Quant #02: Types of Quantitative Research

The task of classifying quantitative research into various types is not an easy one. The classification difficulty arises from the many possible ways one can classify quantitative research. However, the most common classification includes the following types of quantitative research: descriptive, correlational, causal-comparative, and experimental research.

Descriptive: In descriptive quantitative research, the goal is to summarize the data and get insights by describing the current status of the chosen variable. This kind of research is conducted to provide systematic insights and information about a phenomenon.

Correlational: The purpose of correlational quantitative research is to examine the possible associations or relationships that may exist between variables and the extent of those relationships. While this research recognizes trends and patterns, it does not seek to identify the cause-and-effect relationships.

Causal-comparative (quasi-experimental): causal-comparative quantitative research strives to establish a cause-effect relationship between independent and dependent variables. Once independent variables are identified, their effect on the dependent variable is measured. A special note on causal-comparative is that, once an independent variable is identified, it cannot be manipulated by the researcher.

Experimental: Experimental research concerns not just the relationship between variables but also whether it is a cause-and-effect relationship. In a true experiment, a researcher can identify and impose control over all other variables except one. Unlike the case of quasi-experimental research, in experimental research, an independent variable can be manipulated by the researcher to determine its effects on the dependent variable.