Quantitative Methods (Models)

Collection of mathematical and statistical methods used in the solution of managerial and decision-making problems, also called operations research (OR) and management science. There are numerous tools available under these headings such as Linear Programming (LP), Economic Order Quantity (Eoq), Learning Curve theory, Pert and Regression Analysis.

The range of mathematical and statistical techniques used to analyse data. In order to test empirical theories and hypotheses, political scientists draw on a wide range of sources, including primarily qualitative data such as documents, unstructured interviews, and participant observation, and primarily quantitative data such as those derived from sample surveys or aggregate statistics such as election results, census materials, or cross-national statistical series.

In order to analyse quantitative data, it is first necessary to describe them, that is, to structure the information and to identify overall patterns. Once these patterns have been established then, secondly, it is important to examine the interrelationships between variables, to see whether they are associated or correlated and if so how strongly. Thirdly, assuming that the researcher has a priori reasons for asserting causal relations between variables, the question then arises of how far changes in the causal (predictor, independent) variables can explain changes in the caused (response, dependent) variables. Finally, if the data are from a sample, the issue arises of how far results can be inferred to be an accurate reflection of the population as a whole. To fulfil these four functions—description, association, explanation, and inference—political scientists use a range of techniques. The choice of such techniques varies according to a number of considerations, most notably the level of measurement.

Quantitative methods have been widely used by political scientists in a range of contexts, including, for example, the study of arms races, of political stability, of political violence, and of the behaviour of legislators, but by far their most prominent application has been in the area of electoral attitudes and behaviour, where data are easily quantified.

While such methods have enhanced the study of politics, there have been criticisms of quantifying for the sake of it, of equating results obtained with the results of scientific experiments (misapplying the methods of the natural sciences to social data), and overemphasizing numbers at the expense of explanation (the establishment of the existence of a statistically significant correlation or regression coefficient may say little about its meaning). Such criticisms have led some to a more restrained and cautious use of quantitative methods.

— Stan Taylor