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Nick Barter, Christopher Stevenson, Angela Victor, Chris Rawson, Jessica Cheung, Georgie Lowe, Matthew Clarke, and Michael Rose

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at anyone interested in research, but may be of particular interest to people who are undertaking a research project related to their profession or area of study.

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at anyone interested in research, but may be of particular interest to people who are undertaking a research project related to their profession or area of study.

Topics Covered

  • Why numbers matter in quantitative research
  • How to use statistics to analyse data and solve real world problems
  • How to formulate research questions, informed by accurate and reliable measurement
  • How to select and justify an appropriate research method to answer your question
  • The close relationship between quantitative and qualitative research

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Reviews summary

Quantitative research: foundational yet theoretical

According to students, "Why Numbers Matter: Quantitative Research" provides a solid introduction and clear explanations for those new to the field, making complex topics accessible and easy-to-follow. Many appreciate its focus on formulating research questions and the importance of reliable measurement. However, some learners express that the course is too theoretical and lacks sufficient practical application, particularly regarding statistical software and hands-on data analysis. While it offers a strong conceptual foundation, more experienced individuals may find the content too basic, suggesting a better fit for beginners seeking an overview rather than in-depth skills.
Highly beneficial for beginners, potentially too simple for those with prior experience.
"It's a great starting point, though advanced learners might find it too basic."
"The course is extremely high-level and doesn't provide any actionable skills. I already knew most of what was taught from basic undergrad courses. It's too simplistic for anyone with a background in social sciences or data. Wasted my time."
"This course laid out the fundamentals clearly for someone new to research."
"I'd recommend this for absolute beginners, but not if you have any existing knowledge in the field."
Good coverage of research questions and measurement reliability.
"I liked the emphasis on formulating good research questions."
"It truly helps one understand the importance of reliable measurement."
"The connection between quantitative and qualitative research was particularly insightful for me."
Well-organized modules with clear explanations.
"The explanations were clear and the content was presented in a logical, easy-to-follow manner."
"The modules were well-structured, and the quizzes reinforced learning effectively."
"I found the course laid out the fundamentals very clearly."
Excellent for newcomers, clarifies core quantitative concepts.
"This course provided an excellent foundation in quantitative research. The explanations were clear and the content was presented in a logical, easy-to-follow manner."
"Fantastic course! It demystified quantitative research for me. The modules were well-structured, and the quizzes reinforced learning effectively."
"Excellent course for beginners! As someone new to research, this course laid out the fundamentals clearly."
"I feel much more confident now after taking this course, it really helped me understand the basics."
Emphasizes concepts, but less hands-on application of statistics.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the statistical software section, which could have used more hands-on practice or detailed walkthroughs."
"The course promised to teach 'how to use statistics to analyse data' but only scratched the surface. I felt it was too theoretical and lacked the practical application I was looking for."
"The conceptual parts were fine, but the practical application was weak. I was hoping for more hands-on work with data..."
"I found it to be a good theoretical foundation, but it was less practical than I had hoped."

