What is Quantitative Research?

In order to conduct quantitative research, you must collect quantitative data. This data can be collected in many ways, and the method of data collection you choose will depend on the type of data you want to obtain. 

Quantitative research can be conducted using the following two types of data: 

• Primary Research
• Surveys
• Experimental Research
• Controlled Observation
• Secondary Research

Primary Research 

Primary research includes any kind of research wherein you collect the data yourself. Let’s take a look at the different methods of primary research used in quantitative data collection.

Surveys

Survey research is one of the most commonly used tools while collecting quantitative data. Surveys can be conducted through a range of channels such as websites, social media polls, over-the-phone, or even in-person. This method of data collection allows organizations to ask their target audience many different survey questions relating to brand perception. 

A survey sample must be selected randomly in order to maintain the accuracy of the data so that results can be generalized to the whole target population. 

Experimental Research

Experimental research is also often used within quantitative research to verify or refute a theory, or multiple theories. It adheres to the scientific research design that includes a hypothesis, a controlled variable, an independent variable, and a dependent variable. Experimental research must be conducted in a controlled environment. 

Controlled Observation

Controlled observation refers to a method of research where researchers observe participants in a controlled environment. The researcher pre-determines the location, the time, the tools, and the variables that need to be studied. Traditionally, controlled observation takes place in a physical location so that participants can be observed in person, although now there are virtual tools that enable controlled observation studies to be conducted remotely. 

Secondary Research 

Secondary research involves the use of already existing data. This existing data is collated and analysed to substantiate whether a hypothesis is to be verified or refuted. These are a few popularly used secondary quantitative research methods:

• Commercial information sources, such as local newspapers and journals.
• Government and non-government sources, such as government census data.
• Educational institutions, such as university research papers that contain in-depth research on different topics.
• Internet sources, such as reliable news websites.