In science, quantitative methods often measure qualitative research, such as analysis of observations, patterns and relationships. Measuring the frequency and relationships of qualitative events helps researches in their scientific investigation of theories and hypotheses. Measurements start with collecting data and using statistics to analyze the data. Quantitative methods use information dealing with numbers and measurements, through tables and graphs, to show the results of experiments and research.
Researchers develop a theory based on past research or ideas about possible outcomes for that research. The theory is a means of understanding the facts and how they relate to each other. Quantitative methods help researchers explain their theories and understand facts, ideas and hypotheses about research. New theories develop from each research undertaking as the scientist finds more quantitative data they would like to test. The next step after developing a theory is testing the theory in an experiment and developing a hypothesis regarding relationships between variables.
It is impossible to always predict the future, but a hypothesis is the scientific researcher's best prediction of what will happen with her research. Using hypothesis, the researcher tests his theories with quantitative and qualitative methods to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Testing various hypotheses help researchers come to conclusions about outcomes and can confirm their theories on relationships between events.
In order for a researcher to share his scientific findings in a publication, it is necessary to statistically analyze the quantitative and qualitative research. The researcher will explain his methods, theories and hypotheses as well as results of his experiment in a report. Using the results of the experiment, the researcher and other scientists make new theories and hypotheses for continuing the study of their subjects. Proving a hypothesis to be false is not a failure to scientific researchers; instead it means they have successfully taken one more hypothesis out of the equation as they search for the right answer to their research. Scientific researchers use quantitative methods and measurements to report their findings and adjust their theories for the next research project.