By the Numbers

This chapter introduces you to quantitative research design, which is a way of studying questions using numbers, measurements, and statistics. You will learn how different types of research designs help gather and analyse data in various ways. For example, descriptive research shows us what is happening, like how many students use a library. Correlational research explores the relationship between two things, such as phone use and reading habits. Experimental research tests cause and effect by changing one thing to see how it impacts another, while quasi-experimental research is similar but doesn’t use random groups. The chapter uses the real-life example of a school library to show how these designs work. It also briefly introduces qualitative research, which focuses more on people's feelings and opinions. Together, these methods help researchers make better decisions and understand human behaviour more deeply.