5 Types Of Quantitative Research

There are five main types of quantitative research designs and they are:

1. Descriptive Research Design
2. Survey Research
3. Correlational Research Design
4. Quasi-experimental Research Design
5. Experimental Research Design 

These five research types explain five ways you can gather quantitative data. These five methodologies also vary due to the different procedures each type undertakes. Each approach helps gather insightful data that can help you make confident decisions. 

Let’s explore these five types in detail. 

1. Descriptive Research Design 

Descriptive research is used to understand a phenomenon, a situation, or a population. Unlike experimental research, descriptive research does not involve the manipulation of certain variables. Rather, it seeks only to observe and measure the variables to investigate them. 

Among the types of quantitative research, this design is used when trying to identify characteristics, categories, and trends. The most common methods of collecting descriptive research are case studies, observations, and surveys. You can leverage offline survey tools to conduct observations or face-to-face surveys. 

2. Survey Research

Surveys are the most popular and common method to gather data. You can ask multiple questions to a wide population. Moreover, you can conduct surveys using online survey tools.  The data analysis is also simple since you can use advanced survey analytics software.

You can choose to conduct surveys in two ways – cross-sectional and longitudinal. 

• Cross-sectional surveys are used when you want to conduct research at a given point in time.
• Longitudinal surveys, on the other hand, are used when you want to run surveys at various durations. 

3. Correlational Research Design

Correlational research is a non-experimental research method used to identify a relationship between two variables with no influence from any extraneous variable. 

Among the types of quantitative research, this design can help you recognize patterns and trends in the feedback you gather. For example, an ice cream brand can use this methodology to identify the relationship between weather (temperature) and ice cream sales. 

The correlation between the two variables will reflect their relationship’s direction and/or strength. 

• A positive correlation denotes that both variables change in the same direction.
• A negative correlation denotes that the variables change in opposite directions. 
• A zero correlation denotes that there is no relationship between the variables being studied.