Quantitative research
In quantitative research you collect data as numbers from a large group, usually with a questionnaire, and analyse it with statistics. It suits questions about how often something occurs, how large a difference is and whether two things are related. The research question, the sample and the questionnaire are fixed before the data collection starts.
A question a survey can answer
Narrowing a broad topic down to a research question and the variables you will measure.
Sample size
How many answers you need for the margin of error you can accept, and what to do when your group is small.
Measuring well
Scales and answer options, and how to spot questions that push people towards an answer.
Analysis and reporting
Which descriptive statistics and tests suit your data, and how to report them so a reader can check them.
Questions to settle first
Who exactly belongs to your population, and how will you reach them?
What will you do with the answer to each question?
How many answers can you realistically get before your deadline?
Other topics
Qualitative research
Research that collects data as words, in interviews, focus groups or observations, and analyses it by coding: what people say and do, and how they explain it themselves.
- Topic list and interview guide
- Coding the transcripts
Survey distribution
Getting a questionnaire to the people in your sample: building the form, testing it with a small group, sending the invitation and reminding people until enough of them have answered.
- Pilot with a small group first
- Reminders and response tracking
Data analysis
Turning collected data into results: cleaning the export, coding open answers, calculating frequencies and averages, and showing them in tables and charts.
- Cleaning and coding the data
- Charts with source and table
Let NHL Stenden students research your business
Tell us about your business and what you want to find out. We will tell you where NHL Stenden students can help.