We are often asked what is quantitative research and when should we be using it. Quantitative research is a systematic method of gathering and analysing data that primarily deals with numerical information and statistics. In other words, it’s all about quantifying the “what” and “how much” of a particular element. This approach allows us to turn complex concepts and ideas into measurable, tangible data points.
What Are Typical Examples of Quantitative Research
Quantitative research takes various forms, depending on the research objectives. Here are some typical examples we use at FN Research:
- Online Surveys: These are conducted through our digital platforms, online surveys are a popular choice for collecting structured data from a wide range of respondents.
- Telephone Surveys: Our tele-lab team gather data by conducting interviews over the phone. This method is useful for reaching a diverse audience.
- Taste Tests: We often use this for clients in the food and FMCG industry, taste tests involve quantitative measurements to assess preferences among consumers.
- Customer Satisfaction Surveys: These surveys help our clients gauge their customers’ level of satisfaction and provide numerical feedback for improvement.
- Customer Segmentation: This form of quantitative research helps segment customers into groups based on specific characteristics or behaviours.
- Usage and Attitude Surveys: These surveys explore how consumers use a product or service and their attitudes towards it, yielding valuable insights.
How Can Quantitative Research Help My Business
Typically we use it to provide insight on the following issues:
1. Validating Hypotheses – We use quantitative data to test hypotheses and determine if the collected evidence supports or refutes their assumptions.
2. Testing Concepts and Ideas – It provides a structured approach to evaluating new concepts, ideas, or products, enabling our clients to make informed decisions.
3. Measuring and Evaluating – Through quantifiable data, we can measure the extent of various elements, allowing for objective evaluations.
Who Do We Talk To
The success of quantitative research can depend on the diversity and size of the audience being surveyed. Typically, we target a large group of respondents, often ensuring that there are at least 50 individuals in each subcategory to be analysed.
Large sample size ensure that the results are statistically significant and representative of the broader population or market.
What Type of Questions Do We Use
Quantitative research relies heavily on closed questions, which give structured and easily quantifiable responses. The most common types of closed questions include:
- Yes/No Questions: These offer binary choices, simplifying data analysis and interpretation.
- Multiple-Choice Questions: Respondents choose from a list of predefined options, streamlining data collection.
- Likert Scale Questions: These questions allow respondents to rate their opinions or experiences on a scale, providing numerical data for analysis.
What Does the Output Look Like
Once the data is collected, our real work begins—data analysis. In quantitative research, this typically involves data tables, we process the data collected into tables for easy reference and presentation and occasionally statistical techniques are often applied to uncover patterns, relationships, and trends within the data. This step provides valuable insights into the research objectives.
Reports Based on Quantitative Research
We provide different forms of quantitative research output as it is rich in numerical data and visual aids, making it easy to comprehend and communicate findings. Our most common forms of output include:
Charts – Graphical representations like bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs helping visualise trends and comparisons.
Tables – Tabular data organises information in a structured format, facilitating easy reference and comparison.
Numbers and Percentages – Quantitative research provides precise numerical values and percentages, adding credibility to the findings.
Infographics – We love infographics at FN Research as they are powerful yet simple visual representations of data through infographics offering a quick and engaging way to convey complex information.
Why Should I Use Quantitative Data
Quantitative research is incredibly valuable because its findings are not only informative but also highly applicable. The data collected through this method is representative, as large and diverse sample sizes ensure that the findings are representative of the target population or market. It is also projectable, i.e. it can be projected to predict trends, behaviours, or outcomes on a larger scale, guiding strategic decisions.
Quantitative research is a powerful tool in our research kit. It enables our clients to quantify and understand various phenomena, validate hypotheses, and make informed decisions based on solid data. Whether it’s online surveys, taste tests, or customer segmentation, the application of quantitative research is vast and impactful, shaping the way we understand and navigate the world of data. The numbers, percentages, or charts in any of our research reports are the result of the rigorous and insightful journey of quantitative research.