Definition
Quantitative method is the collection and analysis of numerical data to answer scientific research questions. Quantitative method is used to summarize, average, find patterns, make predictions, and test causal associations as well as generalizing results to wider populations. It allows us to quantify effect sizes, determine the strength of associations, rank priorities, and weigh the strength of evidence of effectiveness.
Introduction
This entry aims to introduce the most common ways to use numbers and statistics to describe variables, establish relationships among variables, and build numerical understanding of a topic. In general, the quantitative research process uses a deductive approach (Neuman 2014; Leavy 2017), extrapolating from a particular case to the general situation (Babones 2016).
In practical ways, quantitative methods are an approach to studying a research topic. In research, the...
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References
Babones S (2016) Interpretive quantitative methods for the social sciences. Sociology. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038515583637
Balnaves M, Caputi P (2001) Introduction to quantitative research methods: an investigative approach. Sage, London
Brenner PS (2020) Understanding survey methodology: sociological theory and applications. Springer, Boston
Creswell JW (2014) Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage, London
Leavy P (2017) Research design. The Gilford Press, New York
Mertens W, Pugliese A, Recker J (2018) Quantitative data analysis, research methods: information, systems, and contexts: second edition. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102220-7.00018-2
Neuman LW (2014) Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Pearson Education Limited, Edinburgh
Treiman DJ (2009) Quantitative data analysis: doing social research to test ideas. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco
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Rana, J., Gutierrez, P.L., Oldroyd, J.C. (2021). Quantitative Methods. In: Farazmand, A. (eds) Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_460-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_460-1
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