Part 2: Quantitative Methods and Data Collection
Quantitative research employs deductive reasoning to explore social phenomena or research questions, generating numerical data for statistical analysis (Bhat, 2018). This method facilitates the measurement of problems and informs policy design based on large-scale data collection efforts (Allen, 2017). Examples of quantitative research include voting polls and United States Census reports (Allen, 2017). Four common quantitative methodologies include Descriptive, Correlational, Quasi-experimental, and Experimental research (Lucas-Alfieri, 2018).
Descriptive Research provides insights into natural phenomena without interference, utilizing methods such as observational and survey research (Bhat, 2018; Ellis-Jacobs, 2018). Correlational Research explores relationships between variables through statistical analysis (Bhat, 2018). Quasi-experimental Research aims to establish causal relationships without random assignment (Alsaggaf et al., 2018). Experimental Research manipulates variables to determine causation (Bhat, 2018).
Data collection strategies for quantitative research encompass interviews, questionnaires, and surveys (Andersen & Walter, 2016). Face-to-face interviews foster rapport but may be time-consuming (Valdez, 2019). Surveys efficiently gather data from large populations but may lack depth (Mander, 2017). Questionnaires, whether mailed or online, quantify participant beliefs and behaviors (Valdez, 2019).
Targeted Data
Targeted data collection focuses on relevant quantitative indicators to address research questions while excluding extraneous information (Allen, 2017). To investigate the impact of proper surgical timeout procedures on retained surgical equipment, data collection methods will include face-to-face interviews and post-surgery questionnaires. Transparency and an emphasis on patient safety will guide the research process.
References
Allen, M. (2017). Steps of Quantitative Research. SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411.n477
Alsaggaf, R., O’Hara, L. M., Stafford, K. A., Leekha, S., & Harris, A. D. (2018). Quasi-experimental Studies in the Fields of Infection Control and Antibiotic Resistance, Ten Years Later: A Systematic Review. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 39(2), 170–176. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2017.296
Andersen, C., & Walter, M. (2016). Indigenous Statistics: A Quantitative Research Methodology. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315426570
Bhat, A. (2018). Quantitative Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples. QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/quantitativeresearch/#DataCollection_Methodologies
Ellis-Jacobs, K. (2018). A Quantitative Correlational Study on the Impact of Patient Satisfaction on a Rural Hospital. Journal of Allied Health Science and Practice. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/quantitative-research