Description: A quantitative survey is a research tool that collects numerical data to quantify opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a specific group. This type of survey relies on closed-ended questions, where respondents choose from predefined options, allowing for results that can be easily statistically analyzed. Quantitative surveys are fundamental in predictive analysis and applied statistics, as they provide data that can be used to identify patterns, trends, and relationships between variables. Their structured design and focus on collecting numerical data enable researchers to conduct rigorous statistical analyses, facilitating informed decision-making in various fields such as marketing, public health, and sociology. Additionally, the ability to generalize results to a broader population is one of the most valued characteristics of this type of survey, as it allows researchers to extrapolate conclusions from a representative sample. In summary, quantitative surveys are an essential tool for data collection that enables researchers and professionals to obtain valuable and objective information on various social and market issues.
History: Quantitative surveys have their roots in the development of statistics in the 18th century, when statistical methods began to be used to collect and analyze data. Throughout the 19th century, with the rise of sociology and psychology as scientific disciplines, surveys became a key tool for social research. In the 20th century, the use of surveys expanded significantly, especially with the introduction of more sophisticated sampling and statistical analysis techniques. The popularization of online questionnaires and surveys in the 21st century has further facilitated the collection of quantitative data on a large scale.
Uses: Quantitative surveys are used in a variety of fields, including marketing to understand consumer preferences, in public health to assess the effectiveness of health programs, and in social research to study behaviors and attitudes. They are also common in academic studies and in the evaluation of public policies, where a solid data foundation is required for informed decision-making.
Examples: An example of a quantitative survey is the national census, which collects demographic data from the population. Another example is a customer satisfaction survey that uses a Likert scale to measure satisfaction across different aspects of service. Additionally, public opinion polls, such as those conducted during election campaigns, are clear examples of how quantitative surveys are used to measure voting intention and political preferences.
