The conclusions of any quantitative research must be supported by appropriate data. This chapter discusses the methods of collecting quantitative data for research. It begins by giving an overview of the nature of quantitative research. It also discusses the two major sources of collecting quantitative data. For primary data collection, issues such as sampling, measurement and surveys are discussed. Examples and sources of obtaining secondary data are also presented. Finally, some ideas are provided for how to evaluate quantitative data in order to ensure it is appropriate for analysis.
To understand data and present findings appropriately, researchers need awareness of statistical techniques. This chapter discusses the statistical tools used to analyse data collected. It focuses on two sets of the most widely used statistical tools, as shown in the ‘Deductive’ section in the data analysis area of the Methods Map (see Chapter 4): (1) exploring relationships and (2) comparing groups. In addition, we briefly explain ‘Big Data’.
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