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Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Why Numbers Matter: Quantitative Research.
The third edition of the essential guide to data wrangling with pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter in Python. Updated for newer versions of the libraries, this book remains a core resource for anyone performing data analysis in Python. It widely used textbook and reference for its clear explanations and practical examples.
Widely used textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to the three major approaches to research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. It is excellent for gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a foundational text in academic programs. The latest edition includes updates reflecting the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual, making it a current and valuable reference.
A seminal work in the field of statistical learning, this book covers advanced topics at the intersection of statistics and machine learning. It key reference for graduate students, researchers, and professionals working in data science and related areas. While mathematically rigorous, it provides in-depth coverage of modern statistical techniques.
Is specifically geared towards data scientists and provides a practical guide to statistical concepts relevant in the field. It focuses on the statistical methods most useful in a data science context and includes code examples in R and Python. It's highly relevant for professionals and graduate students applying statistics in data-driven roles.
Provides an accessible introduction to causal inference, a crucial topic in contemporary statistics and data science for determining cause-and-effect relationships. It's suitable for graduate students and researchers in social sciences, economics, and data science. The book uses a modern approach and includes coding examples, making it highly practical for applied work.
Classic guide to the research process, focusing on formulating research questions, developing arguments, and communicating findings effectively. It is highly recommended for students at all levels who are learning how to approach and structure a research project. It is particularly useful for solidifying an understanding of the fundamental principles of research.
A practical guide to coding qualitative data, this book provides detailed instructions and examples for various coding methods. It is an essential tool for anyone undertaking qualitative data analysis, from beginners to experienced researchers. It helps solidify understanding of a crucial step in qualitative research.
Considered a classic in the field, this comprehensive textbook covers both probability and statistics in depth. It's often used in graduate-level courses and provides a rigorous treatment of the subject matter. is excellent for deepening one's theoretical understanding and valuable reference for researchers and professionals.
This open-source textbook provides a solid foundation in introductory statistics, covering a wide range of topics with clear explanations and real-world examples. It's suitable for high school and undergraduate students and is often used as a primary textbook in introductory courses. The book includes numerous datasets and exercises, making it a practical resource for learning by doing.
Provides a foundational understanding of the fundamental principles of data science and the data-analytic thinking necessary for extracting value from data in a business context. It is highly relevant for undergraduate business analytics programs and working professionals. It serves as a useful reference for understanding the business applications of data analysis and is commonly used as a textbook.
This sourcebook detailed guide for analyzing qualitative data. It offers a wide range of methods and techniques, making it a valuable reference for students and researchers undertaking qualitative studies. The fourth edition includes new visual display models and updated content, ensuring its relevance for contemporary research.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of quantitative research methods. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation.
A comprehensive guide to mixed methods research, this book covers the design, implementation, and analysis of studies that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches. It is essential for researchers interested in this growing area of research methodology and provides detailed guidance.
Offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the essential topics in statistical inference, suitable for students with a strong mathematical background. It's often used in graduate-level statistics and machine learning programs. The book provides a solid theoretical foundation and covers a wide range of modern topics, making it relevant for contemporary applications.
This well-regarded textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to mathematical statistics with a focus on data analysis. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in statistics and related fields. The book emphasizes the connection between statistical theory and real-world data problems, making it a valuable reference.
This definitive text on the analysis of categorical data, covering a wide range of models and methods. It standard reference for graduate students and researchers in statistics and various applied fields. The book provides comprehensive coverage of this important area of statistics.
Focuses on the crucial skill of communicating insights from data effectively through compelling visualizations. is highly relevant for all levels, emphasizing the importance of clear and impactful data presentation. It is valuable additional reading that complements technical data analysis skills.
This handbook covers important topics in educational measurement and psychometrics with a focus on applying these concepts using the R statistical software. It includes classical test theory, item response theory, and factor analysis. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners, particularly those interested in the practical application of measurement techniques and data analysis in R. It can complement a theory-based textbook.
This online textbook and accompanying website provide a comprehensive overview of research methods concepts and procedures. It widely used resource for learning and teaching research methods, offering clear explanations and interactive exercises. It good resource for both foundational knowledge and review.
True to its title, this book offers a straightforward and accessible introduction to statistical concepts and techniques. It's particularly useful for undergraduate students and those in fields outside of statistics who need to understand and interpret statistical results. Each chapter clearly explains a statistical technique, when to use it, how it works, and provides examples of how to write about the results.
A definitive guide to conducting case study research, this book covers the design, collection, and analysis of case study data. It is essential for researchers utilizing this specific qualitative approach and provides in-depth knowledge for mastering the method.
Focuses on the process of building and evaluating predictive models using a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques. It's a practical guide for students and professionals involved in predictive analytics. The book covers essential concepts and provides detailed examples, making it a valuable resource for applied work.
