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Among the five primary research approaches, namely quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods research, arts-based research, and community-based participatory research, quantitative research stands out for its deductive approach to the research process that aims to prove, disprove, or lend credence to existing theories. Researchers measure variables and test relationships between them in this method to reveal patterns, correlations, or causal relationships. Quantitative research values neutrality, objectivity, and acquiring a comprehensive range of knowledge, such as a statistical overview from a large sample. This approach is typically suitable when the primary goal is to explain or evaluate (Leavy, 2022).
Research literature suggests that six primary types of research questions are particularly well-suited for quantitative research. These include audience segmentation, quantifying results obtained in a qualitative study, verifying data from a qualitative study, quantifying opinions, attitudes, and behaviours, explaining phenomena, and testing hypotheses. The first four types of research are referred to as "descriptive research," while the remaining two are known as "inferential research." Descriptive research relies on descriptive statistics, while inferential research employs inferential statistics.
During the initial stages of developing quantitative designs, researchers often conduct descriptive research to identify the characteristics of individuals, groups, or situations. This type of research aims to uncover new insights, describe current conditions, determine the frequency of occurrences, and classify data.
Based on the positivist philosophy of human inquiry, the quantitative research method is often regarded as the quintessential scientific approach to conducting research. Positivist research is characterised by a rigorous, systematic process emphasising rationality, objectivity, predictability, and control. Advocates of the quantitative approach are generally viewed as unbiased scientists who uncover factual data (Walker, 2005).
In quantitative research, statistics, mathematics, and numerical data processing are used to systematically and empirically study phenomena. This involves breaking down reality into smaller, more manageable pieces through the analysis of numerical data. Statistically oriented approaches are used to test and reproduce hypotheses about variable relationships by collecting and generalising data across groups of people. When designing a quantitative research study, the type of research philosophy, approach to theory development, characteristics, and research strategy are key factors to consider (Mwansa, et al., 2022). While positivism is commonly associated with quantitative research, it can adopt realistic and pragmatic philosophies. The deductive approach is strongly associated with quantitative research, while the inductive approach is rarely used (Tab. 3).
Typically categorised into three tiers: descriptive, correlational, and causal, with the latter utilising experimental designs, it aims to generalise the findings from a sample to the whole population. Various statistical techniques can be used to predict scores on one variable based on scores from another variable. Qualitative research, on the other hand, aims to achieve a deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon (Sukamolson, 2007).
