A Review of Quantitative Research Methods Used in Engineering

Quantitative research methods play a key role in enhancing knowledge across various engineering disciplines by offering robust tools to evaluate complex problems, test hypotheses, and derive objective conclusions. This study provides a review of the following quantitative research methods: survey, descriptive, experimental, correlational, and causal-comparative research. Survey research systematically gathers data from target populations using structured tools; descriptive research focuses on characterizing phenomena through observations, surveys, or case studies; experimental research establishes cause and effect relationships by manipulating variables under controlled conditions; correlational research quantifies the degree of association between variables without manipulation; and causal-comparative research compares existing differences between groups to uncover causal relationships. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners who aim to apply quantitative methods effectively in engineering research.