Quantitative

Methods
Lecture 1
 Quantitative Methods
 emphasize objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or
numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys,
or by manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques.
 Objectives

Define Outline Discuss

The term “statistics” The steps involved statistical The limitation of statistics as a tool
Inquiry of decision making
 Introduction

Statistics
it is the aspect of decision-making that has to do with numerical information.
 Meaning and Scope of statistics

Statistics may be defined as the techniques by which data are

collected, organized, summarized, presented and analyzed for the
purpose of making reasonably valid decisions and especially under
conditions of uncertainty

Hence, in order to make a decision, the selection must be done

without bias (random selection).
 In summary, statistics is the science of
collecting, organizing, summarizing
and analyzing information in order to
draw conclusion.
 The process of statistics can be categorized
into four stages:
• Identifying the research objectives;
• Collection of information needed to achieve the objectives;
• Organization and summarization of information (data); and
• The drawing of conclusions from the raw or analyzed information.

Hence, statistics is a process of factual data collection and analysis of

the data. It involves collection of numerical facts in a systematic way.
 Steps in Statistical Inquiry

• A statistical inquiry is an investigation carried out to collect

statistical data which may be analyzed and presented in the form
that will aid effective decision making.
 For statistics to be able to achieve its goals, the
following steps must be properly followed
• (i) Problem and the objectives should be properly stated.
• (ii) Samples should be properly selected without bias.
• (iii) Questionnaires should be well laid-out.
• (iv) Data should be collected effectively and efficiently.
• (v) Data should be properly organized.
• (vi) Analysis and interpretation of data must be properly carried
out.
• (vii) Outcomes/Results of the analyses should be properly
presented.
• (viii) The report of the inquiry must be presented using simple and
illustrative languages such as tables, charts or graphs.