Summary: Quantitative Research Methods

Read the summary and the most important questions on Quantitative Research Methods

• 1 Week 1

• 1.1 Lecture 1

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• What is the difference between descriptive and inferential research?

  Descriptive;
  What questions,
   
  

  • Interested in a quantitative answer:

  ‘How many students are enrolled in the premaster?’ Which program has the most students?
  
  
  

  • Interested in a numerical change:

  ‘Are the numbers of premaster students in our university rising compared to last year?
  
  
  
  Inferential;
  Why questions,
  
  

  • Test relationships:

  ‘What is the relation between students’ self-esteem and their average grade in the premaster?’
  
  

  • Explain something:

  ‘What factors cause changes in student performance over time?

• Why do we need quantitative research?

  • Provides us with a toolbox to study the world by the use of the scientific method
    
  • Helps minimising cognitive assumptions (bias) that may distort our interpretation
  • The state of prior research and/or topic may 'force' you to use quantitative methods
  • Only way to establish causal relationships

• When do we need quantitative research?

  When the state of prior theory and research is mature, or if it is intermediate, a hybrid form between quant and quali is advised.

• What is the simpson's paradox?

  Simpson’s paradox refers to a phenomena whereby the association between a pair of variables (X, Y) reverses sign upon conditioning of a third variable, Z, regardless of the value taken by Z.

• 1.2 The Effect - Chapter 1 - Designing Research

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• What is quantitative empirical research?

  Empirical research that uses quantitative measurements (numbers, usually). More data sets, fewer interviews.

• 2 Week 2

• 2.2 The Effect - Chapter 2 - Research Questions

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• 2.1 What is a research question?What does it mean to have a question that can be answered?

  That there is evidence in the world that, if found, would answer your question in a believable way.
  It is not ambiguous, e.g. 'best movie'

• What does it mean to improve our understanding of how the world works?

  It should tell you about something broader than the question itself, inform theory in some way.

• 2.2 Why start with a question?What is the difference between data mining and conducting research with a research question?

  Data mining seeks patterns in the data, where quantitative research starts with a question and then dives into data to find answers.

• What are advantages of research through data mining?

  Finding patterns and making predictions under stability (where the process does not change)

• What are the kinds of things that research through data mining is less good at?

  Improving our understanding i.e. Helping improve theory, and it has a tendency to find false positives
  (Sometimes seeing patterns in data can give us ideas for research questions)