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1
Introduction to Quantitative Tools and Techniques

• Materials Developed by
• The IRIS Center at the University of Maryland

2
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Inquiry

• Quantitative
• pre-set questions
• higher number of respondents
• frequency and amounts
• usually survey
• can use a comparison group (for impact)

• Qualitative
• detailed information
• fewer respondents
• diversity and nuances
• varied methods
• typically no control group

3
versus

• Qualitative
• analysis is varied
• sampling depends on
• objectives
• explores impact (why)
• participatory and
• empowering

• Quantitative
• Standardized data
• analysis
• random sampling
• suggests impact
• rarely participatory
• and empowering

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Essential Features for Quantitative Tools (1)

• Clear study questions or hypotheses
• Well-conceived survey instruments that are valid
  and reliable (produce consistent, accurate
  answers)
• Well written and clear survey questions
• Analysis plan for each question determined in
  advance

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Essential Features for Quantitative Tools (2)

• Logical sequence and smooth flow of
• questions
• Format conducive to efficient, clear and
• complete recording of responses
• Length and time required to complete survey
• is manageable/acceptable
• Sound sampling procedures that will generate
• representative samples of clients and
• comparison groups, thereby producing reliable
• data for making generalizations about clients