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Quantitative Research Methodology
Psychologists and scientists have been able to narrow down two methods of research that
help explain findings in a well-designed and powerful way to readers. These two types of
research include quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. First, we must understand
the significance of each type of research to ensure we are reading an accurate research study.
While qualitative research focuses on context from human experiences. Quantitative research
utilizes experimental designs, hypotheses, and data analysis that are addressed from other related
studies (American Psychological Association, 2019, p. 4). For this research paper, we will focus
on quantitative research methodology to understand the importance of this type of research and
how it can influence our studies. Throughout I will showcase the purpose, examples, as well as
advantages and disadvantages of quantitative research.
Quantitative Research
So, what is quantitative research, author Crawford shared in the book “Introduction to
Research: Less Fright, More Sight”, explained that “Researchers using this methodology seek
objectivity through testable hypotheses and carefully designed studies” (Crawford, 2023, p. 68).
Numbers and statistics are mostly used when reporting information shared in the study. Three
major sections are standard when completing a quantitative research article, methods, results,
and discussions (American Psychological Association, 2019, p. 76). The method section will
include the ‘meat’ of the research, what readers will need to understand what exactly is being
reported. Following this section are the results where psychologists and scientists want to share
all the findings, whether their hypotheses are justified or not, all details should be included.
Finally, the discussion section can shed light on the implications, and certain consequences the
results could have, as well as a clear statement on how it supports the hypotheses or not
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(American Psychological Association, 2019, p. 89). Now that we have a better understanding of
how to differentiate quantitative research from qualitative, here are examples.
Examples of Quantitative Research
Example One
Often medical agencies, clinicians, and researchers need more randomized trials for
specific interventions. The proposal of a quantitative benefit-harm assessment was created to
fulfill this request, specifically around chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Boyd et al., 2015,
Vol. 13:157). However, with this quantitative research, it was shared that additional research can
be more valuable than these requested randomized trials. With this research, Boyd and others
stated, “Most quantitative benefit–harm assessments combine different data sources, each of
which provides the best available estimates for treatment effects, outcome risks, and importance
of outcomes, respectively” (Boyd et al., 2015, Vol. 13:157). The use of statistical models
throughout this research led to the evidence and results to support their claim.
Example Two
A prime example of why quantitative research can be effective when addressing
statistical concerns in this study on the harmful effects of vaping. From the beginning of January
2015 to September 2019 data was extracted showing a total of 71 vaping-related injuries (Do et
al., 2020, Vol. 40: 10). Each year the reports increased by 73%, 41% were burn injuries between
the ages of 15 and 19 years old (Do et al., 2020, Vol. 40: 10). This is a perfect example of how
influential quantitative research can be when sharing and explaining results. Statistical and
numerical reports are showcased throughout this journal, Original quantitative research –
Strengthening surveillance of consumer products in Canada.
Example Three
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Fairly recently there has been extensive research linking tobacco products and the
development of mouth cancer, as many of us may already know smoking can play a factor in
cancer. However, this is another prime example of how “quantitative research can help increase
capacity and confidence in understanding, appraising, and applying quantitative evidence among
health care students, professionals, and novice researchers in the quest for the provision of
quality cancer care” (Kotronoulas et al., 2023, Vol 39: 2). In this example there were two broad
areas that were researched. One is the cause-and-effect relationship between tobacco and cancer,
as well as describing the disease or health-related situation. By using quantitative methodology,
the research aimed towards uncovering the truth and being objective. Multiple tables were shared
in the article to better showcase experimental and nonexperimental research, overall informing
readers about the link between smoking and cancer.
Advantages
Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies have their advantages and disadvantages.
Sometimes researchers will even use a mixture of the two to better explain their studies. One of
the many advantages of using “quantitative research is its ability to test theories formally by
formulating hypotheses and applying statistical analyses” (Watson, 2015, par. 3). Another major
advantage of this type of research is the type of variables that can be measured such as height,
weight, and person’s wellbeing. This gives quantitative research the ability to verify, calculate,
and analyze across a wide range of topics. Because this research uses statistical and numerical
data it can also show factual evidence in a simplified format, “it sets out to analyze data for
trends and relationships and to verify the measurements made” (Watson, 2015, par. 2). These are
just a handful of reasons to give a better understanding to use quantitative approaches to benefit a
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study and how it can influence how a study is conducted. Another advantage is not having to
worry about the possibility of any type of bias like you do for qualitative research methods,
simply because this type of method isn’t based on characteristics and personal histories.
Disadvantages
As important as it is to reference the advantages of quantitative research it can also be
crucial to understand the disadvantages. Some people may run into conflicts when writing a
quantitative research paper because it must be segmented into sections and subsections as stated
earlier in this paper (American Psychological Association, 2019, p. 99). Another disadvantage
that I can see being a possible challenge for a psychologist is simply around the fact that a
psychologist’s goal is to better understand the thoughts and behaviors of people. I see this being
a possible challenge because quantitative research is solely focused on objective methods, and
has testable hypotheses, using statistical and numerical data. Having to hold back from seeking
or sharing any personal characteristics or background that may include abuse, socioeconomic,
immigration status, or disabilities. This type of information could be influential in a discussion
throughout a quantitative paper. However, before deciding which research method is appropriate
for your study maybe consider having a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative to solve
these possible disadvantages.
Conclusion
Conducting research is a demanding project that requires accuracy, to provide readers
with informative information in a cohesive way. Being able to correctly write quantitative and
qualitative methodologies can only be achieved by first understanding the difference between
these two approaches. In addition to examining real examples, and the advantages and
disadvantages of the quantitative approach method. While psychologists and scientists aim to
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References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American
Psychological
Association (7th ed.). https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781433832185
Boyd, Riet, Puhan, & Yu. (2015). Quantitative benefit-harm assessment for setting research
priorities: the example of roflumilast for patients with COPD. (Vol. 13: 157). BMC
Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-015-0398-0
Crawford, R. (2023). Introduction to research: Less fright, more insight: A customized version
of
research methods: Are you equipped? (4th ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9798385105748
Do, Guttman, Ghandour, Hardy, & McFaull. (2020). Original quantitative research-
Strengthening surveillance of consumer products in Canada: the caping example. (Vol.
40: 10). Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada: research, policy,
and practice. https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.40.10.02
Kotronoulas, & Papadopoulou. (2023). A Primer to experimental and nonexperimental
quantitative research: The example case of tobacco-related mouth cancer. (Vol. 39: 2).
Seminars in Oncology Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2023.151396
Watson, R. (2015). Quantitative Research. (Vol. 29: 31). Nursing Standard.
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-
journals/quantitative-research/docview/1784954827/se-2?accountid=12085
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