Quantitative methods are empirical investigations based upon the objective observation of phenomena. They can be employed in a variety of different disciplines, ranging from the physical sciences to sociology. Additionally, measurements and mathematical representations are also considered quantitative, since they express the relationships between observable facts.
Collection of Data
Quantitative methods can be used to collect data, which can then be quantified using mathematical and statistical analysis in order to discern relationships between phenomena. Data collection is especially important to the social sciences and psychology, because it allows researchers to come to general conclusions about experimentation results.
Building Models
Building a model to describe a phenomenon can allow researchers to draw conclusions about that phenomenon, discern how it functions and develop laws about it. These models can also be used to attempt to anticipate future behavior, such as in the field of economics.
Developing Theories
Theories can be developed from empirical observation and quantitative methods. Science, for instance, relies upon quantitative research to discern facts about the world. Scientists then develop theories to try and explain how these facts relate to other known facts about a phenomenon to better understand how nature and the physical world function.
Developing Hypothesis
Once a theory has been developed, a hypothesis or prediction can be made about the further behavior of a phenomenon. Hypotheses allow researchers to design further experiments in order to test their predictions. Depending upon the outcomes of such experiments, the hypothesis can either be confirmed, which in turn confirms the theory, or rejected, wherein the theory is revised.
As Supporting Evidence
In the context of qualitative or interpretation-based investigations, quantitative methods can be employed to provide evidence for an argument or theory. Usually, this takes the form of statistically organized data. However, it can also be a first- or third-person account of an event. Such evidence is used often by historians.
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