Offers a new way of thinking about data science and ethics informed by intersectional feminist thought. It challenges existing power structures within data and explores how data can be used to work towards justice. It's highly relevant for contemporary discussions around fairness and bias in data analysis.
This comprehensive text covers the theory and practice of educational measurement, including test development, validity, reliability, and scoring. It foundational book in the field and is often used as a graduate-level textbook. It provides in-depth coverage of measurement issues specific to educational settings.
Challenges the idea that certain things are immeasurable, particularly in a business context. It provides a framework and methods for measuring seemingly intangible concepts. It is highly relevant for professionals and students interested in applying measurement principles to decision-making and risk assessment in various fields beyond traditional science.
Provides a guide to creating effective and aesthetically pleasing data visualizations. It delves into the principles behind good visualization design, helping readers make informed choices about how to represent their data. It valuable reference for anyone creating visualizations, from students to professionals.
Is an excellent starting point for anyone new to data analysis or statistics. It demystifies core statistical concepts without relying heavily on mathematical formulas, making it highly accessible for high school and undergraduate students. It provides a strong foundation in the intuition behind statistical analysis and helps readers understand how data can be used and misused. This is valuable background reading that builds prerequisite knowledge.
Provides practical guidance on conducting survey research, covering questionnaire design, sampling, data collection, and analysis. It valuable resource for those focusing on quantitative methods, particularly in social sciences and market research. It helps deepen understanding of a specific research methodology.
This textbook offers a solid theoretical foundation in mathematical statistics while also illustrating its practical applications. It is typically used in undergraduate programs for students majoring in statistics or related quantitative fields. The book helps solidify understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of statistical methods.
Teaches probability and statistics using a computational approach with Python. It's ideal for students and professionals with programming experience who want to understand statistical concepts by doing. It helps solidify understanding through hands-on application.
Focuses on measurement in the context of digital analytics, explaining how to capture and use digital data to understand user behavior and improve digital experiences. It is highly relevant for marketing, business, and technology professionals and students interested in measurement in the digital realm.
Offers a step-by-step guide to conducting a research project, covering all stages from planning to writing up findings. It is particularly helpful for undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking their first research project, providing practical advice and avoiding common mistakes.
Emphasizes the importance of using statistics to build a convincing argument rather than just presenting numbers. It's a valuable resource for students and researchers across disciplines who need to effectively communicate statistical findings. It encourages a deeper understanding of the purpose and interpretation of statistical analysis.
SQL fundamental skill for data analysis, and this book delves into advanced techniques for working with data in databases. It's essential for anyone who needs to retrieve and manipulate data stored in relational databases. It serves as a valuable reference for more complex data extraction and transformation tasks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantitative research methods for the social sciences. It covers topics such as research design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research design and quantitative methodology. It covers a wide range of topics, including research ethics, research methods, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation.
Focuses on the process of learning from data and the importance of statistical thinking in everyday life. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of how statistics are used and misused, suitable for a wide audience from high school to professional. It emphasizes critical thinking and the practical application of statistical ideas.
A timeless classic that remains highly relevant today. exposes common ways statistics can be manipulated or misinterpreted, fostering a critical eye essential for anyone working with data. It's valuable for all levels, from high school to professional, as it highlights the importance of data integrity and ethical considerations. This serves as crucial additional reading to develop data literacy.
Focuses on the practical aspects of quantitative research design. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to design and conduct a quantitative research study.
Considered a classic in qualitative research, this book introduces the principles and practices of naturalistic inquiry. It foundational text for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research. It is more theoretical and suitable for graduate-level study and beyond.
This introductory textbook provides an accessible entry point into qualitative research, focusing on analyzing life experiences. It is suitable for beginners and those seeking a more narrative approach to qualitative inquiry.
Focuses specifically on measurement in the context of user experience (UX). It provides practical guidance on selecting, collecting, analyzing, and presenting UX metrics. The third edition includes updated research, case studies, and examples using Excel. It valuable resource for UX professionals, researchers, and students in HCI or HFE programs and can be used as a reference or textbook.
Provides an introduction to research methods specifically within the field of sociology. It covers a range of methods and their application in sociological research, making it relevant for students in this discipline. It helps provide context for research methods within a specific social science.
While not a traditional textbook, this book explores the application of statistical thinking and probability to real-world prediction in various fields. It's an engaging read for anyone interested in understanding how statistical models are used in practice and the challenges involved. It provides valuable context and real-world examples for students and professionals alike.
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the physics, design, and applications of modern sensors across various fields. It valuable reference for students, researchers, and engineers working with sensors and instrumentation. It delves into the technical aspects of how measurements are made in physical systems.
A popular book in the field of web analytics, this resource provides a framework and practical guidance for measuring and analyzing online data to understand customer behavior and improve website performance. It valuable resource for digital marketers and analysts.

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