Quantitative design depends on the Positivist approach, which advocates that the method of physical sciences should be used in social research. The aim of quantitative researches is to explore the social laws through revealing the casualty relations between social facts. Quantitative researches, with the principle of deduction, begin with theories and hypotheses. Concepts are transformed into measurable variables, the measurement instruments are developed elaborately, and data are gathered with precise measurements. The gathered data are analyzed through statistical methods. The statistical relationships between the variables are explained and the hypotheses of the research are tested. The measurement instruments, which are the tools used to gather data, are standardized. This standardization enables other researchers to repeat the research. The findings of the research are presented with charts, tables and graphics. Because quantitative researches aim to generalize their findings to the population, their samples are large and representative samples which are selected through probability sampling techniques.
Data gathering techniques used in quantitative research design are structured (controlled) observation, structured (controlled) interview, questionnaire, experiment, quasi-experiment and survey.
Structured (controlled) observation: In structured observation researchers use observation charts. These charts are standard for every observation of the research. These charts include instructions on what, where, how long the observation is going to be and guides observers on what to pay attention and how to record the observations. The observer strictly follows the instructions on the observation chart and does not observe anything else than stated. Thus, the observing process is controlled.
Experiment: First, the properties of the two group are measured, this measurement is called pre-test. After pre-test, the dependent variable is subjected to the effect of the independent variable. The control groups is not subjected to any effect. Then the properties of the two groups are measured again. This measurement is called post-test.
Quasi-experiment: Quasi-experiments are similar to experiments. They both aim to test hypotheses, however, the extrinsic factors are not totally under control in quasi-experiments. In quasi-experiments, the control group is not constituted in the beginning of the experiment. After observing the results of the experimental group, a new group is selected in order to make a comparison. This new group has similar characteristics with the experimental group but it is not formed in the laboratory environment.
Surveys are wider than questionnaires and consume more time. Survey refers to the collection, recording, analysis and interpretation of data which are gathered with a variety of measurement techniques. This is why it is often referred as a research design rather than a technique.
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