Which research method primarily uses numerical data and statistical analysis?

Quantitative research is characterized by its reliance on numerical data and the application of statistical analysis to interpret that data. This method allows researchers to quantify variables and analyze relationships, patterns, and trends in the data collected. It is particularly useful for making generalizations about populations based on sampled data and often involves the use of instruments or measures that produce numerical data, such as surveys, tests, or structured observations.

The strength of quantitative research lies in its ability to produce statistical results that can support or refute hypotheses. This often includes techniques such as regression analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA, which help researchers draw conclusions from their data.

In contrast, qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through a more narrative approach, emphasizing depth of understanding rather than numerical measurement. Experimental research refers to a specific type of quantitative study that tests causal relationships through the manipulation of variables, but it does not exclusively define the broader category of research that uses numeric data. Descriptive research seeks to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon without manipulating variables and may utilize both qualitative and quantitative approaches, but it does not primarily focus on statistical analysis in the same way that quantitative research does.