Quantitative
research consists of the collection, tabulation, summarization, and
analysis of numerical data for the purpose of answering research
questions or hypotheses. Quantitative research focuses on the collection of
statistical data that can be systematically analyzed in order to develop a
clear, objective, and organized measurement in regard to the research question.
This methodology makes use of a scientific approach to reasoning and
problem-solving in order to substantiate an apparent pattern and role for facts
in making logical correlations between a hypothesis and conclusion. The
key element that quantitative data supports is the recognition of pattern, or a
certain systematic and predictable order, to events and phenomena. This form
of research must proceed according to a design and methodology. Unlike qualitative
research methods, researchers utilizing quantitative methods remain uninvolved and
the results are objective. Larger samples are typically desired in order to
produce results that can be generalized. Quantitative research is tremendously important,
but the ins and outs can leave a little more to be desired for those of us who
think in glitter, colors, words and pictures etc., so I would like to open up
the idea of the equally important side of the use of quantitative research
methods, that it can be interesting and powerful to everyone if you learn to
appreciate all that it can accomplish and be used toward.
Since I
was young I have been interested in people’s opinions to try to understand the
world around me. I lived on the beach at the end of eighth grade and decided
that the summer traffic would be a good opportunity to speak to people and find
out what they thought about topics that were interesting to me. I made up a
twenty question survey that asked an array of questions ranging from who was
your favorite Spice Girl (Posh Spice), what is your favorite sport (gymnastics),
do you run out of shampoo or conditioner quicker (conditioner, always) and do
you have a negative perception of those who choose to wear red lipstick (no, I totally
want to put some on right now). Surprisingly, random strangers were open to
answer my hodgepodge of questions. I loved to find out the answers, but I had
no clue about moving forward in analyzing my research. Sadly, to this day, the
survey is tucked away in an inaccessible box, if not long gone. The world will
never know the results of these random questions from 1998.
Flash forward
to present day, I recently had the great fortune to conduct my own research
once again in an action research project. I was able to ask my colleagues five
questions, though really I would have loved to ask about a hundred, about their
perception of aspects of transformational leadership in the current climate of
our leadership structure. This time, I had the tools and ability to conduct an
analysis and was pleased to see there was a pattern that presented a story of
our department’s perceptions. My hope is to make a contribution in improving
the world around me and that one day it will transcend my more isolated environment
to improve workplace environments in moving toward leadership for the greater
good of all employees. It is a naively optimistic notion, but it will not have
a chance of happening if people like me do not hope and work for it.
Occasionally
when I make my all too frequent visits to the wonderful Walt Disney World, as park-goers
leave the park in the evenings you may be stopped by an Imagineer and be asked
to participate in a survey. I love being asked to participate in their
quantitative research. I always try to be as thoughtful and thorough as
possible in giving my numerical ratings, but I become extra excited in giving
my ideas and opinions in the written section. I think research is such an
invaluable tool in understanding your business structure, the perception of
others and moving forward in making meaningful changes and improvements. So
rhetorically I ask, why not provide answers to make the place I love even
better? I want my voice to be heard and count toward keeping the things I enjoy
and adjusting those things that leave me wanting for more.
Though
the definitions and methodologies that explains quantitative research can seem
cold and dry, flooded with numerical values, scientific approaches, statistical
data and systematic analysis, the body of information behind it can be colorful
and important and is a way to measure that can be transformational to the
situations we are involved in and the world around us all.
References:
Mamia, T. (2012, April).
Quantitative Research Methods. Retrieved from https://erau.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-14114959-dt-content-rid-38257535_4/institution/Worldwide_Online/MSLD_Courses/MSLD_500/msld_500_quant_research_methods_lecture1_tero_mamia.pdf
Rose, D. & Sullivan, O. (1996) Introducing Data Analysis for Social
Scientists: Second Edition. Buckingham: Open University Press.
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