Quantitative research is a classification of the scientific method that uses different statistical techniques to quantify opinions and information for a particular study.
It is designed to understand and emphasize logical reasoning and all measurable information about human experiences.
In this type of research, the means of data collection are structured through multiple choice questionnaires, individual interviews and other resources that have clear and objective questions. And these must be applied rigorously to obtain the necessary reliability for the results.
Quantitative research is very common in the market, as it prioritizes the numerical results of studies proposed to assess the behaviors and opinions of individuals in a particular group or population.
Learn more about scientific method and the Scientific research.
Differences between Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research
It is common for researchers to have some difficulty in choosing which research method to use in their studies. This choice should be based on the ultimate goal of the study. Thus, quantitative and qualitative research differ in some characteristics.
Quantitative research
As stated, quantitative research presents results that can be quantified (numerical data, for example), which would be relevant for studies with a large number of samples.
In quantitative research, the objective is to measure information about a subject that is already known. In this way, the collected data have a more statistical nature, and the results are displayed in the form of graphs, tables, etc.
Qualitative research
Qualitative research, on the other hand, emphasizes above all the dynamic and subjective aspects, analyzing more information. complex, such as behavior, feelings, expressions and other aspects that can be observed in the object of study.
Unlike quantitative research, data collection in qualitative research is based on questionnaires. flexible, giving the respondent greater freedom to express their point of view on the subject in question. Thus, instead of having statistical and numerical information as its main characteristic, qualitative research gathers comments and narratives that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
Learn more about Qualitative research and see the differences between quantitative and qualitative research.
How to do quantitative research?
As seen, quantitative research aims to understand the statistical dimension of a given question. For this, the researcher needs to act only as an observer, without influencing the content of the information to be collected.
It is common to use forms, multiple choice questionnaires and individual interviews to gather data. These methods allow for greater objectivity in the answers, and the respondent is limited to choosing between the proposed alternatives that best suit him.
For having the intention to collect unambiguous information, the researcher must present the results in a schematic and direct way, without space for interpretations of a subjective nature.
See also the differences between Descriptive, exploratory and explanatory research.
Characteristics of quantitative research
- It aims to measure (measure through numerical data) something;
- There is no room for ambiguity;
- Analysis of objective responses (numerical data, for example);
- Use of multiple choice quizzes, individual interviews, etc;
- Inflexible and pre-structured collection methods;
- Researcher-observer (cannot interfere with the results);
- Results presented in graphs, tables and indexes (less space for subjective interpretations).
Quantitative Research Examples
Intention to vote polls (common during the electoral period) and some of the census studies made by the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) are examples of research quantitative.
Quantitative research, as mentioned above, becomes viable when large and random groups are studied.
Find out more about the different Search Types and see what to write in the methodology.