Quantitative Research Definition Things to keep in mind when reporting the results of

a study using quantitative methods:

Quantitative research methods emphasize objective 1. Explain the data collected and their
measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or statistical treatment as well as all relevant
numerical analysis of data collected through polls, results in relation to the research problem
questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating pre- you are investigating. Interpretation of
existing statistical data using computational results is not appropriate in this section.
techniques. Quantitative research focuses on 2. Report unanticipated events that occurred
gathering numerical data and generalizing it across during your data collection. Explain how the
groups of people or to explain a particular actual analysis differs from the planned
phenomenon. The final written report has a set analysis. Explain your handling of missing
structure consisting of introduction, literature and data and why any missing data does not
theory, methods, results, and discussion. undermine the validity of your analysis.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research 3. Explain the techniques you used to "clean"
your data set.
Your goal in conducting quantitative research study
4. Choose a minimally sufficient statistical
is to determine the relationship between one thing
procedure; provide a rationale for its use and
[an independent variable] and another [a dependent
a reference for it. Specify any computer
or outcome variable] within a population.
programs used.
Quantitative research designs are either descriptive
5. Describe the assumptions for each procedure
[subjects usually measured once] or experimental
and the steps you took to ensure that they
[subjects measured before and after a treatment]. A
were not violated.
descriptive study establishes only associations
6. When using inferential statistics, provide the
between variables; an experimental study
descriptive statistics, confidence intervals,
establishes causality.
and sample sizes for each variable as well as
Quantitative research deals in numbers, logic, and the value of the test statistic, its direction,
an objective stance. Quantitative research focuses the degrees of freedom, and the significance
on numeric and unchanging data and detailed, level [report the actual p value].
convergent reasoning rather than divergent 7. Avoid inferring causality, particularly in
reasoning [i.e., the generation of a variety of ideas nonrandomized designs or without further
about a research problem in a spontaneous, free- experimentation.
flowing manner]. 8. Use tables to provide exact values; use
figures to convey global effects. Keep
Its main characteristics are: figures small in size; include graphic
representations of confidence intervals
 The data is usually gathered using structured
whenever possible.
research instruments.
9. Always tell the reader what to look for in
 The results are based on larger sample sizes
tables and figures.
that are representative of the population.
 The research study can usually be replicated NOTE: When using pre-existing statistical data
or repeated, given its high reliability. gathered and made available by anyone other than
 The researcher has a clearly defined research yourself [e.g., government agency], you still must
question to which objective answers are report on the methods that were used to gather the
sought. data and describe any missing data that exists and, if
 All aspects of the study are carefully there is any, provide a clear explanation why the
designed before data is collected. missing data does not undermine the validity of
 Data are in the form of numbers and your final analysis.
statistics, often arranged in tables, charts,
figures, or other non-textual forms. Basic Research Design
Before designing a quantitative research study, you
 Project can be used to generalize concepts must decide whether it will be descriptive or
more widely, predict future results, or experimental because this will dictate how you
investigate causal relationships. gather, analyze, and interpret the results. A
 The researcher uses tools, such as descriptive study is governed by the following rules:
questionnaires or computer software, to subjects are generally measured once; the intention
collect numerical data. is to only establish associations between variables;
The overarching aim of a quantitative research and, the study may include a sample population of
study is to classify features, count them, and hundreds or thousands of subjects to ensure that a
construct statistical models in an attempt to explain valid estimate of a generalized relationship between
what is observed. variables has been obtained. An experimental
design includes subjects measured before and after a
particular treatment, the sample population may be
very small and purposefully chosen, and it is The finding of your study should be written
intended to establish causality between variables. objectively and in a succinct and precise format. In
quantitative studies, it is common to use graphs,
Introduction tables, charts, and other non-textual elements to
The introduction to a quantitative study is usually help the reader understand the data. Make sure that
written in the present tense and from the third non-textual elements do not stand in isolation from
person point of view. It covers the following the text but are being used to supplement the overall
information: description of the results and to help clarify key
points being made. Further information about how
 Identifies the research problem -- as with to effectively present data using charts and graphs
any academic study, you must state clearly can be found here.
and concisely the research problem being
investigated.  Statistical analysis -- how did you analyze
 Reviews the literature -- review scholarship the data? What were the key findings from
on the topic, synthesizing key themes and, if the data? The findings should be present in a
necessary, noting studies that have used logical, sequential order. Describe but do not
similar methods of inquiry and analysis. interpret these trends or negative results;
Note where key gaps exist and how your save that for the discussion section. The
study helps to fill these gaps or clarifies results should be presented in the past tense.
existing knowledge. Discussion
 Describes the theoretical framework --
provide an outline of the theory or Discussions should be analytic, logical, and
hypothesis underpinning your study. If comprehensive. The discussion should meld
necessary, define unfamiliar or complex together your findings in relation to those identified
terms, concepts, or ideas and provide the in the literature review, and placed within the
appropriate background information to place context of the theoretical framework underpinning
the research problem in proper context [e.g., the study. The discussion should be presented in the
historical, cultural, economic, etc.]. present tense.

Methodology  Interpretation of results -- reiterate the

research problem being investigated and
The methods section of a quantitative study should compare and contrast the findings with the
describe how each objective of your study will be research questions underlying the study. Did
achieved. Be sure to provide enough detail to enable they affirm predicted outcomes or did the
the reader can make an informed assessment of the data refute it?
methods being used to obtain results associated with  Description of trends, comparison of groups,
the research problem. The methods section should or relationships among variables -- describe
be presented in the past tense. any trends that emerged from your analysis
 Study population and sampling -- where did and explain all unanticipated and statistical
the data come from; how robust is it; note insignificant findings.
where gaps exist or what was excluded.  Discussion of implications – what is the
Note the procedures used for their selection; meaning of your results? Highlight key
 Data collection – describe the tools and findings based on the overall results and
methods used to collect information and note findings that you believe are important.
identify the variables being measured; How have the results helped fill gaps in
describe the methods used to obtain the data; understanding the research problem?
and, note if the data was pre-existing [i.e.,  Limitations -- describe any limitations or
government data] or you gathered it unavoidable bias in your study and, if
yourself. If you gathered it yourself, necessary, note why these limitations did not
describe what type of instrument you used inhibit effective interpretation of the results.
and why. Note that no data set is perfect--
describe any limitations in methods of
gathering data. Conclusion
 Data analysis -- describe the procedures for
End your study by to summarizing the topic and
processing and analyzing the data. If
provide a final comment and assessment of the
appropriate, describe the specific
study.
instruments of analysis used to study each
research objective, including mathematical
techniques and the type of computer
software used to manipulate the data.

Results
 Summary of findings – synthesize the
answers to your research questions. Do not
report any statistical data here; just provide a
narrative summary of the key findings and
describe what was learned that you did not
know before conducting the study.
 Recommendations – if appropriate to the
aim of the assignment, tie key findings with
policy recommendations or actions to be
taken in practice.
 Future research – note the need for future
research linked to your study’s limitations or
to any remaining gaps in the literature that
were not addressed in your study.