Quantitative research uses numbers for data analysis in various disciplines, including epidemiology, science, and medicine. Manual and automated data collection methods are used, with automated methods being more accurate. Quantitative research is used in clinical research studies, and the ultimate goal is to obtain results that can be analyzed statistically. Qualitative research produces values based on a scale or grade and has less statistical power.
Quantitative research refers to the use of numbers for data analysis. Different types are used in various disciplines, including epidemiology, science and medicine. Numbers can be collected manually or automatically, depending on the type of research and the level of accuracy and precision required.
Also known as empirical research, the term “quantitative research” refers specifically to experiments that produce measurable values that can be analyzed using statistics, numbers, and mathematical models. Numbers have quantitative properties which are used to determine mean values and normal ranges for comparison. Some types of lookup values are tabulated manually, while other types are automated. As a result, there is some variation in the reliability of manual versus automated data collection.
Manual data collection is generally reliable for small datasets because the margin for error is minimal. Epidemiology commonly uses survey research, a type of manual, quantitative data collection. Other forms of manual collection include the use of a timer or scale whereby measured values require an accurate transcription of the reading onto a data collection sheet; however, the more values there are to record, the greater the possibility of human error.
The most accurate type of quantitative research involves automated data collection where the human error factor is almost completely eliminated. Scientific research relies heavily on automated or computer-based calculations for accurate and precise results. Using the above example of a timer or scale requiring a person to transfer the reading to a datasheet, an automated system would connect the device directly to a computer and save the values without needing to write anything.
Quantitative research also has many applications in the medical field. In clinical research studies, some common quantitative parameters include pathology, cardiology, and physical measurements. Blood levels contain measurable amounts of white and red blood cells and electrolytes. Rather than physically counting each sample, the data collection process is automated using a computer. This increases the accuracy and precision of the results and also promotes consistency.
Behavioral and histological research are just two examples of how quantitative and qualitative research are used, because not everything that is measured will yield a real number. Qualitative research produces values based on a scale or grade. This type of data is still valuable but has less statistical power.
The ultimate goal of data analysis is to obtain results that can be analyzed statistically. Without numerical values, it becomes difficult to compare the results of a given study with the results obtained from different studies. The use of statistics provides a universal way of interpreting the results obtained from quantitative experiments.
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