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Quantitative Research

Quantitative AnalysisThe Better Research Method

Carol-Ann Cucé, Surya Kubba, James Larkin,Nitin Madan,Tom Miller, Kareem Sumner


Mission Statement

• To prove that Quantitative Analysis, when compared to Qualitative Analysis, is the better IS research method.

• Better means– More applicable to area– Produces accurate results– Provides objectivity


Agenda

• Qualitative and Quantitative research defined

• Qualitative and Quantitative research• Comparative Analysis• Summary and questions


• Qualitative– Research method whereby data is procured via

observation, interviews, researcher reactions– Research is aided by various software packages

• Quantitative– Research method whereby numerical

measurement is used and the primary focus.– Research is aided by various statistical and

mathematical modeling software.

Definitions


Why QuantitativeResearch?

• Need points• Types:

– Regression Analysis– Mathematical Models– Hypothesis testing


Regression Analysis Description• The relation between selected values of x and observed

values of y (from which the most probable value of y can be predicted for any value of x) (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 2001)

• Types: linear, polynomial, exponential, logistic, multiple, and periodic


Regression Analysis Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages– Cost Efficient– Shows strong relationships between variables– Computationally efficient– Well founded

• Disadvantages– Past does not always show the future– Only shows correlation not causality


Regression Analysis Examples

• “Real-time modeling of influenza outbreaks - a linear regression analysis” (Eurosurveillance Dec 2002)

• “Regression analysis breaks new ground “ (Joan ConcIlio, York Daily Record Dec 2002)

• “Using Regression Analysis to compute back pay” (Gilmartin, Hartra, Journal of Law and Science 1992)


Mathematical Modeling -Description

• Mathematical modeling is the process of creating a mathematical representation of some phenomenon in order to gain a better understanding of that phenomenon. It is a process that attempts to match observation with symbolic statement. [AiS CS textbook]

• Examples: Linear Programming, Data mining, and Cluster analysis


Mathematical ModelAdvantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:– Can model broad range of topics– Repeatable and very precise – Cost Efficient

• Disadvantages– Requires large amounts of data– Needs large computer/software requirements– General very complex– assumptions in the models leave out some physical

effect (garbage in garbage out)


Mathematical Model Examples

• “Advanced Scout: Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery in NBA Data” (Inderpal Bhandari 1997)

• “Internet Cluster Regions” (JV Silicon Valley Network 2000)

• “An algorithm for the determination of optimal cutting patterns” (Gordian Schilling,Michael C. Georgiadis, Computer and Operations Research Feb. 2002)


Hypothesis - Description• Hypothesis Testing

– Procedures for making rational decisions about the reality of effects

– A way of using statistical data to test a theory or answer a question

• Null Hypothesis (H0)– A statement that there is no actual relationship

between the variables• Alternate Hypothesis (H1)

– A relationship between the values– A change in one value is associated with a change in

another


Null HypothesisAdvantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages– Uses a well defined framework– Level of Significance reduces the probability of erroneous conclusions– Repeated trials show a greater range of likely values– Increasingly precise view of values– View a range of individual differences– Increasingly precise view of the differences most likely to occur– Uses a large sample size

• Disadvantages– Inadequate sample size– False conclusions based on collected data– Type I Errors

• Reject a true null hypothesis– Type II Errors

• Accept a false null hypothesis


Hypothesis TestingExamples

• “Collusion in the US Crop Insurance Program: Applied Data Mining” (Bertis B. Little, Walter L. Johnson, Jr., Ashley C. Lovell, Roderick M. Rejesus, and Steve A. Steed)


Hypothesis TestingAdvantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages– Multiple Observations– Reliability– Repeated trials show a greater range of likely values– Increasingly precise view of values– Generalization– View a range of individual differences– Increasingly precise view of the differences most likely to occur

• Disadvantages– False conclusion based on collected data– Type I Errors– Reject a true null hypothesis– Type II Errors– Accept a false null hypothesis


Why Not Qualitative Research?

• ??



• An understanding of the social and environmental constructs that extend beyond quantitative methodology.

• Different Methods:– Regression analysis– Mathematical Models– Hypothesis testing


QuantitativeResearch - Methods

• Regression analysis• Mathematical Models• Hypothesis testing


• Qualitative– Research method whereby data is procured via

observation, interviews, researcher reactions– Research is aided by various software packages

• Quantitative– Research method whereby numerical

measurement is used and the primary focus.– Research is aided by various statistical and

mathematical modeling software.

Definitions


Case Study - Description

• Study of real-life situations and problems in a specified setting.

• Impartial researcher.• Data mining via interviews and reports.• Emphasis on a limited scope.• Goals:

– Understand and report uniqueness of cases.– Observe one situation only.


Case Study Advantages and Limitations

• Advantages– Consistency in the same contexts– Emergence of patterns– Easily accommodates IS– Cost ??

• Limitations– Data manipulation– Interpretative errors– Generalizations


Action Research - Description

• An observational method whereby the researcher actively participates in the study.

• Researcher participation seeks to evoke change.

• Action research involves the whole organization


Action Research – Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages– Involvement detailed access– Relevance– “Real world” orientation– Immediate application of knowledge

• Limitations– Access to the organization being researched– Time requirements– Conflict of interest. Action research or consulting?– Involvement perceptions and bias– Still new it IT – more uses need to validate– Conflicting definitions


Ethnographic Research Description

• A research method, well suited to providing information systems researchers with rich insights into the human, social and organizational aspects of information systems (Avison and Myers, 1995; Harvey and Myers, 1995;Myers 1977)

• Preoccupied with culture, and how people interact with each other.

• Data is obtained via:– Participant observation– Interviewing– Use of historical written data.


Ethnographic ResearchAdvantages/Disadvantages

• Advantages– Provides researchers an opportunity to get close to “where the

action is”(Grill 1998)– In-depth and intensive research method.– Reveals quality of group experience in a way that other forms of

research cannot.– Helps determine questions and types of follow up research.

• Disadvantages– The quality of the data is problematic (Lauer and Asher, 1998):– Time consuming– Does not have much breath– Limited scope– Too little data can lead to false assumptions.– Large quantity of data may not be effectively processed.– Analysis of the observation can be biased.


Summary

• Qualitative and Quantitative research defined

• Qualitative research• Quantitative research• Comparative Analysis


Questions

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