There are a variety of methods to quantitative research. Below are some of the most used approaches.
|
Approach |
Purpose |
Methods |
Example |
|
Descriptive Research |
Describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. |
Surveys, observational studies, case studies. |
Surveying a population to determine how they respond to stress. |
|
Correlational Research |
Investigate the relationship between two or more variables. |
Surveys, observational studies, statistical analysis. |
Studying the relationship between hours of study and test scores. |
|
Experimental Research |
Determine cause-and-effect relationships by altering one variable and observing its effect on another. |
Controlled experiments, randomized controlled trials. |
Testing the effectiveness of a new drug by comparing outcomes in a treatment group and a control group. |
|
Causal-Comparative Research |
Determine the cause or consequences of differences between groups. |
Comparison studies |
Comparing academic performance between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. |
|
Longitudinal Research |
Study variables over an extended period. |
Repeated observations or measurements over time. |
Tracking the development of children's reading skills from kindergarten through high school. |
|
Cross-Sectional Research |
Analyze data from a population at a single point in time. |
Surveys, observational studies |
Assessing the health status of adults post-Covid. |
|
Survey Research |
To collect data from many people. |
Questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. |
Creating a nationwide survey to gather people's opinions on Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi. |
|
Observational Research |
To observe and record behavior or phenomena as they occur. |
Direct observation, participant observation. |
Observing a class to study the impact of student-led learning. |