What is Quantitative: Definition and 74 Discussions

Quantitative research is a research strategy that focuses on quantifying the collection and analysis of data. It is formed from a deductive approach where emphasis is placed on the testing of theory, shaped by empiricist and positivist philosophies.Associated with the natural, applied, formal, and social sciences this research strategy promotes the objective empirical investigation of observable phenomena to test and understand relationships. This is done through a range of quantifying methods and techniques, reflecting on its broad utilization as a research strategy across differing academic disciplines.The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative relationships.
Quantitative data is any data that is in numerical form such as statistics, percentages, etc. The researcher analyses the data with the help of statistics and hopes the numbers will yield an unbiased result that can be generalized to some larger population. Qualitative research, on the other hand, inquires deeply into specific experiences, with the intention of describing and exploring meaning through text, narrative, or visual-based data, by developing themes exclusive to that set of participants.Quantitative research is widely used in psychology, economics, demography, sociology, marketing, community health, health & human development, gender studies, and political science; and less frequently in anthropology and history. Research in mathematical sciences, such as physics, is also "quantitative" by definition, though this use of the term differs in context. In the social sciences, the term relates to empirical methods originating in both philosophical positivism and the history of statistics, in contrast with qualitative research methods.
Qualitative research produces information only on the particular cases studied, and any more general conclusions are only hypotheses. Quantitative methods can be used to verify which of such hypotheses are true. A comprehensive analysis of 1274 articles published in the top two American sociology journals between 1935 and 2005 found that roughly two thirds of these articles used quantitative method.

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  1. M

    Admissions Switching from grad quantitative psych to physics: is it possible?

    Hi everyone. I'm currently a 3rd year quantitative/mathematical/cognitive psychology graduate student in a PhD program finishing my masters after this semester. In it, I'm using the mathematics of quantum mechanics to model cognitive phenomena. I was accepted into a physics PhD program as an...
  2. Mikkel

    Job Skills Preparing for a career as quantitative analytist

    Hello, I'm looking for any advice on how to prepare myself for a starting position as a quantitative analytist (quant). I'm currently doing my Master's in astrophysics, where I for the last 1½ year have been practicting my coding skills, as I found myself gravitated towards the industry's data...
  3. anorlunda

    Animated Display of Quantitative Information

    I'm sure that many PF members are fans of the seminal book The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward R. Tufte But books on dead trees can only show static information. How about quanitative information depicted with the help of audio and/or video? I would like to nominate...
  4. T

    I Is simulation considered a type of quantitative analysis?

    Hello, I've been asked to talk about a time where I have used quantitative analysis. I once used simulation of the solar system to find out more about things like close approaches, and Gladmans criteria I was wondering if simulation is considered a quantitative method of analysis and if the...
  5. G

    Quantitative analysis -- manufacturing Furfural from bagasse

    Hello everyone.. Here is the thing I am working on a project where I am manufacturing Furfural from bagasse. The reaction is thermodynamically possible. I took some amount of bagasse and added it to a reactor at atmospheric pressure. I then added diluted Sulphuric acid which acts as catalyst...
  6. Q

    Quantitative study of mirage

    Homework Statement Question:[/B] Imagine you are in a massive desert. There is a tower of height H. A light source at the top of the tower can emit light in all directions. You are a person whose eyes are at a height h (h<H) above the ground. The refractive index of the air varies as μ=kd where...
  7. S

    Subforum for quantitative and mathematical economics?

    Here I would like to take the opportunity to suggest the addition of a subforum for the purpose of discussing quantitative and mathematical economics. This idea came up after I posted in a few recent topics (1st topic, 2nd topic). I am also partially motivated by QuantEcon, a website pointed out...
  8. phys-student

    Why can't quantitative values be computed using DSC-MRI?

    I am studying for a comprehensive exam on dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and questions have come up in my practice talks about dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI). In DCE-MRI changes in signal in an artery and the tissue are converted to contrast agent concentration vs time...
  9. jerromyjon

    ATP energy "quantitative" output?

