Quantitative research has several limitations that should be considered when deciding which type of research to use. Here are some of the weaknesses of quantitative research:
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Improper representation of the target population: Quantitative research methodology usually requires a large sample size, but due to the lack of resources, this large-scale research becomes impossible. In many developing countries, interested parties may lack knowledge and especially the resources needed to conduct thorough quantitative research.
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Inability to control the environment: The quantitative research method involves a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions, which leads to limited outcomes outlined in the research proposal. So the results cannot always represent the actual occurrence in a generalized form. Also, the respondents have limited options for responses, based on the selection made by the researcher.
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Difficulty in data analysis: The quantitative study requires extensive statistical analysis, which can be difficult to perform for researchers from non-mathematical backgrounds.
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False focus on numbers: Quantitative research can be limited in its pursuit of concrete, statistical relationships, which can lead to overlooking other important factors.
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May not provide a deep understanding of users’ experiences, emotions, or motivations: Quantitative research may not capture the complexity, diversity, or richness of the phenomena under study. It may oversimplify or ignore important aspects of the research question.
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Expensive and time-consuming: Quantitative research can be expensive and time-consuming, especially when a large sample size is required.
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Less detailed results: Results in quantitative research are based on numerical responses, which may be less detailed than qualitative research.
In summary, while quantitative research has several strengths, it also has some limitations that should be considered when deciding which type of research to use.
