Method
Research with large or many datasets that describe ‘what’ happens, rather than ‘why’ it happens.
Purpose
- To help understand what (not why!) is already happening in a community, or around an existing policy, product or service.
- To analyse large or many data sets with quantitative data.
- To uncover insights about behaviour and interaction through analysis of quantitative datasets.
What you get
- Research insights that describe what is happening around an existing policy, product or service.
- Insights that help scope or size qualitative insights.
Strengths
- Can provide insight into use and behaviour across large groups, products or services
Weaknesses
- Difficult to determine reasons (the why) for what the data describe
- Correlations may be found for unrelated phenomena.
Tips
Quantitative research should always be informed by qualitative research. Starting with qualitative research helps understand what is important to a community or group. It helps understand which correlations matter. Quantitative research requires the ability to analyse data. Consider if / how to involve the business insights team as needed.
Tools and resources
- Email the Department of Premier and Cabinet Business Insights team: businessinsights@dpc.vic.gov.au
- Quantitative user-research methodologies: An
- The role of design in quantitative
Reviewed 04 January 2021