    Adenosine triphosphate cycle is what releases stored energy for the body to use throughout to do work, right? So I'm just curious if is easy to guess what the total output in an average human converted to electrical potential in a "sustained demand" versus total conversion of entire consumable...
  10. B

    List of quantitative methods for optimization

    Max: 3x + 5y s.t. x + 2y ≤ 5 x ≤ 3 y ≤ 2 x,y ≥0 By the simplex method, the profit is $14. Using sensitivity analysis I changed the RHS of the 1st constraint and keeping everything else constant, I get the best profit value of $19 at RHS of 7. What other methods can I use such as the...
  11. Dishsoap

    Is the Quantitative Part of LoRs a Major Factor in Graduate School Applications?

    Greetings fellow PFers, and happy Thanksgiving, I learned recently about the quantitative portion required by many institutions when a letter-writer submits their letter for a student's graduate school application. Apparently it's typical for a professor/advisor to have to answer how their...
  12. J

    Best background for computational and quantitative biology

    After two years of Biology i switched to Computer Science and i wish to gain the necessary skills to become a "computational biologist/neuroscientist" (Here we don't have the "major/minor" system, we can choose one subject and, at least, 2 "external" exams) The problems are: 1) math level...
  13. J

    Which of these PhD is better for financial quant industry?

    Hi everyone, Could you please tell me how would you rank these PhD for someone looking for a future career in the financial quant industry? (assuming I have math background and decent programming skills). Thank you in advanced! Between parenthesis are the specific research groups found in each...
  14. C

    Identifying variables as quantitative or categorical

    Homework Statement Here is a small part of an EESEE data set, "Nutrition and Breakfast Cereals," that describes the nutritional content per serving of 77 brands of breakfast cereals: What are the individuals in this data set? For each individual, what variables are given? Which of these...
  15. D

    Any economical quantitative electrostatics experiment?

    Do you know any economical quantitative electrostatics experiments for the university level? I'm asking for some experiments for undergraduates in the electrostatics context. We have a Van-de-Graaff generator in our fundamental physics lab but this kind of devices are useful for demonstration...
  16. N

    Got a job as a quant, want to get back to physics

    Hi all, I was doing HEP-EXP in a US institution, got MSc and started Phd. However in the middle of it I decided that job prospects weren't good as far as tenure track positions are concerned and I found a job as a quantitative analyst in a hedge fund. I work there for the past 18 months. But...
  17. E

    Schools Master in Quantitative Finance before going to physics Grad School?

    I am considering doing a one year Masters Program at my school in quantitative finance because: It is a very good program that is offered at my school which I could get into without taking any GRE's qualifying exams, or even application essays It would allow me get a relatively high paying job...
  18. S

    Impossible to get a 'quantitative' job with *just* BA in math?

    I"m running through a couple options right now in my job hunt. I am a career changer who is aspiring to become an actuary. I only have 1 exam, and after a few months of job hunting without success for entry level actuarial, I have decided I also need to consider 'related' jobs, so I can make...
  19. M

    MHB Quantitative Research Methods

    How do I go about analyzing this scenario? Consider the following: You’ve been hired by a company who is interested in finding a way to decrease incidents of offensive interpersonal behavior at work. The company has identified one department that seems to have a big problem with offensive...
  20. F

    Quantitative Meaning of Ricci Tensor

    Hello, I am studying general relativity right now and I am very curious about the Ricci tensor and its meaning. I keep running into definitions that explain how the Ricci tensor describes the deviation in volume as a space is affected by gravity. However, I have yet to find any quantitative...
  21. R

    Quantitative observations of Pandora cluster

    Homework Statement Hey, if anyone could help with this question I am very stuck on (not homework) I would really appreciate it. A group of astronomers make observations of the Pandora cluster of galaxies spanning 600 arcseconds in the sky. X-Ray astronomers found it to have a λmax of...
  22. U

    Quantitative finance internships for rising seniors?

    Unlike many of the CS majors, Physics undergraduates have a hard time getting internships at startups, and some of the bigger companies have us do works that's simply boring or unrelated (ie database management, front-end web programming, etc). I know there are a couple quants that hang out...
  23. H

    Is there a quantitative measure for the nonlinearity of PDEs?

