title: Quantitative research.
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.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull, Hull, England.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Experiments; measurement; nursing research; quantitative research; reliability; surveys; validity