Quantitative methods

Quantitative methods involve collecting numerical data to measure patterns and correlations.
This method is favoured by positivists who believe social behaviour can be studied like natural science, as quantitative data is generalisable, reliable, and reasonably objective.
For example, 👤 Durkheim’s (1897) suicide study used official statistics to test links between social integration and suicide rates.
- Strength: high reliability, standardisation, and generalisability.
- Weakness: can be superficial/lack depth, may miss social change, can confuse correlation and causation if data is misinterpreted

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