Quantitative social research path

This chapter describes how the quantitative approach enables understanding social phenomena through the collection and analysis of numerical data and statistics. Compared to a magnifying glass, this approach offers an objective, evidence-based perspective by allowing the measurement of percentages, and averages, and conducting statistical tests to identify patterns and trends in society.

Through practical examples, such as surveys to know public opinion on an educational program, the chapter highlights that the quantitative approach is valuable for obtaining precise and reliable answers. However, its limitations are also recognized: While it allows certain aspects of social phenomena to be measured, it fails to capture the complexity of human experiences. Therefore, combining it with qualitative approaches is recommended for a more comprehensive perspective. Additionally, in a distance education context, five key elements are identified to achieve a deeper understanding of quantitative research.