Introduction – Quantitative Research
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Identify and describe quantitative research designs.
- Identify and explain methods of quantitative data collection.
- Identify and apply quantitative sampling techniques and calculate sample size for cross-sectional studies.
- Design a survey.
- Identify and interpret types of quantitative data analysis.
What is Quantitative Research?
Quantitative research is a research method that uses numerical data and statistical analysis to study phenomena. Quantitative research plays an important role in scientific inquiry by providing a rigorous, objective, systematic process using numerical data to test relationships and examine cause-and-effect associations between variables. The goal is to make generalizations about a population (extrapolate findings from the sample to the general population). The data and variables are predetermined and measured as consistently and accurately as possible, and statistical analysis is used to evaluate the outcomes.
In nursing, quantitative research helps inform evidence-based decision-making by identifying measurable patterns in patient outcomes, treatment effectiveness, and population health trends.
Dr. Fehr Tip:
Think of quantitative research like a recipe, you measure ingredients carefully so that anyone can follow and repeat it.
Tip from Katie:
Pay attention to the pros and cons and be able to differentiate qualitative and quantitative research!
Table 8. 1 Pros and Cons of Quantitative Research
| Pros | Cons |
| Reliable and repeatable information | Can be costly |
| Generalizable findings | Creates the potential for an unnatural environment |
| Anonymous findings | Lacks depth |
| Easy to analyze | Needs a large sample |
| Reduces subjective bias | Individual characteristics don’t always apply to the general population |
Table 8.1 illustrates the pros and cons of quantitative research. It is important to consider these pros and cons when planning your research project.
Remixed from:
- An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Student by Faith Alele and Bunmi Malau-Aduli published by pressbooks under a CC BY-NC-SA license.
Media Attributions
- Dr. Fehr [avatar] by Research Assistant Katie Gregson on Canva using Canva AI image creation https://www.canva.com/ai-assistant/ is subject to the Canva Pro Content License.
- Katie [avatar] by Research Assistant Katie Gregson on Canva using Canva AI image creation https://www.canva.com/ai-assistant/ is subject to the Canva Pro Content License.
References
Alele, F., Malau-Aduli, B. (2023). Chapter 3: “Navigating quantitative research.” In An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students. James Cook University. https://jcu.pressbooks.pub/intro-res-methods-health/part/2-planning-a-research-project/