    Hi all, I understand some PDE is linear like \frac{\partial f}{\partial t}+\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=0 while some PDE is nonlinear like \frac{\partial f}{\partial t}+f\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=0 Some PDE is weak nonlinear and some is strong nonlinear. I am wondering whether...
  24. X

    Quick quantitative analysis problem

    Homework Statement A 1.00 × 10^-4 M NaF solution can be prepared in several ways. Two methods are listed below. The formula weight of NaF is 41.9984 ± 0.0003. For each method use propagation of error methods to determine the absolute and relative uncertainty in the final concentration...
  25. marcus

    How would you teach quantitative cosmology? What examples to use?

    By quantitative cosmology I mean with real times, distances, expansion rates, horizons, CMB stationary observers etc , derived from the standard model fitted to data. I don't mean ideas about conditions shortly before or after the start of expansion, although that is very interesting too. The...
  26. L

    Becoming a Quantitative Analyst: What Internship is Right for Me?

    I'm interested in becoming a Quantitative analyst, more so library quant (my course has introduced me to finite difference/monte carlo/Java thus far) as opposed to risk etc. My dilemma is that I want to apply for internships but I'm not sure what to apply for, all the undergrad internships seem...
  27. E

    Quantitative PEMF therapy data please

    I discovered Physics Forums when I searched for PEMF on Google. I became interested in PEMF when I was asked if I could repair two PEMF machines. (I have acquired a reputation as a "Mr Fix-it" in our small community here in Spain!) The first was a small portable device with a hand...
  28. W

    Quantitative way to compare theoretical values to experimental values

    I am looking at the cross-sectional shape of a sagging membrane. I have several theoretical models, neither of which fit perfectly. So rather than comparing values, I'm comparing shapes. One model fits fairly well, however I'm unsure of which quantity is correct to specify a 'goodness' of a...
  29. Q

    Quantitative Measurements for the Higgs Boson

    Hi everyone and happy New Year. The Standard Model shows very specific and measurable couplings of the Higgs boson with the W and Z fields. What QUANTITATIVE measurements have been done to verify that these couplings are as predicted? Thanks and looking forward to your replies. A lot of...
  30. 1

    Quantitative roles in finance?

    What are the different kinds of quantitative/math heavy roles in finance? I'm doing an undergraduate maths degree in the UK and beginning to think about my eventual career options. I know that finance as a field is one where a lot of maths/science graduates end up working in, but I really don't...
  31. D

    News [Economy] Federal Reserve announces new round of quantitative easing

    The Federal Reserve announced an indefinite $40 billion per month round of quantitative easing. This new phase of easing will combat a weakening economy, strengthen confidence in the financial system and assure that the central bank's mandates on unemployment/housing are met...
  32. A

    Is Time just a quantitative description for fastness or slowness of motion?

    Is Time just a quantitative description for fastness or slowness of motion?? I am a bit confused about how to express what I have been thinking about this topic but will try. When we say that time is going fast we compare it with our daily fastness of motion(??).. We imagine stopping time as...
  33. S

    Quantitative modeling in social science vs natural science

    The study of social science phenomena using empirical data such as register data* are very often approached with an regression model. One of the most used approaches is a linear model where the parameters is estimated with ordinary least squares. The models of this type is often called...
  34. M

    What is the difference between Zeno's paradox and the theory of limits?

    The difference between the number 0 and 1 is 1. So is the difference between 3 and 4. Proposition: The difference between 0 and 1 is much larger than the difference between 3 and 4. That is because regardless of how many decimal places you go to in the calculations, there is a...
  35. L

    Quantitative risk management exercises?

