Quantitative research is a type of research methodology which utilizes a holistic approach in research work. The method involves quantifying and analysis of research variables to reach meaningful conclusions. The method involves the utilization of numerical data, and the analysis of the data helps answer statistical questions like how, who, how much, what, where, when and how many (Oberiri,D. 2017, 41). The research method involves a series of steps during the research process and has its advantages and disadvantages.
The first step in a quantitative research process is the identification of the problem as research attempts to address a problem (Fischler, A. 5). The problem can be identified by identifying the phenomenon to be investigated and the issues surrounding the problem. The research problem becomes the topic of the study. The second step is formulation of research objectives, hypotheses, and research questions. The objectives should be related to the research questions. For quantitative research, a hypothesis is mandatory as they need to be tested .The hypothesis summarizes the relationship between the expected relationships between the variables being investigated. The hypothesis can be null, alternative, non-directional or directional. The most commonly used is the null hypothesis. These steps help in clarifying the purpose of the research and help predict the expected outcome.
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Following the above steps, the researcher does a review of the past literature within the body of knowledge of the topic under investigation. The literature is obtained from various sources such as books, reports, publication, and periodicals. The literature review helps in summarizing sources to generate the known or unknown picture of the problem. This will help in developing the conceptual framework, and model, which is the last part of the literature review step.
The fourth step in quantitative research is the selection of the research design. Here, the researcher uses the research design that will help in the collection of the needed data in order to reach reasonable conclusions. There are many categories of quantitative research which include survey research, correlational research, experimental research, and causal-comparative research. Survey research involves the application of sampling techniques with a properly-formulated questionnaire to measure the population properties by using statistical methods (Oberiri, D. 2017, 43). Correlational research is a study that examines the differences between two different entities and helps to know the extent of the relationship between two entities under study. The experimental research design involves the investigation of treatment of an intervention into the group under study and then measuring the outcomes of the treatment, and there are three approaches including pre-experimental, true experimental and quasi-experimental. Causal comparative research design or ex-posto research design is used whereby the researcher investigates a problem by examining the variables in retrospect. The researcher can choose to use the prospective or retrospective method. The research design chosen provides an approach to carrying out the research project.
The next step is the data collection step. The methods of data collection in quantitative research include formal testing and biological measures techniques. In order to ensure validity of the data collected, tests should be done to tests the validity of the content, construct and criterion. Reliability of the data could be ensured by doing the Cronbach alpha, test-retest and inter-reliability tests (Heale,R.2015, 67). The sampling method to be used is also chosen at this stage and can be probability; simple random, systematic, stratified, multistage and cluster sampling or non-probability sampling techniques.
Fifthly, the data collected is analysed. Usually, quantitative data is analyzed using data analysis soft wares such as SPSS (Muijs, D. 2004,85). Thereafter the hypothesis is tested and rejected or accepted. The final step is formulation of the research report. The report summarizes the information from the study and should be formulated using the required format.
Strengths and weaknesses. The research method leads to more accurate results and the extraneous variables can be controlled. However, the quantitative research poses few problems. Firstly, the outcomes are limited because the data collection tools are always structured. Secondly, the process involved consumes a lot of time and is expensive. Finally, data analysis is complicated and may pose challenges to the researchers.
From the above discussion, the quantitative research method involves a series of steps during the research process and has its advantages and disadvantages. The steps include identification of the problem, formulation of objectives, research questions, and hypothesis, selection of the research design, data collection, data analysis and preparation of research report. The method offers various benefits in research but the researcher is likely to experience challenges. The steps should be followed in the right order and the challenges taken into account when using quantitative research method in research.
References
Fischler, A. (n.d.). Quantitative Research Methods .
Heale, R., and Twycross, A. (2015). Validity and Reliability in Quantitative Studies . Crossmark.
Muijs, D. (2004). Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS . 1st ed. New Delhi: Sage Publications Ltd.
Oberiri, A. (2017). Quantitative Research Methods: A Synopsis Approach. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review , 6(10).
