How do I find a quantitative article?

You can find quantitative articles by searching in the Library databases using methodology terms as keywords. To find a quantitative study, possible keywords include the type of study, data analysis type, or terminology used to describe the results.

Example quantitative keywords

ANOVA Chi square Correlation Data	Distribution Experiment Pretest Posttest	Quantitative Reliability Statistical T-test	Time series Validity Variable Variance

 

The following search uses Thoreau, our multi-database search tool, to find examples of quantitative research studies. However, you can search in any article or dissertation database for quantitative studies.

1. On the Library homepage, type your general term in the main search box, and hit the search button: 
   
   quantitative
    
2. Sign in with your myWalden username and password when prompted.
3. Type more methodology terms in the first search box. Use as many alternative terms as are relevant to your search. Use the remaining search box(es) to narrow your search to a specific topic of interest.
4. Click the Search button.

Here is an example search set up:

First search box:

Quantitative OR Statistic* OR Correlation*

Second search box:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder OR PTSD

 

 

Database Search Tips

• Connecting the alternative terms with OR tells the database to search for any of these terms.

• Using the asterisk (*) truncates the search.  The database will search for the part of the word you typed before the asterisk, along with any possible endings of the word. Using statistic* tells the database to search for statistics, statistical, etc.

• Some methodologies are rarely used for certain research topics. You may need to broaden your search topic to find a study that uses your methodology.
• Many articles and dissertations will include methodology terms in the abstract or title. To make sure that you have an example of your methodology, be sure to look at the methodology section in the full text. This will provide detailed information about the methodology used.

 

To find more results or if you are searching for a very specific type of study design you can try a different search setup. 

1. Type your terms into the first search box. 
2. To the right of that, change the Select a Field (optional) drop-down menu to TX All Text.
3.  Type your other keyword term into the second search box

For example: 

First search box:

Pretest AND Posttest

Second search box: 

post-traumatic stress disorder OR ptsd

Search Tip: Connecting terms with AND tells the database to search for both of these words.

 

 

 

More Information:

• Does the Library have information about different quantitative research methods?

• How do I find an article that uses a specific methodology?

• How do I find a qualitative article?

• How do I find a mixed-method article?

• How do I find original research studies that include empirical data?

• Learn more about methodologies by searching encyclopedias and SAGE Research Methods Online. 
   

Do you have other methodology search questions?  Ask a Librarian!