Topic Summaries

Quantitative methods

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  • Quantitative methods involve collecting numerical data to measure patterns and correlations.
  • This method is favoured by positivists who believe social behaviour can be studied like natural science, as quantitative data is generalisable, reliable, and reasonably objective.
  • For example, 👤 Durkheim’s (1897) suicide study used official statistics to test links between social integration and suicide rates.
    • Strength: high reliability, standardisation, and generalisability.
    • Weakness: can be superficial/lack depth, may miss social change, can confuse correlation and causation if data is misinterpreted

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