Quantitative Research in Healthcare Simulation: An Introduction and Discussion of Common Pitfalls

Abstract

In contrast to qualitative research, quantitative research focuses primarily on the testing of hypotheses using variables that are measured numerically and analyzed using statistical procedures. If appropriately designed, quantitative approaches provide the ability to establish causal relationships between variables. Hypothesis testing is a critical component of quantitative methods, and requires appropriately framed research questions, knowledge of the appropriate literature, and guidance from relevant theoretical frameworks. Within the field of simulation, two broad categories of quantitative research exist: studies that investigate the use of simulation as a variable and studies using simulation to investigate other questions and issues. In this chapter we review common study designs and introduce some key concepts pertaining to measurement and statistical analysis. We conclude the chapter with a survey of common errors in quantitative study design and implementation.