Quantitative Research Methods

Educational professionals are concerned with learning, achievement motivation, human growth and development, and human behavior. Consequently, measuring change in these areas is of great interest and need to educational researchers. The purpose of quantitative research is to find solutions to problems worthy of investigation. Results of quantitative research provide objective evidence as a basis for decision making. These decisions may affect individuals, organized programs of study, or entire school systems. For example, new teaching methods may be implemented, new programs established, curricula modified, new programs implemented, or new evaluation procedures used based on the results of quantitative research. Over time, results of quantitative research can influence an entire field of study; such was the case with Piaget's research in child development.

Quantitative research methods allow researchers to measure certain behaviors or phenomena. Data are represented in the form of numbers. Quantitative research methods require the scientific method of investigation. Measurement is necessary if the scientific method is to be used. The scientific method involves an empirical or theoretical basis for the investigation of populations and samples. Hypotheses must be formulated, observable and measurable data must be gathered, and appropriate mathematical procedures must be used for the statistical analyses required for hypothesis testing. If researchers are to ascertain relationships between variables and differences among variables, data must be provided to support objective, valid, and reliable conclusions. The conclusions should be based on predetermined hypotheses and statistical testing. Data may be collected in various ways, such as via the Internet, surveys, tests, inventories, or written documents.

There are many quantitative methods that may be applied to research in the behavioral and social sciences. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are used in quantitative research. Quantitative methods depend on the design of the study (experimental, quasi-experimental, nonexperimental). Study design takes into account all those elements that surround the plan for the investigation, for example, research question or problem statement, research objectives, operational definitions, scope of inferences to be made, assumptions and limitations of the study, independent and dependent variables, treatment and controls, instrumentation, systematic data collection actions, statistical analysis, time lines, and reporting procedures.