1. Research Design
Quantitative

4. Quantitative Research Design
Quantitative Research is the cornerstone of evidence-based practice
It provides the knowledge for practice in a way that is measurable and that can be replicated
It uses measurement to determine the effectiveness of an intervention or the relationships seen among variables and to report these with a certain level of confidence
Numbers are unambiguous and identify truths in a universally recognized way.

5. Quantitative Research Design
Quantitative design is used to:
Determine the effects of an intervention – it can isolate and evaluate the effects of an intervention - the independent variable on a specific outcome – the dependent variable
Measure relationships between or among variables
Measure change, or lack of change, over time

6. Steps in Quantitative Research
Identify the problem
Determine the purpose
Review the literature
Select a framework into which the problem fits
Formulate research questions and hypotheses
Define the study variables

7. Steps in Quantitative Research
Select the research design
Identify the population of interest
Select the method to use for sampling
Conduct a pilot study (if necessary)
Collect and organize the data
Analyze the data
Interpret the findings
Communicate and use the findings

8. Quantitative Study Designs
Characteristics of True Experiments
Manipulation – the experimenter does something to at least some of the subjects. The experimenter varies the independent variable and observes the effect that the manipulation has on the dependent variable.
Control – the experimenter introduces one or more controls over the experimental situation including the use of a control or comparison group. Scientific evidence requires making at least one comparison – comparison with the norm can be assumed

9. Quantitative Study Designs
Characteristics of True Experiments cont.
Randomization – the experimenter assigns subjects to a control or an experimental group on a random basis. Randomization remains the most trustworthy and acceptable method of equalizing groups.
Settings for True Experiments
Settings can be in the field or in the laboratory. Since control is important, field experiments are much more difficult because of contamination of treatments – people may talk to each other and tell what’s happening

10. Quantitative Research Considerations
When comparisons are made in quantitative research they can be:
Comparisons of two or more groups
Comparisons of one group at two or more points in time
Comparisons of one group under different circumstances or conditions
Comparisons of relative rankings