What is Quantitative research?
- Content Type:
- Glossary
Quantitative research Definition
Research conducted for the purpose of obtaining empirical evaluations of attitudes, behavior or performance. Designed to generate projectable numerical data about a topic.
Quantitative research in marketing research involves the systematic collection and analysis of numerical data to measure consumer behaviors, attitudes and preferences. It relies on structured tools like surveys, experiments and observational checklists to produce statistically reliable and generalizable insights.
What are the key aspects of quantitative research?
- Involves large sample sizes for statistical validity.
- Uses structured instruments (e.g., questionnaires, scales).
- Produces numerical data that can be analyzed statistically.
- Enables trend tracking, comparisons and forecasting.
- Often uses probability sampling methods.
Why is quantitative research important in market research?
Quantitative research is important because it provides objective, data-driven insights that support confident decision-making. It helps businesses validate hypotheses, measure market size, test concepts, segment audiences and evaluate performance with measurable metrics.
Who relies on quantitative research in the marketing research industry?
- Brand managers and strategists.
- Product developers.
- Media planners and advertisers.
- Customer experience teams.
- Research agencies and analytics teams.
How do market researchers use quantitative research?
Market researchers use quantitative research to gather actionable data from large populations, analyze patterns and draw conclusions that guide marketing strategies. Findings are often presented in charts, graphs and models to support business planning, campaign targeting, pricing and customer satisfaction tracking.