Introduction

Quantitative research involves the systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable

data and performing statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. In other words, it aims to
develop and employ mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses pertaining to phenomena.
 Background of quantitative research

Quantitative research in science has a rich history that dates back to the early development of the
scientific method, developing into ancient foundations: where early forms of quantitative
analysis can be traced to ancient civilizations. For instance, Greek mathematicians like
Pythagoras and Euclid made significant contributions to mathematics, which laid the
groundwork for quantitative reasoning. Followed by the scientific revolution (16 th -17th century)
where the scientific revolution marked a pivotal shift. Figures such as Galileo Galilei and Sir
Isaak Newton applied mathematical methods to physical phenomena, formalizing the use of
quantitative techniques in science. Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation are prime
examples of this. Then in the 19th century, as science progressed, so did quantitative methods.
This century saw the development of statistical methods and probability theory. Pioneers like
Karl Friedrich Gauss and Pierre- Simon Laplace advanced statistical techniques, which became
integral in analyzing data. Then in 20 th century witnessed significant growth in quantitative
research, where the rise of computing technology enabled more complex data analysis, key
developments included the development of advanced statistical methods, experimental design,
and the application of quantitative research across diverse scientific disciplines. And lastly, the
contemporary era, nowadays quantitative research is foundational in science. Modern techniques
include sophisticated statistical models, data mining, and computational simulations. All in all,
quantitative research has evolved from early mathematical observations to a crucial part of
modern scientific inquiry, driven by technological advancements and methodological
innovations

Concept of Quantitative research

According to Pritha Bhandari (2020), quantitative research is the process of collecting and
analyzing numerical data. It therefore, can be used to find pattern and averages, make
predictions, test casual relationship, and generalize results to wider populations. It involves
quantifying things and asking questions such as how long, how many, and the degree to which.
Not only, but also involves collecting and analyzing non numerical data (e.g. Text, video, or
audio). Therefore, it is widely used in the natural and social sciences, biology, chemistry,
psychology, economics, sociology, marketing, and so on.

Quantitative research methods

Quantitative research methods can be used for descriptions, correlational, or experimental

research.

 In descriptive research, you can simply seek an overall summary of your study variables.
 In correlational research, you investigate relationship between your study variables.
 In experimental research, you systematically examine whether there is a cause-and-effect
relationship between variables.

Quantitative data analysis

Once data is collected, you may need to process it before it can be analyzed. For e.g. survey
and test data may need to be transformed from words to numbers. Then, you can use
statistical analysis to answer your research questions.

Descriptive statistics will give you a summary of your data and include measures of average
and variability. There can also be used graphs, scatter plots and frequency tables to visualize
your data and check for any trends or outliers.

When using inferential statistics, you can make predictions or generalizations based on
your data. You can test hypothesis or use your sample data to estimate the population
parameter.

Characteristics of quantitative research

Quantitative research is being chosen based on the type of the topic, research questions and
problems. As a result, the selected method determines the exact research design and procedures
such as the sample of the research, data collection, instruments, data analysis, and final results
interpretations.

According to Creswell (2002), the major characteristics of quantitative research are:

 Describing the problem statement by presenting the need for an explanation of variable’s
relationship.
 Offering literature, a significant faction by answering research questions, explaining the
research challenges, and generating a demand for the research directions.
 Creating precise, quantifiable, observable purpose statements, and hypothesis.
 Collecting numerical data from a sample of the study by using instruments.
 Using statistical analyzing pattern, connecting variables, then finding interpretation by
comparing them to previous research and predictions.
 Providing impartial study report by using frameworks and assessment standards, while
remaining impartial.
Advantages of quantitative research
Quantitative research is often used to standardize data collections and generalize findings.
According to Pritha Bhandari (2020), the strengths of this approach include:
 Replication
Repeating the study is possible because of standardized data collections, protocols and
tangible definitions of abstract concepts.
 Direct comparisons of results
The study can be reproduced in other cultural settings, times or with different groups of
participants. And the results can be compared statistically.
 Large samples
Data from the large samples can be processed and analyzed using reliable and consistent
procedures through quantitative data analysis.
 Hypothesis testing
Using formalized and established hypothesis testing procedures means that you have to
carefully consider and report your research variables, predictions, data collection, and
testing methods before coming to a conclusion.
Disadvantages of quantitative research
Despite the benefits of quantitative research, it is sometimes inadequate in explaining
complex research topics. According to Pritha Bhandari (2020), its limitations include:
 Superficiality
Using precise and restrictive operational definitions may inadequately represent
complex concepts. For example, the concept of mood may be represented with
just a number in quantitative research, but explained with elaboration in
qualitative research.
 Narrow focus
Predetermined variables and measurements procedures can mean that you ignore
other relevant observations.
 Structural bias
Despite standardized procedures, structural biases can still affect quantitative
research. Missing data, imprecise measurements or inappropriate sampling
methods are biases that can lead to wrong conclusions.
 Lack of context
Quantitative research often uses unnatural settings like laboratories or fails to
consider historical and cultural contexts that may affect data collection and
results.
Quantitative research examples
 What is the demographic makeup of Singapore in 2020?
 How has the average temperature changed globally over the last century?
 Does environmental pollution affect the prevalence of honey bees?
 Does working from home increase productivity for people with long commutes?
Conclusion

In this research, it was notorious that quantitative research involves systematically collecting and
analyzing numerical data to understand patterns, relationship, and trends. So, it often includes statistical
analysis to test hypotheses and validate findings. As a result, this approach is used to measure variables,
identify correlations, and make predictions, providing an objective basis for scientific conclusions.
References

Bryman Alan, Duncan Cramer, (2004) quantitative data analysis, 1st edition

Richard A, Johnson, Dean W.wichem (2013) applied multivariate statistical analysis

Smith, A. B., & Jones, C. D. (2019) Jounal of research methodology 4th edction