Introduction to Quantitative Research

9.30am

Login to Zoom – go to waiting room 

10.00am

Introduction

•     Introductions / objectives for today’s course / how it will work

•     Key research terminology

•     Desk and primary research

•     Quantitative and qualitative research – brief definitions and comparison 

•     5 key stages of a quantitative research project

Defining the Research Problem and Research Objectives

•     Identifying and defining the research need

•     Problem definition  

•     Understanding the client perspective

•     Translating activity objectives into research objectives

•     Designing a quantitative research brief

Determining the Quantitative Research Type and Method

•     Understanding and selecting the appropriate quantitative research methodology

•     Main quantitative collection techniques – pros and cons / suitable applications

Exercise / 5 min break

Designing the Questionnaire

•     The importance of questionnaire design in avoiding bias and increasing research quality

•     Main types of research questions and their outputs

•     Understanding the applications + strengths / weaknesses of question types

•     Question design to help engage participants / Impact of questionnaire appearance 

Exercise / 5 min break

•     Legal implications / conforming with UK law and the MRS Code of Practice in question design

Exercise

•     Questionnaire order

•     Questionnaire design – practical step by step guide 

Quantitative Research Sampling

•     Defining the research target

•     The fundamentals of quantitative sampling

•     Probability Sampling

•     Quota sampling

•     Weighting

Quantitative Research Fieldwork

•     Main stages of fieldwork

•     Possible fieldwork issues / resolutions 

1pm –1.20pm

LUNCH

1.20pm

Using Statistical Significance

•     The importance of statistical significance in research analysis to deliver accuracy and reliability

•     Using statistical significance tools (including “type-in-for-answer” tools)

Exercise / 5 min break

Quantitative Research Analysis

•     Reading data tables

•     Links to other questions – creating analysis target groups

•     Identifying motivational drivers

•     Using verbatims

•     Avoiding bias in analysis

•     Creating an analysis plan

•     What’s the story

•     Analysis specification 

Exercise / 5 min break

Quantitative Research Reporting

•     Key Sections to Include in Quantitative Research Reports

•     Chart Structure

•     Use of Visuals 

•     Smart Summaries

•     Assessing research implications and using them to make recommendations for actions

Quantitative Research Proposals

•     Key elements to include

•     Adding value to a proposal

4.00pm

Close