Quantitative research methods are those research methods that use numbers as its basis for making generalizations about a phenomenon. It emphasizes numerical data analysis using computational techniques. The numbers used in statistical analysis originate from objective scales of measurement of the units of analysis called variables. Four types of measurement scale exist namely nominal, ordinal, ratio, and interval (see 4 Statistical Scales of Measurement).
The data that will serve as the basis for explaining a phenomenon, therefore, can be gathered through surveys. Such surveys use instruments that require numerical inputs or direct measurements of parameters that characterize the subject of investigation (e.g. pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, and conductivity to measure water quality).
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CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
1. CONTAIN MEASURABLE VARIABLES
2. USE STANDARDIZED RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
3. ASSUME A NORMAL POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
4. PRESENT DATA IN TABLES, GRAPHS, OR FIGURES
5. USE REPEATABLE METHOD
6. CAN PREDICT OUTCOMES
7. USE MEASURING DEVICES
