QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative Research

Abstract

Quantitative research methodologies are most often associated with scientific investigation of quantifiable properties and their relationships. It is a process of inquiry, examining a problem that is based on testing a theory measured by numbers and analyzed with statistical techniques. Unlike natural science, social science research attempts to measure what some consider intangibles. These include perceptions, behaviors, emotions, and/or personalities. Historically, science has relied on the positivist tradition.

Quantitative Research

Introduction

Quantitative research methodologies are most often associated with scientific investigation of quantifiable properties and their relationships. It uses mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses to measure and portray the empirical associations found in natural phenomena. It is frequently the research methodology employed for inquiry in natural science and social science fields such as physics, biology, psychology, and sociology.

Discussion

For my doctoral program, I am planning to pursue a quantitative research related to employee morale in an organization. This will be a Causal-Comparative Research, investigating the causes or consequences of employee morale in groups of individuals; may also be referred to as ex post facto research due to the nature of dealing with groups that have already been established. For this purpose, I will conduct interviews along with surveys for data collection. The analysis of the data will be done through statistical data analysis, using various tools, such as regression. Results and findings will be methodically presented, following statistical data analyses, focusing on deductive, logical reasoning.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research can be defined as a process of inquiry examining a problem that is based on testing a theory measured by numbers and analyzed with statistical techniques. Thus, quantitative research involves the analysis of numerical data. A more technical definition is provided by Brady and Collier (2004), who define mainstream quantitative methods as “an approach to methodology strongly oriented toward regression analysis, econometric refinements on regression, and the search for statistical alternatives to regression models in contexts where specific regression assumptions are not met” (p. 294). The econometric refinements and statistical alternatives referred to by the authors are beyond the scope of this chapter but include logit and probit models, time-series analysis, and a variety of techniques to circumvent problems that can occur in regression analysis, such as heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation. Essentially, quantitative methods have played a major role in improving on commonly used research tools within the structure of regression models that are commonly used in the field of political science.

The goal of quantitative research is to examine particular instances or aspects of phenomena to determine if predictive generalizations of a theory hold true or to test causal hypotheses. As a result, there are several key assumptions underlying quantitative research methods, which are briefly outlined here. These include the following:

Reality can be studied objectively.

Research must remain independent of the researcher through the use of experiments, questionnaires, machines, or inventories.

Research is value-free, and the researcher does not become a part of or interfere with the research.

Theories and hypotheses are tested in a cause—effect order with research based primarily on deductive forms of logic identified ...