Which of the following is a quantitative Internet-based research approach?
A) online survey
B) online focus group
C) online listening
D) behavioral targeting
E) social tracking
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A) Online Survey
Explanation:
A quantitative Internet-based research approach focuses on collecting numerical data that can be statistically analyzed. Among the given options, an online survey is the best example of this approach because it involves structured questions that gather measurable responses from participants.
Why Online Surveys are Quantitative
Online surveys typically use closed-ended questions (e.g., multiple-choice, Likert scale, or numerical ratings) that allow researchers to quantify data. The responses can then be analyzed using statistical methods to identify patterns, correlations, and trends. This makes online surveys a structured and systematic method for collecting data, which aligns with the principles of quantitative research.
Why Other Options are Not Quantitative
- Online Focus Group (B) – This is a qualitative approach where participants engage in discussions. It focuses on understanding opinions, motivations, and emotions rather than numerical analysis.
- Online Listening (C) – This refers to monitoring social media and online conversations to gather insights, often used for qualitative sentiment analysis.
- Behavioral Targeting (D) – This involves tracking user behavior online (e.g., browsing history) to personalize advertisements. While it collects data, it is more aligned with marketing rather than structured quantitative research.
- Social Tracking (E) – This refers to monitoring social media interactions (e.g., shares, likes, mentions). While it can include quantitative elements (e.g., counting likes), it is not a structured research method like surveys.
Conclusion
Online surveys provide numerical data that can be statistically analyzed, making them the best example of a quantitative Internet-based research approach.