In what way does quantitative research differ from qualitative research?

Quantitative research is distinguished by its emphasis on numerical data and statistics, which allows researchers to quantify variables and analyze relationships using mathematical tools. This approach facilitates the collection of data that can be expressed in numbers, enabling researchers to derive patterns, trends, and generalizable insights across larger populations. By utilizing structured methods such as surveys and experiments, quantitative research seeks to establish objective knowledge that can be measured and compared statistically.

In contrast, qualitative research focuses on understanding human behavior and experiences through in-depth exploration of individual narratives and subjective accounts, often employing open-ended interviews or participant observations. While qualitative approaches can provide rich, detailed insights, they do not produce numerical data that can be analyzed statistically.

The other choices highlight attributes that do not accurately capture the essence of quantitative research. It typically involves larger samples to ensure representativeness and reliability of findings, and it relies on structured measurement rather than simply observation, which can be a characteristic of qualitative studies. Thus, the emphasis on numerical data and statistics is what clearly defines quantitative research and sets it apart from qualitative approaches.