Quantitative research measures attitudes, characteristics, behavior, and relationships using structured data. Surveys are widely used because they can collect comparable information from large samples, but poor questionnaire design can produce misleading results.
| Type | Example Use |
|---|---|
| Open-Ended | Capture unprompted opinions or explanations |
| Multiple Choice | Select one or more defined alternatives |
| Rating Scale | Measure satisfaction, importance, agreement, or likelihood |
| Ranking | Place alternatives in order of preference |
| Semantic Differential | Rate an object between opposite adjectives |
| Constant Sum | Allocate points across competing priorities |
Reliability concerns consistency of measurement. Validity concerns whether the instrument actually measures the intended concept. Pretesting, established scales, clear definitions, and multiple items can improve measurement quality.