Limitations And Weaknesses Of Quantitative Research. Research Is An Important Aspect Of Higher Education. Get To Know The Limitations And Weaknesses Of Quantitative Research And Even More. Check This Post Now.
Do you want to know more about Quantitative Research and the limitations of this type of research? Have you been looking into knowing the weaknesses and disadvantages of Quantitative Research? Then this article is for you, as we will be looking into the limitations and weaknesses of Quantitative Research.
What Is A Quantitative Research?
This type of research can be effectively carried out using any of the four methods of researching and these methods are descriptive research, correlational research, experimental research or survey research.
Methods
1. Descriptive Method
In this method one seeks to know the ‘what’ of a thing rather than the ‘why’ pof that same thing. It explains the various components of an information.
2. Correlational Research
This research involves the research between two variables to ascertain the relationship between the variables.
3. Experimental Research
Experimental research is one that uses scientific methods to establish the relationship between groups of variables.
4. Survey Research
Finally, the survey research which is the most widely used involves the preparation of set questionnaires, interviews and also polls, it is conducted to get answers of the target population and then conclusions are drawn from such answers given. This research studies the relationship between various variables in a given research.
Limitations And Weaknesses Of Quantitative Research
However for every benefit, the weaknesses and limitations are there too. Now, quantitative research has its disadvantages, limitations and weaknesses, and in this article, we will be pointing out some of the limitations of quantitative research;
- Limited To Numbers And Figures
- Testing Models Are More Difficult To Create
- Tests Can Be Intentionally Manipulative
- Inability To Control The Environment
- Expensive And Time Consuming
- Difficulty In Data Analysis
Limitations And Weaknesses Of Quantitative Research
1. Limited To Numbers And Figures
Quantitative research can only be gathered through numbers and figures, without figures and numbers, this type of research can’t be done. This double edged sword leaves the quantitative method unable to deal with questions that require specific feedback, and often lacks a human element.
2. Testing Models Are More Difficult To Create
Creating a quantitative research model requires careful attention to be paid to your design. From the hypothesis to the testing methods and the analysis that comes after, there are several moving parts that must be brought into alignment in order for your test to succeed. Even one unintentional error can invalidate your results, and send your team back to the drawing board to start all over again.
3. Tests Can Be Intentionally Manipulative
Sometimes people look to push an agenda, thereby creating qualitative tests that are faulty, and designed to support a particular end result. An example is when a politician has redesigned a poll with answers that would favor him, no matter what respondents pick.
4. Inability To Control The Environment
On major occasions, researchers face problems to control the environment where the respondents provide answers to the questions in the survey, as responses often depend on a particular time which again is dependent on the conditions occurring during that particular time frame.
5. Expensive And Time Consuming
Quantitative research requires a lot of time to perform the analysis. Most times, to achieve in-depth responses on an issue, data collection in quantitative research methodology is often too expensive than the qualitative approach.
6. Difficulty In Data Analysis
The quantitative study requires extensive statistical analysis, this can make it more difficult to perform for researchers from non statistical backgrounds. This type of research is a lot more complex for social sciences, education, anthropology and psychology. The effective response should depend on the research problem rather than just a simple yes or no response.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. What Are The Two Types Of Limitations?
The two main categories of limitations are those that result from the methodology and those that result from issues with the researcher(s).
2. What Are Major Limitations?
A major limitation is the number of statistical degrees of freedom, which is determined by the number of years of data less one.
3. Does Limitation Mean Weaknesses?
Limitations are shortcomings or weaknesses that may have affected your results.
4. Who Is The Father Of Statistics?
Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobia is known as the father of Indian Statistics.
5. Where Are Limitations In A Research Study?
The limitations of your research are usually stated at the beginning of the discussion section of your paper so that the reader is aware of and comprehends the limitations prior to actally reading the rest of your findings, or they are stated at the end of the discussion section.