Discussing quantitative research design | RSCH 8110 – Research Theory, Design, and Methods | Walden University
- The accuracy and generalizability can be affected by internal and external validity threats in quantitative research. History is a threat to internal validity, as it occurs when a study-related event affects correlated variables. Researchers can mitigate the threat by using a control group, or statistical techniques like analysis of covariance. Selection bias is a threat to the external validity of a study. This occurs when the samples are not representative. Researchers can mitigate the threat by using random sampling, or increasing sample size.
- The use of deception is one potential ethical problem in quantitative research. The use of deception to reduce participant bias can have ethical implications, such as causing harm or withholding vital information. Debriefing can be used to mitigate this problem by researchers. They will inform the participants about the real nature of the experiment and get informed consent.
- A research topic that is amenable for scientific study with a quantitative method should be measurable and observable. Quantitative analysis involves objective data collection and data analysis. To do this, a research question or hypothesis must be defined clearly. The research question should also be sufficiently specific to enable the collection and analysis of reliable, precise data.