Conducting Quantitative Research Study : A Step-by-Step Process

In the recent past, engineering education research (EER) is gaining increasing acceptance and recognition globally. Specifically, EER is growing in India over the last decade. As EER is nascent in India, there is a need to understand the different research methods in EER such that appropriate methods are chosen while conducting EER-related activities. EER involves three methods: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods. The purpose of this paper is to document in detail all the steps followed by specific examples in quantitative research methods when conducting EER. Quantitative research is a systematic investigation of a research topic under consideration by collecting quantifiable data and performing mathematical and statistical manipulations on the collected data to produce findings that add to the existing body of literature. In quantitative research studies, data is collected by sending out online polls, questionnaires, surveys, etc. Quantitative research methods are used to fundamentally quantify different aspects in research-related activities such as attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, opinions, etc. of the samples under study to provide meaningful conclusions with noteworthy implications.

The different steps used in a quantitative research study typically include (1) focusing on your interests and finalizing the research topic, (2) framing research questions to be investigated, (3) conducting a thorough literature review, (4) choosing/creating an appropriate framework to guide the study (5) designing the research, (6) selecting the research site and research participants, (7) collecting data by sending out surveys, (8) analysing the collected data, (9) documenting important findings, and (10) publishing results. Quantitative research offers various advantages including reaching a higher sample size, quick data collection, the generalizability of the findings, etc. This paper will be of help to novice engineering education researchers as they can use this paper as a process document to guide themselves when conducting quantitative research projects.