FutureLearn

Why Numbers Matter: Quantitative Research (FutureLearn)

Offered by Griffith University, Deakin University,
Why Numbers Matter: Quantitative Research (FutureLearn)

Learn how to use quantitative research to make difficult decisions and solve real-world problems. We use numbers in everyday life to make hundreds of small decisions that quickly add up to something bigger. This course will help you to harness the power of quantitative research to make better informed decisions and solve real-world problems.

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You’ll improve your understanding of how to use statistical analysis to draw meaningful conclusions from numerical data.
Whether it’s making an important financial investment, or testing the effectiveness of workplace practices, quantitative research helps us to make difficult decisions for ourselves and our communities.

What topics will you cover?

  • Why numbers matter in quantitative research
  • How to use statistics to analyse data and solve real world problems
  • How to formulate research questions, informed by accurate and reliable measurement
  • How to select and justify an appropriate research method to answer your question
  • The close relationship between quantitative and qualitative research
  • What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Apply statistical analysis, including types of data, averages, proportions and confidence intervals, to make decisions about real world problems.
  • Calculate bivariate correlations using computer software
  • Develop an appropriate quantitative study design to answer a research question
  • Justify the role of quantitative research in your research project
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