Quantitative Research Methods: Definition, Characteristics, and Examples

Quantitative Research Methods: Definition, Characteristics, and Examples

In sociology lessons, quantitative research methods are one of the research methods used to understand social phenomena by collecting and analyzing numerical data. This method is often used to find general patterns in human behavior, relationships between variables, and test previously formulated hypotheses. In order to better understand this method. Below will be discussed in detail the definition, characteristics, and examples of quantitative research methods.

Definition of Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative research methods are methods that use numbers as a basis for making generalizations regarding a phenomenon. This emphasizes the numerical analysis of data using computational techniques. The numbers used in statistical analysis come from the objective scale of measurement of the unit of analysis called variables.

There are 4 types of measurement scales, namely nominal, ratio, ordinal, and interval. Data will be the basis for explaining a phenomenon, therefore, it can be collected through surveys. This survey uses instruments that require numerical input or direct measurement of parameters that characterize the subject of the investigation (eg pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity, and conductivity to measure water quality).

These numbers will then be analyzed using appropriate statistical application software to reveal significant relationships or differences between variables. The output is useful as a basis for making conclusions and generalizations of research.

Definition of Quantitative Research According to Experts

1. Creswell

Quantitative research is an effort to investigate a problem, becoming the basis for researchers to collect data. The way to determine it is that variables are measured with numbers and analysis according to applicable procedures. The goal of quantitative research is to draw conclusions or generalize theories.

1. Punch

Quantitative research is research based on empirical experience to collect data in the form of numbers. This data can be calculated numerically. Quantitative research is defined as research based on assumptions. To determine the variables, analysis is used as the correct research method.

1. Berryman

According to Berryman, quantitative research involves theory, hypothesis, design, and subject determination. Research is supported by collecting data and analysis before conclusions.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research Methods

There are several characteristics of quantitative research methods, including:

• Data Collection Based on Numbers

Quantitative research collects data in the form of numbers and measurable measurements. This data is often obtained through surveys, laboratory experiments, or statistical analysis of secondary data.

• Structured Approach

Quantitative research uses a structured and formal approach. Research questions, hypotheses, and variables to be measured are usually predetermined.

• Statistical Analysis

The data obtained in quantitative research is processed using statistical analysis techniques. This involves the use of numbers and mathematical formulas to draw conclusions from the data.

• Objectivity

Quantitative research is more objective because the data collected is numerical. Data interpretation is based on statistical analysis that can be repeated by other researchers.

• Generalization

The results of quantitative research often have the ability to be generalized to a larger population. This is due to the use of samples that represent the population.

Examples of Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative research is often used in various college majors such as psychology, MIPA, engineering, economics, sociology, health, and other developments. Here are examples of quantitative research that you need to know:

Example of Quantitative Research in Education

• The influence of effective learning methods in solving a problem.
• The influence of parents in building student character.
• The influence of parents in increasing student learning motivation.
• The influence of parents in increasing children’s learning achievement.
• Consumer decisions in purchasing products based on price and not brand.
• Analysis of consumer decisions in determining a product based on its brand.
• Research on the reading habits of students at SMP Negeri 01 Surabaya.

Examples of Quantitative Research in Psychology Department

• Relationship Between Leader Member Exchange and Employee Trust in Superiors
• Relationship Between Organizational Communication Climate and Productive Employee Behavior
• Relationship Between Optimistic Personality and Compliance in Undergoing Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
• Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Conformity in Young Women Who Smoke
• Relationship Between Perception of Parental Emotional Expression and Level of Depression Tendency in Adolescents
• Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Authoritative Parenting Patterns and Learning Achievement in First Year Students
• Effect of Work Boredom on Productivity with Length of Work as a Moderator Variable for Employees of PT. X
• Effect of Perception of Transformational Leadership on Innovative Behavior of Radio Announcers

Example of Quantitative Research in Informatics Engineering

• Method of Developing Android-Based Learning Media on Mathematics Material for Grade XI Students of SMP Negeri 3 Surabaya.
• Effect of Utilizing Android-Based Smartphone Applications as Learning Media at SMP Negeri 1 Surabaya.
• Development of NFC-Based Lecture Attendance Information System in the Informatics and Computer Engineering Education Study Program, Sebelas Maret University
• Design of Website-Based Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Application at PT. Super Tata Raya Steel

Example of Quantitative Research in the Department of Communication Sciences

• The Influence of Exposure to News on the Sumber Kencono Bus Traffic Accident in the Media on the Image of the Sumber Kencono Bus in the Eyes of the Ngale Village Community, Ngawi Regency in 2023.
• The Influence of MMC (Muhammadiyah Medical Center) Service Quality on Student Satisfaction (Regression Analysis of the Level of Satisfaction of FKI UMS Students).
• The Influence of the Intensity of Watching the Upin and Ipin Animated Series on Moral Values ​​in Elementary School Students (Correlation Study on Grade IV Students of SD Muhammadiyah 1 Surabaya).
• Self-Management in Intercultural Communication (Case Study of Communication Management to Manage
• Uncertainty and Anxiety in Intercultural Communication of Students from Surabaya in Jakarta.

Well, that’s an example of a quantitative research method. If we pay attention, the titles in quantitative research are more specific and focus on measuring or relating to certain variables. For example, you will often find words like “influence,” “relationship,” or “analysis” in the title. These titles will immediately indicate the aspects being measured and the results that are expected.

By understanding quantitative research methods starting from the definition, characteristics, and examples, you can be better prepared to choose the right approach in social research. Whether in case studies, surveys, or experiments, this approach provides a systematic way to obtain reliable data. Hopefully the discussion above can help and be useful.