Quantitative Research

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Quantitative research is a type of research that assumes that the phenomena under study can be measured and involves methods that:

  • gather data using measurement (numerical data)
  • analyse data by using quantitative statistical analysis techniques.

[1]

Designs in quantitative research[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of quantitative research designs: [1]

  • Survey
  • Experimental

Survey research designs[edit | edit source]

Survey

Experimental research designs[edit | edit source]

In experimental research designs, the researcher can manipulate one (or more) variable(s), the independent variable, and study the effect on a dependent variable. [1] There are many types of experimental designs; one of the most important is the randomised controlled trial.

Randomised controlled trials[edit | edit source]

Randomised controlled trials are considered top methods in the hierarchy of evidence when testing the link between cause and effect in clinical interventions. [2][3]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Watson R. Quantitative research. Nurs Stand. 2015 Apr 1;29(31):44-8.
  2. Evans D. Hierarchy of evidence: a framework for ranking evidence evaluating healthcare interventions. J Clin Nurs. 2003 Jan;12(1):77-84.
  3. Wallace S., Barak G., Truong G., Parker M. Hierarchy of Evidence Within the Medical Literature. Hosp Pediatr. 2022 Aug 1;12(8):745-750.