What does quantitative research methods primarily focus on?

Quantitative research methods primarily focus on the analysis of numerical data. This approach involves the collection and statistical examination of data that can be quantified and measured, allowing researchers to identify patterns, relationships, and trends within that data. By using structured tools like surveys, experiments, and questionnaires, quantitative methods enable researchers to generate numerical results that can be statistically analyzed.

The emphasis on numerical data allows for the application of statistical techniques to validate findings, making the results more reliable and generalizable. In contrast to methods that prioritize subjective data like observations and interviews, quantitative research seeks to provide a clear, objective measure of phenomena, which can often aid in hypothesis testing and the formulation of theories based on empirical evidence.