Quantitative Research Designs
Historical Research Designs
The purpose of a historical research design is to collect, verify, and synthesize evidence from the past to establish facts that defend or refute a hypothesis. It primarily relies on secondary sources and a variety of primary documentary evidence, such as:
- Logs, diaries, official records, reports, and archives
- Non-textual sources like maps, pictures, audio, and visual recordings
Limitations
Sources must be both authentic and valid to ensure accuracy.
Quantitative History
- Uses original numeric data (e.g., tax assessments, business ledgers, church membership lists).
- Applies basic mathematical techniques or advanced statistical methods.
- Sometimes referred to as cliometrics by economic historians.
Comparison: Classical vs. Quantitative History
- Classical Historical Research relies on textual records and narrative explanations.
- Quantitative History examines patterns across multiple events.
Process of Quantitative Historical Research
- Data Collection – Gathering relics, fossils, documents, or conducting interviews.
- Data Analysis – Combining historical data with statistical tools.
- Report of Findings – Explaining discrepancies and interpreting results.
Population in Quantitative Research
- Individuals in quantitative research are called respondents.
- Larger sample sizes help establish reliability.
- When total enumeration is impractical, sampling techniques are applied.
Sampling Strategies in Research
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Sampling
- Quantitative Research uses random sampling for generalizability.
- Qualitative Research uses purposive sampling for depth.
Types of Sampling Strategies
Pre-Determined Sampling Strategies
- Criterion/Quota Sampling – Selecting respondents based on predefined criteria.
- Complete Collection – Recruiting all individuals meeting a condition.
Gradual Definition of Sample Structure
- Convenience Sampling – Used due to time/resource constraints.
- Best practices include:
- Documenting the sampling strategy.
- Describing participant characteristics.
- Seeking disconfirming evidence to avoid bias.
Specific Sampling Techniques
- Theoretical Sampling – Selecting cases for theory testing.
- Extreme or Deviant Case Sampling – Studying unusual cases.
- Stratified Purposeful Sampling – Selecting cases across subgroups.
- Homogeneous Sampling – Choosing participants with similar experiences.
- Criterion Sampling – Selecting participants based on specific characteristics.
- Snowball/Chain Sampling – Using referrals to reach populations.
- Opportunistic Sampling – Taking advantage of recruitment opportunities.
How Many Participants Are Required?
- No fixed number in qualitative research.
- Depends on resources, time constraints, and availability.
- Data Saturation – When responses become repetitive.
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