What type of quantitative research seeks to establish a cause

Quantitative research- concerned with precise measurement, replicable, controlled and used to predict events. It is a formal, objective, systematic process. Numerical data are used to obtain information about the subject under study.

-uses data that are numeric

-primarily intended to test theories

-it is deductive and outcome orientated

-examples of statistical techniques used for quantitative data analysis are random sampling, regression analysis, factor analysis, correlation, cluster analysis, causal modeling and standardized tests

For comparative information on qualitative v.s. quantitative see: The University of Arkansas University Library Lib Guides

Related Information

Related Information

Control group- the group of subjects or elements NOT exposed to the experimental treatment in a study where the sample is randomly selected

Experimental group- the group of subjects receiving the experimental treatment, i.e., the independent variable (controlled measure or cause) in an experiment.

Independent variable- the variable or measure being manipulated or controlled by the experimenter. The independent variable is assigned to participants by random assignment.

Dependent variable or dependent measure- the factor that the experimenter predicts is affected by the independent variable, i.e., the response, outcome or effect from the participants that the experimenter is measuring.

Four types of Quantitative Research

Descriptive 

1) Descriptive- provides a description and exploration of phenomena in real-life situations and characteristics. Correlational of particular individuals, situations or groups are described. 

Comparative

Comparative

2) Comparative- a systematic investigation of relationships between two or more variables used to explain the nature of relationships in the world. Correlations may be positive (e.g., if one variable increases, so does the other), or negative (correlation occurs when one variable increases and the other decreases).

Quasi-experimental

Quasi-experimental

3) Quasi-experimental- a study that resembles an experiment but random assignment had no role in determining which participants were placed on a specific level of treatment. Generally would have less validity than experiments.

Experimental (empirical)

Experimental (empirical)

4) Experimental (empirical) method- the scientific method used to test an experimental hypothesis or premise. Consists of a control group (not exposed to the experimental treatment, i.e.. is dependent) and the experimental group (is exposed to the treatment, i.e., independent)

Last Updated: Nov 8, 2022 2:13 PM

Librarian Tip

Differentiating between types of sources can be challenging and is an important skill to develop. This page explains three different search strategies for finding articles of particular methodologies and how to differentiate between them. In reality, you're going to combine these strategies to be as efficient and effective as possible. 

Definitions | Search Strategies | Evaluation Techniques | Hands-on Practice

Sources

Mixed Methods Research

Mixed-methods is more than simply the ad hoc combination of qualitative and quantiative data in a single study. It involves the planned mixing of qualitative and quantitative methods at a predetermined stage of the research process, be it during the initial study planning, the process of data collection, data analysis or reporting, in order to better answer the research question. 

Dictionary of Nursing Theory and Research

Strategy One: Keywords

Keywords:

You may remember from previous research instruction that keywords are words or phrases used to describe your research topic. Try including a type of research or research methodology as one of your keywords - for example, diabetes AND quantitative. This should help narrow down your search results to exactly the type of article you're looking for. Below are a couple of other examples:

Strategy Two: Filters & Limits

Database Tools:

Databases are here to help! Be sure to examine the limiter or filter options that are available. Some databases will include ways you can narrow your results to specific types of scholarly articles or specific types of research. For example:

Strategy Three: Subject Terms

Subject Terms:

Subject terms are search terms that have already been assigned to each source within a database as one way to describe the content. Most databases include Subject Terms, Subject Headings, Keywords, or some other option amongst the limiters/filters to browse terms related to what you've already searched for. You can then select terms related to types of scholarly articles or types of research to help limit your results.  Below is am example of the keywords available after searching in the database Scopus. Potentially useful limiters have a red circle next to them.

Remember: If you're stuck,  consider contacting your librarian! 

What Does the Abstract Tell You?

Very often, the abstract of an article will make it clear what type of research has been done, as seen in the example below. This journal even lists the type of research as one of the article's keywords.

Initial Evaluation: What kind of research is this article?

1. Start with the title and work your way down through publication type, abstract, and the other items in the database record.
2. The author(s), journal and database want you to know what the article is, they aren't trying to trick you!
3. Reviews are when the authors are summarizing, or reviewing the available literature on a topic. These are not considered original research articles.
4. Mixed methods research uses qualitative AND quantitative methods, so remember to check for both. 
5. Are there other assignment criteria for the article you're evaluating? Don't forget those too!

Think you found an article that works? Great!

Remember to read the whole article to be certain!

Practice: Identifying Qualitative and Quantitative Research Articles

• Identifying Qualitative and Quantitative Research Articles

  One of the first things you'll do when you find an interesting article is determine what type of research it encompasses. Use this interactive tutorial to practice determining if an article is likely qualitative or quantitative research.

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Which type of quantitative research seeks to?

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