and
actionable data from the survey respondents.
 Sample size: Quantitative research is conducted on a significant sample size that
represents the target market. Appropriate sampling methods have to be used when
deriving the sample so as to fortify the research objective
 Close-ended questions: Closed-ended questions are created in accordance with the
objective of research. These questions help collect quantitative data and hence are
extensively used in quantitative research.

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 Prior studies: Various factors related to the research topic are studied before
collecting feedback from respondents.
 Quantitative data: Usually, quantitative data is represented by tables, charts, graphs
or any other non-numerical form. This makes it easy to understand the data that has
been collected as well as prove the validity of the market research.
 Generalization of results: Results of this research method can be generalized to an
entire population to take appropriate actions for improvement.

Quantitative Research Examples

Some examples of Quantitative Research, are:

1. If any organization would like to conduct a customer satisfaction (CSAT) survey, a

customer satisfaction survey template can be used. Through this survey, an
organization can collect quantitative data and metrics on the goodwill of the brand or
organization in the mind of the customer on the basis of multiple parameters such as
product quality, pricing, customer experience etc. This data can be collected by asking
a net promoter score (NPS) question, matrix table questions etc. that provide data in
the form of numbers that can be analyzed and worked upon.
2. Another example of quantitative research is an organization that conducts an event,
collecting feedback from the event attendees about the value that they see from the
event. By using an event survey template, the organization can collect actionable
feedback about satisfaction levels of customers during various phases of the event
such as the sales, pre and post event, the likelihood of recommending the organization
to their friends and colleagues, hotel preferences for the future events and other such
questions.

Advantages of Quantitative Research

There are many advantages of quantitative research. Some of the major advantages why
researchers use this method in market research, are:

 Collect reliable and accurate data: As data is collected, analyzed and presented in
numbers, the results obtained will be extremely reliable. Numbers do not lie. They
present an honest picture of the conducted research without discrepancies and is also
 extremely accurate. In situations where a researcher predicts conflict, quantitative
research is conducted.
 Quick data collection: A quantitative research is carried out with a group of
respondents who represent a population. A survey or any other quantitative research
method applied to these respondents and the involvement of statistics, conducting and
analyzing results is quite straightforward and less time-consuming.
 Wider scope of data analysis: Due to the statistics, this research method provides a
wide scope of data collection.
 Eliminate bias: This research method offers no scope for personal comments or
biasing of results. The results achieved are numerical and are thus, fair in most cases.

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