    I have an upcoming written exam in a class on quantitative risk management (in the style of Quantitative Risk Management: Concepts, Techniques, and Tools by McNeil, Frey & Embrechts), covering concepts such as: - risk factors and loss distributions (conditional and unconditional) - mapping of...
  36. P

    Quantitative centripetal force apparatus-free body diagram

    hi there i was looking at this video on utube and have two questions regarding it. at 1:02. the person starts to rotate the apparatus. my first question is that HOW CAN U DRAW THE FREE BODY DIAGRAM OF THE MASS ATTACH TO THE SPRING while its rotating? i know there is the mg downward from...
  37. L

    Quantitative Analyst physics job

    http://www.markjoshi.com/downloads/advice.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantitative_analyst Which sub-specialty of mathematics or physics, excluding statistics is the most pertinent to quant jobs(especially model validation quant)?
  38. T

    Is mathematics only used with quantitative data?

    Can mathematics only be applied when there are numbers involved? I know there are mathematics branches like mathematical logic that doesn't deal with numbers, but do those areas have applications outside of mathematics?
  39. B

    Quantitative Finance: closest thing to go back to Science for business student?

    I'm a 20 years old female, need some guidance from seniors. :) It's been my dream to work with rockets, propulsion, and everything related to outer space. In short: NASA. I understand that the competition in this field is fierce considering skills in numeracy (physics/math). I took Science...
  40. L

    Minimum Salary with a Degree in Natural/Physical Science: What's the Standard?

    I've been reading through posts about the jobs with degree in natural/physical science. And the common statement is that, if money is your biggest concern, you should not go for phd in these subjects. What is the minimum salary per year that one earns if he concerns money is the most...
  41. D

    Quantitative analytics experience question on job appilcation

    I'm filling out a webform application for a position as a Financial Analytics Analyst/Developer The job requirements list: "At least 1 year experience in mortgage servicing, fixed income, financial engineering, or quantitative analytics" The webform actually asks about the amount of...
  42. Z

    Preparing for a Career in Quantitative Finance: What to Do in 2 Years

    Me: an undergraduate math major, two years left, very well qualified, very disillusioned with the idea of an academic career, considering a switch to finance. I'm wondering what would be involved in making this switch. This is all hypothetical, but if I were to do this what should I do in the...
  43. R

    Quantitative Test Woes: 3 Questions Left, How Many Points Did I Lose?

    So i took the test today and did personally well in the quantitative section...680...but i ran out of time with 3 questions left when i did the 28 question section. How many points do you think that cost me and do you think it would have been better to randomly select answers?
  44. C

    Question on quantitative analysis preparation

    I am supposed to take a quant analysis course this summer but it has been awhile since I took chem I & II. How much of the general chem courses carry over and what should I focus on as I attempt to review prior to this course? Thanks!
  45. B

    Quantitative Anaylsis in Business (Problems)

    Homework Statement Eric runs a chiropractic center. The annual fixed costs for operating Chiro-Care clinic is $222,000. The variable cost per patient treated is $555. The price billed for each visit is $136. Currently, he has around 2500 visits a year? a) Is he making a profit? b) He doesn't...
  46. L

    Quantitative analysis (social science) ideas

    Hi all! I've been doing a lot of quantitative analysis on research work (PhD) within the social science domain. this has involved extensive identification and explanations on any repeating themes, linkages and whether they relate and patterns between two variables. as part of this I have...
  47. C

    Quantitative Predictions from Higher Math? Relativity, Quantum Field, String

    How do you get a quantitiative answer from these theories? Like, how did Einstein calculate the gravitational deflection of a light ray? How does one go from abstract algebra in quantum theory to quantitative descriptions of orbitals and chemical bonding? Can string theory make a single...
  48. D

    Regarding Quantitative Finance

    I like to keep my options open. I'm doing a combined BA/MA in mathematics right now, and hope to go on to get a PhD. That being said, I think a lot about how I will make my living. Of course, I'd love to have a great Professorship at a great university and do groundbreaking research, but the...
  49. B

    What is the meaning of ΔΔCt in quantitative PCR and how is it calculated?

    I'm a little confused about what the ΔΔCt value means and how its calculated - could anyone verify? Also, I'm reading lecture notes that say "2^ΔΔCt assumes efficiency is 100%". I'm really baffled by this and would appreciate any guidance.
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