Quantitative research

Watson, Roger

Abstract

This article describes the basic tenets of quantitative research. The concepts of dependent and independent variables are addressed and the concept of measurement and its associated issues, such as error, reliability and validity, are explored. Experiments and surveys – the principal research designs in quantitative research – are described and key features explained. The importance of the double-blind randomised controlled trial is emphasised, alongside the importance of longitudinal surveys, as opposed to cross-sectional surveys. Essential features of data storage are covered, with an emphasis on safe, anonymous storage. Finally, the article explores the analysis of quantitative data, considering what may be analysed and the main uses of statistics in analysis.

Citation

Watson, R. (2015). Quantitative research. Nursing standard : official newspaper of the Royal College of Nursing, 29(31), 44-48. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.29.31.44.e8681

• Acceptance Date: Feb 25, 2014
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jun 3, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 3, 2015
• Journal: Nursing standard
• Print ISSN: 0029-6570
• Publisher: RCN Publishing (RCNi)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 31
• Pages: 44-48
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.29.31.44.e8681
• Keywords: Experiments; Measurement; Nursing research; Quantitative research; Reliability; Surveys; Validity
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/374637
• Publisher URL: http://journals.rcni.com/doi/abs/10.7748/ns.29.31.44.e8681
• Additional Information: Author's accepted manuscript of article published in: Nursing standard, v.29, issue 31
• Contract Date: Jun 3, 2015