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Quantitative Research - Imagine a group of sociologists
studying voter turnout in elections by age. They gather
census data on turnout rates for different age groups over
5 elections. 18-29 year olds show lower turnout than older
Quantitative voters in all 5 elections. The sociologists run statistical tests
research findings on the numbers. The quantitative data analysis conclusively
reveals that young voters have significantly lower turnout
rates compared to older voters. This shows how social science
uses quantitative methods like statistics to reveal empirical
patterns from numerical data. The precision of the approach
provides clear evidence to test theories.

Quantitative research is one important tool in this eternal
quest for knowledge. With numbers and measurable data,
quantitative research provides a rigorous way to test our
beliefs and assumptions. It forces us to set aside anecdotal
Quantifying thinking and truly put our theories to the empirical test. The
knowledge scientific method depends on this kind of objective analysis
to separate fact from fiction. Quantitative data also allows
us to see nuances and complex relationships that would
be invisible to the naked eye. With large sample sizes and
statistical tests, we can uncover patterns that emerge across
populations.

Fig. 1.2.1 SPSS Statistics Processor used for quantitative research

At its heart, this research is about the human yearning for
truth and understanding. We want to move closer to certainty,
not further into doubt. We desire knowledge that is stable and
structures our thinking. Quantitative research helps satisfy

SGOU - SLM - Foundational Skills for Research and Writing 29