Which statement describes quantitative methods?

Which statement describes quantitative methods?

• A. Describing attributes using words.
• B. Counting non-numeric categories.
• C. Only descriptive statistics.
• D. Inferring evidence for a theory through measurement of numeric outcomes.

Answer: (D)

Quantitative methods rely on numerical data and statistical analysis to draw inferences about a theory or phenomenon. The statement about measuring numeric outcomes fits this approach because it involves turning observations into numbers and using those numbers to infer evidence about a hypothesis or theory. Describing attributes using words is characteristic of qualitative methods, which focus on qualities and descriptions rather than numerical measurement. Counting non-numeric categories yields counts, but the emphasis is on tallying categories rather than analyzing numeric measurements and making statistical inferences. Saying that only descriptive statistics are used limits the scope to basic summaries, whereas quantitative research also relies on inferential analyses to test ideas.

Quantitative methods rely on numerical data and statistical analysis to draw inferences about a theory or phenomenon. The statement about measuring numeric outcomes fits this approach because it involves turning observations into numbers and using those numbers to infer evidence about a hypothesis or theory.

Describing attributes using words is characteristic of qualitative methods, which focus on qualities and descriptions rather than numerical measurement. Counting non-numeric categories yields counts, but the emphasis is on tallying categories rather than analyzing numeric measurements and making statistical inferences. Saying that only descriptive statistics are used limits the scope to basic summaries, whereas quantitative research also relies on inferential analyses to test ideas.