This week I had the opportunity to read about and inform
myself on quantitative research methods. Unlike last week with qualitative
research methods, I had an idea about quantitative methods before I began my readings.
Quantitative research involves experimental methods and statistics to test a
hypothesis. (Hoepfl, 1997) Qualitative
and quantitative methods differ in the reasoning behind the research.
Qualitative research tests the how where quantitative methods test the why.
(Mamia, nd) Quantitative is the more common type of research method and the
surveys usually involve multiple choice questions in order to prove or disprove
an idea. Quantitative research involves numerical terms that can be analyzed by
statistical methods. (Mamia, nd) The study group for a quantitative research
study is usually much larger than with a qualitative study. ”Quantitative data
is based on precise measurements using structured & validated
data-collection instruments” (Xavier University Library, 2012). One
disadvantage of quantitative research is that is static and is difficult to produce
a dynamic view of the research. (Mamia, nd) After my reading I was able to come
to the conclusion that quantitative research involves numerical or statistical
data gathered over a large scale to prove an idea or hypothesis.
As a person that deals with numbers on a daily basis,
I found quantitative research much more understanding. I know some people do
not work with numbers as often as I do so this type of method can cause some
people to glaze over. I believe this type of research can be made more
enjoyable in the correct setting. I used to be an annual pass holder at Disney
and occasionally, as I was leaving the park, would get asked to take a short
ten minute survey about my experience at the park that particular day. I would
observe some other people not want to partake in the survey due to being too
tired or the kids being grumpy. I always relished in the opportunity to fill
out the survey. The survey would ask questions regarding the most preferred
ride, food, or how to make the park more enjoyable. I always thought it was
cool and hoped one day they would take one of my recommendations on the few
open ended questions. I asked myself why not put it out there so the things I
love can be kept and the things that leave me wanting more can be hopefully
adjusted.
I recently had the opportunity to create and
administer my own quantitative survey. I had the fortune of asking my coworkers
nine questions regarding their level of followership in our department. I would
have loved to ask them many more because I have become very interested in this
subject and outcome. I was able to synthesize and study the data and was
pleased to realize that a pattern unfolded to tell our department’s story
regarding followership. I know it may be naive but I would love to take this
data and help our leadership grow the department’s level of followership. I am
optimistic that we can grow to be an even greater department and I would like
to be a part of that growth.
Though the statistics and methodologies behind
quantitative methods can seem dry at some times, this method is very useful in
the world of research. Maybe everyone does not want to make Disney a better
place but taking the time to answer a survey for a cable or phone company has
the possibility for useful change that could add value (or at lease limit
frustration) to your experience.
References
Hoepfl, M. (1997). Choosing qualitative research: a primer
for technology education researchers. In M.
Sanders (Ed.), Journal of Technology Education, 9(1). Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v9n1/hoepfl.html
Mamia, T. (nd). 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
Xavier University Library (2012).
Qualitative versus quantitative research. Retrieved from http://www.xavier.edu/library/students/documents/qualitative_quantitative.pdf
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