Quant research as a whole

Question 1

AIMS:

Answer 1

Measure Variables
Quantitative research aims to quantify phenomena, often using numbers, scales, or other measurable units.
Example: Measuring the prevalence of insomnia in a population (as in LeBlanc et al., 2007).

Test Hypotheses
A primary goal is to test specific hypotheses or predictions about relationships between variables.
Example: Testing whether insomnia is linked to reduced quality of life.

Establish Causality
Quantitative studies often aim to identify causal relationships using experimental or observational methods.
Example: Determining whether insomnia directly causes reduced daytime functioning.

Generalize Findings
Findings are intended to apply to larger populations beyond the study sample.
Example: LeBlanc et al.’s study aims to generalize findings about insomnia’s impact to broader populations.

Provide Objectivity
The focus is on maintaining objectivity through standardized, repeatable methods and statistical analysis.

Question 2

paradigms

Answer 2

Positivist Paradigm

Assumes that reality is objective and can be observed, measured, and understood independently of the researcher.
Emphasis on facts, objectivity, and predictability.
Researchers strive to control for biases and external influences.
Example: LeBlanc et al. (2007) assumes insomnia’s effects can be objectively measured using surveys and standardized tools.

Post-Positivist Paradigm

Acknowledges that while objectivity is the goal, complete objectivity may not always be possible.
Recognizes the potential influence of researcher and contextual factors, but still prioritizes empirical evidence and rigor.

Question 3

Goals

Answer 3

To Measure and Quantify
Quantitative research focuses on creating reliable, measurable data using tools such as surveys, experiments, and tests.
Example: Measuring how frequently insomnia occurs in different age groups.

To Test Theories or Models
Research is often designed to test existing theories, refine them, or provide evidence to support them.
Example: Testing whether insomnia increases with stress levels or decreases with specific interventions.

To Produce Generalizable Results
Results aim to represent larger populations, achieved by using random sampling or large sample sizes.
Example: Using national surveys to generalize findings about insomnia prevalence.

To Control Variables
Quantitative research aims to control external factors to focus on specific cause-effect relationships.
Example: In an experiment, controlling for confounding factors like age, gender, or lifestyle.

To Provide Predictive Power
Many studies aim to predict outcomes based on certain variables.
Example: Predicting the likelihood of developing insomnia based on stress or lifestyle factors.

Question 4

key concepts

Answer 4

Variables
Variables are measurable characteristics or properties that researchers analyze.
Example: In LeBlanc et al. (2007), variables include insomnia severity and quality of life.

Types of variables:
Independent Variables: The variable that is manipulated or predicts changes (e.g., stress levels).
Dependent Variables: The outcome being measured (e.g., quality of life).

Hypotheses
Quantitative research starts with hypotheses—testable predictions about relationships between variables.
Example: “Insomnia is associated with lower quality of life.”

Operationalization
Concepts are converted into measurable indicators or scales.
Example: Measuring “insomnia severity” through a validated sleep questionnaire.
Sampling

Involves selecting a representative subset of the population to ensure findings can be generalized.
Example: Random sampling in a population-wide survey on insomnia.

Statistical Analysis
Data is analyzed using statistical techniques to identify patterns, relationships, and significance.
Example: LeBlanc et al. used statistical tests to analyze the link between insomnia and health outcomes.

Reliability and Validity
Reliability: The consistency of results over time or across measurements.
Validity: The accuracy of the measurements in capturing the intended phenomena.

Objectivity
Researchers minimize biases by standardizing procedures and using tools like double-blind studies.

Replicability
Studies should be designed so that they can be replicated by other researchers under the same conditions.

Question 5

replicability

Answer 5

Quantitative Research and Replicability
Replicability is a foundational principle in positivism/post-positivism, which underpin quantitative research.
The idea is that by following standardized methods and objective procedures, another researcher can repeat the same study (even in a different context or time) and obtain similar results.