The main types of quantitative research are generally classified into the following categories:
1. Descriptive Research
- Focuses on describing the current status or characteristics of a variable or phenomenon.
- Answers questions like what , where , when , and how , but not why.
- The researcher observes and measures variables without manipulating them.
- Used to identify trends, categories, and sample characteristics.
- Examples include case studies, cross-sectional studies, and longitudinal studies
2. Correlational Research
- Examines relationships between two or more variables without manipulation.
- Determines the direction (positive, negative, or none) and strength of relationships.
- Does not establish causality but can identify potential associations.
- Often uses secondary data or surveys.
- Example: Investigating the link between social media use and mental health
3. Experimental Research
- Involves manipulation of an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable.
- Participants are randomly assigned to groups to control extraneous variables.
- Can establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- Considered the gold standard for testing hypotheses.
- Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new drug or intervention
4. Quasi-Experimental Research
- Similar to experimental research but lacks random assignment of participants.
- Used when randomization is not feasible.
- Allows some control over variables but with limited internal validity.
- Common in education and clinical research.
- Example: Evaluating a new teaching method without random group assignment
5. Comparative (Causal-Comparative) Research
- Investigates cause-and-effect relationships by comparing groups that differ on a particular variable.
- Variables are not manipulated by the researcher.
- Sometimes overlaps with quasi-experimental designs.
- Example: Comparing academic performance between students who use different study techniques
Additional Methods in Quantitative Research
- Survey Research: Uses structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions to collect data from samples, suitable for descriptive and correlational studies
- Observation: Systematic monitoring of behaviors or occurrences, sometimes used quantitatively by counting frequencies or durations
These types form a continuum from purely observational (descriptive) to highly controlled (experimental) designs, depending on the level of variable manipulation and control the researcher applies
. In summary, the key types of quantitative research are:
- Descriptive
- Correlational
- Experimental
- Quasi-experimental
- Comparative (Causal-Comparative)
Each serves different research purposes and varies in how variables are controlled and manipulated
