Quantitative Data Collection Methods: A Complete Guide for Researchers

Key Takeaways

• Quantitative data collection methods are essential for AI developers, data scientists, grads, and researchers, as they help them to get accurate insights and actionable results. 
• This article lets you understand the most popular quantitative data collection methods and different types of quantitative data sources.
•  Learn when quantitative research is most useful and why CCC International is your trusted source for quantitative data collection.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is quantitative research?
• Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research
• Types of Quantitative Data Sources
• Quantitative Data Collection Methods
• When is quantitative research most useful?
• Pro Tips
• Conclusion
• FAQs

We see numbers everywhere in our daily lives. And, many take key decisions based on numbers. 

A corporation may rely on sales numbers to check if it’s succeeding or not. Socially, numbers are more than just important, as they help identify the interventions needed. But what methodology do corporations follow to get the numbers they require? This is where quantitative research comes into play. 

Reliable data is a crucial element for many major business decisions. It doesn’t matter if you’re elevating your brand, or looking to understand your customers better; quantitative data collection methods are the ultimate starting point. It serves you with a lot of solid, numerical facts that can be used to drive the most vital business initiatives.

So, what is quantitative data collection? What are the most useful quantitative data collection methods? Read on and learn everything about quantitative data collection in this detailed guide. 

It is a research method of quantitative data collection. This data can be converted into numerical data, which can be quantified and analyzed. It deals with primary and secondary sources that present data numerically. Closed-question poll results, census information, and statistics are all included in this data. It tends to be used when researchers are interested in learning about a particular moment and examining data sets over time.

Data collection methods for quantitative research are widely used in social sciences, chemistry, biology, economics, sociology, marketing, and more.

As the quantitative research focuses mainly on numerical data, qualitative research involves data that gives non-numerical information.

The focal point of quantitative research is based on the feelings and values of a participant, to learn why people act the way they do, resulting in data types like symbols, quotes, and written testimonials. Such data types assist in adding people into categories, like a participant’s gender, religion, class, political stance, favorite products, etc.

This is why qualitative research is quite common in social research, as it opens a window into the behavior of people.

Before we dive more into the different data collection methods in quantitative research, it is better to understand the three types of sources from which you can gather quantitative data.

You can collect it directly from your firm or from customers. For example, surveys and purchase data. First-party data sources are reliable but they still require key resources to collect and organize.

Second-party data sources are the ones that you can get from another organization as part of a partnership. It lets you enjoy valuable insights without the need for comprehensive data collection. 

It is the data aggregation from various sources that external providers usually sell. Such sources provide effective data access and deep insights, but still, careful selection is recommended to find trusted providers with up-to-date information.

Undoubtedly, quantitative research data collection methods are important for solid, numerical knowledge. But, how to collect quantitative data? Check out the five best quantitative data collection methods below.

They are the most common quantitative data collection methods. They can get standardized responses from a large portion of the population. Questionnaires and surveys modify subjective responses into analyzable and objective datasets which makes them indispensable for every researcher conducting customer satisfaction analysis.

Everybody is familiar with Google Forms as a free and versatile tool to create effective surveys. Features like multiple question formats let you get instant responses, which you can then manage into Google Sheets for analysis. 

Typeform offers customizable templates and integrations with tools such as Excel and SPSS, and comes with enhanced UI, resulting in better completion rates. Many businesses and researchers improve response quality by using Typeform’s engaging user experience.

When it comes to data collection for statistical analysis, like understanding public opinion or evaluating program efficiency, there is no choice better than surveys and questionnaires.

With the advancement of technology, mobile data collection apps are proving to be game-changers for data collection researchers who conduct studies in remote or dynamic areas.

It’s an open-source, free application that several NGOs use for collecting data in tough environments. It comes with multi-language support, offline functionality, and advanced analytics. 

ODK is a platform that enables researchers to create data collection forms specific to their needs. It operates easily in offline areas and keeps images, audio, and GPS data collection. Fieldwork and surveys in restricted connectivity zones are the scenes where ODK shines, as it qualifies them to get multimedia data capture.

Mobile data collection apps assist in real-time and location-based research. For example, researchers looking to conduct a health assessment remotely can use Open Data Kit for geotagged data collection on household sanitation practices.

These are a crucial aspect of scientific research as they facilitate researchers to monitor outcomes under regulated conditions. Such types of data collection methods require accurate tools in order to ensure the replicability and precision of results.

Instruments such as centrifuges offer precise measurements in chemical, physical, and biological sciences. For lab-based studies and research, this equipment is highly efficient and gives amazing accuracy.

Prolific is an online platform that connects researchers with users for behavioral or psychological experiments. Social science studies that involve studying human subjects benefit the most from this app.

For hypothesis testing, like understanding the effectiveness of a new drug or learning cognitive responses to visual stimuli, there is no option better than using experiments and tests.

The ultimate goal of the data collection quantitative method is to gather numerical data from a group, then generalize the results into a larger group in order to explain a process or phenomenon. Data collection researchers use quantitative research when they are looking for objective, conclusive answers.

Let’s take an example of an indoor sports manufacturer brand that runs a survey among teenagers to check what the fanciest part of their specific product is that they like. This survey lets them understand how all teenagers feel about their product and overall brand.

• It is best to define your goals first. Knowing your research queries can help you select the most suitable method.
• Keeping surveys short and straightforward helps in lowering response rates. So, it is adequate to prioritize questions that count.
• Pilot testing your tools helps you catch issues early. 
• Using proficient support, like partnering with CCC International, guarantees data accuracy, global sweep, and compliance.

Nowadays, the most thriving businesses are the ones that use data as their main force. However, data collection to support your business or any objective must be reliable, measurable, and suitable for actionable results. Therefore, using only the best quantitative data collection methods is of high importance.

CCC International is the trusted source for reliable data collection services, supporting global firms and renowned researchers far and wide. Contact us today to get accurate results and to elevate your business research.

Surveys and questionnaires, mobile data collection apps, experiments and tests, and secondary data analysis are the most common methods.

It is a research approach used to get descriptive, non-numerical data to learn an in-depth understanding of opinions, experiences, and concepts. 

It’s the method of collecting numerical data to help businesses, researchers, and students make informed decisions.

There’s no specific quantitative research method that works the best, but short surveys and questionnaires are the most common and efficient quantitative research methods in use.  

Use methods like structured interviews, surveys with closed-ended questions, systematic observations, or document review to gather accurate and measurable numerical data.