Quantitative Research Techniques Used in Sociology

03/07/12
Quantitative research techniques used in Sociology

Devon D.E. Francis

Definition
Quantitative research consists of those studies in which the data concerned can be analyzed in terms of numbers; Research can also be qualitative, that is, it can describe events, persons and so forth scientifically without the use of numerical data. Quantitative research is based more directly on its original plans and its results are more readily analyzed and interpreted. It is more open and responsive to its subject. Both types of research are valid and useful. They are not mutually exclusive. It is possible for a single investigation to use both methods.
Key Characteristics * Control: This is the most important element because it enables the sociologist to identify the causes of observations. Studies are conducted in an attempt to answer certain questions. They represent attempts to identify why something happens, what causes some event, or under what conditions an event does occur. Control is necessary in order to provide unambiguous answers to such questions. To answer questions in social science we have to eliminate the simultaneous influence of many variables to isolate the cause of an effect. Controlled inquiry is absolutely essential to this because without it the cause of an effect could not be isolated.

* Operational Definition: This means that terms must be defined by the steps or operations used to measure them. Such a procedure is necessary to eliminate any confusion in meaning and communication. Stating an operational definition forces one to identify the empirical referents, or terms. In this manner, ambiguity is minimised.

* Replication: To be replicable, the data obtained in a study must be reliable; that is, the same result must be found if the study is repeated. If observations are not repeatable, our descriptions and explanations are thought to be unreliable.

* Hypothesis Testing: The systematic creation of a hypothesis and subjecting it to an empirical test.
Research Techniques
Use of statistics: Statistics are the most widely used branch of mathematics in quantitative research outside of the physical sciences, and also finds applications within the physical sciences, such as in statistical mechanics. Statistical methods are used extensively within fields such as economics, social sciences and biology. Quantitative research using statistical methods starts with the collection of data, based on the hypothesis or theory. Usually a big sample of data is collected - this would require verification, validation and recording before the analysis can take place. Software packages such as SPSS and R are typically used for this purpose. Causal relationships are studied by manipulating factors thought to influence the phenomena of interest while controlling other variables relevant to the experimental outcomes. In the field of health, for example, researchers might measure and study the relationship between dietary intake and measurable physiological effects such as weight loss, controlling for other key variables such as exercise.
Measurement: Views regarding the role of measurement in quantitative research are somewhat divergent. Measurement is often regarded as being only a means by which observations are expressed numerically in order to investigate causal relations or associations. However, it has been argued that measurement often plays a more important role in quantitative research.
Relationship with qualitative methods: In most physical and biological sciences, the use of either quantitative or qualitative methods is uncontroversial, and each is used when appropriate. In the social sciences, particularly in sociology, social anthropology and psychology, the use of one or other type of method can be a matter of controversy and even ideology, with particular schools of thought within each discipline favoring one type of method and pouring scorn on to the other. The majority tendency throughout the history of social science, however, is to use eclectic approaches-by combining both methods. Qualitative methods might be used to understand the meaning of the conclusions produced by quantitative methods. Using quantitative methods, it is possible to give precise and testable expression to qualitative ideas. This combination of quantitative and qualitative data gathering is often referred to as mixed-methods research.

Strengths and Limitations
Quantitative research has its own strengths and weaknesses as listed below:
Strengths
* Precision - through quantitative and reliable measurement * Control - through sampling and design * Ability to produce causality statements, through the use of controlled experiments * Statistical techniques allow for sophisticated analyses * Replicable * Enables the research and description of social structures and processes that are not directly observable. * Well-suited for quantitative description, comparisons between groups, areas etc. * Description of change. * Analysis and explanation of (causal) dependencies between social

Limitations * Simplifies and “compresses” the complex reality: abstract and constrained perspective. * Only applicable for measurable (quantifiable) phenomena * Presumes relatively extensive knowledge on the subject matter in order to be able to ask “correct” questions. * Difficult to study processes or ”dynamic” phenomena: produces static view of the reality * Because of the complexity of human experience it is difficult to rule out or control all variables; * Quantification can become an end in itself. * It fails to take account of people 's unique ability to interpret their experiences, construct their own meanings and act on these. * It leads to the assumption that facts are true and the same for all people all of the time. * It is not totally objective because the researcher is subjectively involved in the very choice of a problem as worthy of investigation and in the interpretation of the results.
Conclusion
To conclude it is imperative that all factors of expected results are considered before using this method of experimentation. The characteristics of this method play a vital role in this decision. The proper techniques must be carefully considered and applied along with assessment of strengths and weaknesses as it relates to expected results.

Bibliography 1. Hunter, Laura and Erin Leahey. 2008. "Collaborative Research in Sociology: Trends and Contributing Factors". American Sociologist 39:290–306 2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT OpenCourseWare. 11.201 Gateway to the Profession of Planning, Fall 2010. P. 4. 3. Thomas S. Kuhn, The Function of Measurement in Modern Physical Science 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantitative_research 5. http://www.stat.auckland.ac.nz/~iase/publications/dissertations/05.Murtone.Dissertation.pdf 6. http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/

Bibliography: 1. Hunter, Laura and Erin Leahey. 2008. "Collaborative Research in Sociology: Trends and Contributing Factors". American Sociologist 39:290–306 2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT OpenCourseWare. 11.201 Gateway to the Profession of Planning, Fall 2010. P. 4. 3. Thomas S. Kuhn, The Function of Measurement in Modern Physical Science 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantitative_research 5. http://www.stat.auckland.ac.nz/~iase/publications/dissertations/05.Murtone.Dissertation.pdf 6. http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/