Quantitative 1- Quantitative Methodologies

Question 1

What do quantitative research measure?

Answer 1

Quantitative research measures causes, effect relationships and correlations between variables and enable researchers to see what is the most effective form of intervention.

Question 2

What does the methodology begin with?

Answer 2

Hypothesis- worded question: statement which predicts the relationships between the variables that are to be measured during the study. The aim is to test the hypothesis. The findings will either support or not support the hypothesis.

Question 3

What are variables?

Answer 3

independent (presumed cause) and dependent (presumed effect)

Question 4

What are the words that should be used when describing the findings?

Answer 4

Supported and refuted

Question 5

What is a literature review?

Answer 5

allows the researcher to review the current body of knowledge and identify any gaps in the knowledge. Data is collected and analysed.

Question 6

How do quantitative methodology make sure data can represent the whole population?

Answer 6

Usually involves a large number of people that can represent the population. The researcher uses probability sampling methods- this means potential participants have an equal or random chance to be picked for the study. The exact sample of people is chosen before the study is started by using a power calculation. Telling the researcher the minimum number of participants are required to measure the impact of the independent variable.

Question 7

What are the most commonly used quantitative data collection?

Answer 7

questionnaires (using closed questions), likert scales and checklist.

Question 8

What does quantitative data analysis involve?

Answer 8

statistics.

Question 9

What are descriptive studies?

Answer 9

measure the central tendency includes the mean, median and mode.

Question 10

What are inferential studies?

Answer 10

• used when the researcher wants to make inferences about the findings to the wider population

Question 11

in the research report, how are the findings presented and what will it determine?

Answer 11

the findings are presented numerically using charts, tables and graphs. The findings will also determine whether the research question has been answered if not the theory needs to be tested- deductive reasoning.

Question 12

How can biasness be reduced?

Answer 12

double blind or blind studies.

Question 13

What is the common criticism given to quantitative methodology?

Answer 13

it only focuses on an element or a part of something and also the imbalance of power.

Question 14

Examples of quantitative research methods?

Answer 14

• Randomised controlled trials
• Cohort studies
• Case-control studies
• Surveys

Question 15

What are randomised control trials

Answer 15

Highest level of quantitative studies.
-The aim: test a hypothesis regarding a treatment or intervention. Half the participant will receive the conventional treatment (experimental group) and some will receive the placebo (the control group).
-The outcomes for the two groups are compared and the findings will determine whether the hypothesis about the new treatment has been supported.
- Three essential characteristics:
o Randomisation
o Manipulation
o Control

Question 16

What are cohort studies?

Answer 16

• The researcher has an idea about a possible cause and effect relationship.
• The participants that are recruited are exposed to the presumed cause and followed up over the years to see if they experience the presumed effect.
• Also follows other people who are in similar cases but not exposed to the problem.

Question 17

What are case-control studies?

Answer 17

• Randomisation and control are missing
• Can reveal correlations between variables
• Compare cases, whereby the researcher compares people with a condition or problem.
• Done retrospectively
• The researcher recruits participants with the problem and then recruits other people to be in the control group- these should be similar to the case as possible.
• The differences in the group give the researchers an indication of the likely causes of the condition or problem.

Question 18

What are surveys ?

Answer 18

• Usually starts with a research question.
• Allows researchers to gather information about attitudes, beliefs and behaviours and prevalence
• Key advantage- anonymity
• low response rate