Commonly asked questions in quantitative research – Group Differences

Generally speaking, there are four types of commonly asked questions in that lead to inferential analyses in quantitative research. Those questions analyze group differences, changes over time, variable relationships, and outcome predictions. Researchers compare questionnaire results to a national database. These could be any type of group. Some examples may include treatment and control groups, gender (men vs women), or age groups (generation X vs generation Y vs baby boomers). When analyzing group differences, you can include two or more groups, depending on sample size and validity.

What are the statistically significant differences in GPA by gender (men vs women)?

State the statistically significant differences in the time it takes to run a mile by group (treatment vs control).

What are the significant differences in MLQ subscale scores by age group (Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers)?

What are the significant GPA differences by gender (men vs. women) and age (Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers)?

To examine group differences, identify the independent variable, the dependent variable(s), and use this format:

What are the statistically significant differences in dependent variable(s) by independent grouping variable?