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.
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 designs are most frequently employed in healthcare epidemiology research.[2] Surveys may be used to gain insights into opinions and practices in large samples; they can be descriptive and/or be used to test associations. [2]
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. [3][4]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Watson R. Quantitative research. Nurs Stand. 2015 Apr 1;29(31):44-8.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Safdar N., Abbo L., Knobloch M., Seo S.Research Methods in Healthcare Epidemiology: Survey and Qualitative Research. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2016 Nov; 37(11): 1272–1277.
- ↑ Evans D. Hierarchy of evidence: a framework for ranking evidence evaluating healthcare interventions. J Clin Nurs. 2003 Jan;12(1):77-84.
- ↑ Wallace S., Barak G., Truong G., Parker M. Hierarchy of Evidence Within the Medical Literature. Hosp Pediatr. 2022 Aug 1;12(8):745-750.
