Quantitative Research is one of the two major research methodologies in health sciences. This research paradigm aims to precisely measure concepts, conditions, and theories through statistical analysis. Researchers gather data through structured interviews, questionnaires, close observational studies, document screening, and experiments to quantify patterns and relationships between variables within a population.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research:
- Structured research instruments, such as controlled interviews and questionnaires to collect numerical data
- Results are based on large sample sizes that represent a population
- Study can be replicated or repeated, due to high reliability
- Method designed and intended to gather pertinent data
- Data appears in the form of numbers and statistical analysis, often presented in tables, charts, figures, and diagrams
- Research looks for patterns and relationships in generalized concepts