What is an example of using "quantitative research methods"?

Quantitative research methods focus on quantifying relationships, behaviors, or phenomena and often involve statistical analysis. A survey that utilizes rating scales is a classic example of quantitative research. This method collects data in numerical form, allowing researchers to perform statistical analyses to identify patterns, relationships, or trends within the data.

For instance, a survey with rating scales might ask respondents to rate their satisfaction with a product on a scale from 1 to 10. The responses can then be aggregated and analyzed using various statistical techniques, providing clear insights that can guide decision-making.

In contrast, focus groups, case studies, and observational studies primarily gather qualitative data, which is more descriptive and subjective. While these methods are valuable for understanding complex behaviors and motivations, they do not lend themselves to the same kind of numerical analysis that characterizes quantitative research. Thus, the numerical data analysis inherent in the survey with rating scales unmistakably positions it as an example of quantitative research methods.