Understanding Quantitative Interviews: Definition and Purpose
Definition of Quantitative Interviews: Quantitative interviews refer to a research method that utilizes structured questioning techniques to collect numerical data from participants. In quantitative interviews, researchers ask standardized questions with predetermined response options. The aim is to measure specific variables, attitudes, opinions, or behaviors within a given population.
Purpose of Quantitative Interviews:
The purpose is to efficiently collect large amounts of data, making it easier to compare results across different groups and draw generalizable conclusions. Unlike qualitative interviews which emphasize subjective understanding and in-depth exploration, quantitative interviews focus on gathering data that can be quantified and analyzed statistically.
Structure and Format:
- Quantitative interviews are sometimes referred to as survey interviews because they resemble survey-style question-and-answer formats.
- They might also be called standardized interviews, where the same questions are asked of every participant in the same way.
- In quantitative interviews, an interview schedule is used to guide the researcher. This schedule contains a rigid list of questions and answer options that will be read to respondents, aiming to minimize interviewer effect.
- Quantitative interviews usually contain closed-ended questions delivered in the same format and same order to every respondent.
Assessment in Quantitative Interviews:
Organizations hiring for analytical roles seek candidates with logical reasoning processes, exceptional computational skills, and strong statistical abilities. Interviewers assess these skills through computations, logic problems, and brain teasers. The initial interview largely assesses analytical skills, while subsequent interviews may focus on in-depth quantitative concepts related to the industry and broader personality characteristics.
Tools for Quantitative Interviews:
The most common tools for online assessments are Pymetrics, a platform that gamifies calculations and logical reasoning, and Hirevue, a video question bank of behavioral, mathematical, and industry-specific questions. Through AI, a firm can evaluate the speed and accuracy of your analytical skills and your knowledge of the field before considering your resume.
Benefits and Drawbacks:
- Quantitative interviews offer several benefits, such as higher response rates compared to mailed questionnaires. Respondents generally find it easier to interact with a person than to refuse a piece of paper.
- They can also help reduce respondent confusion.
- However, they have drawbacks, including potential interviewer effect, and they tend to be more time consuming and expensive than mailing questionnaires.
Data Analysis:
Analysis of quantitative interview data usually involves coding response options numerically and entering these responses into a data analysis program. Statistical techniques are then used to identify patterns across responses. In some cases, quantitatively coding open-ended interview questions may work inductively.
Common Examples and Types of Questions in Quantitative Interviews
Common Types of Questions in Quantitative Interviews
Quantitative interviews may encompass a variety of questions, which can be categorized as follows:
- Industry-specific questions: Examples include, “How might you forecast future prices using a Monte Carlo simulation technique?” and “In what ways might fiscal policy influence economic growth?”
- Mathematical computation questions: These include inquiries such as, “What is the sum of the numbers from 1 to 100?” or “If a train conductor issues 27 tickets in 30 minutes, how many tickets can they issue in eight hours?”
- Logic problems: These questions might involve scenarios like, “If I roll two dice, what is the probability that I will get a two on the second roll?”
- Brain teasers: Examples are, “Why are manhole covers round?” or “How many tennis balls fit in an airplane?”
Assessment Tools and Formats
In quantitative interviews, interviewers assess logical reasoning, computational skills, and statistical abilities. Common tools for online assessments include:
- Pymetrics: A platform that gamifies calculations and logical reasoning.
- Hirevue: This features a video question bank of behavioral, mathematical, and industry-specific questions.
For in-person quant interviews, candidates may be provided with a pencil and paper or markers for a whiteboard. Conversely, virtual interviews often utilize shared virtual whiteboards or Google Docs. The interviewer will either allow time for candidates to work through a problem first or ask them to explain their rationale as they solve the problem.
Interview Structure
Quantitative interviews are sometimes referred to as survey interviews due to their resemblance to survey-style question-and-answer formats. The difference lies in the fact that in standardized interviews, questions and answer options are read to respondents instead of allowing them to complete a survey independently. Generally, these questions tend to be closed-ended.
An interview schedule is employed to guide the researcher in posing questions and options. This schedule is usually more rigid than an interview guide and aims to present every question-and-answer option uniformly to all respondents, minimizing potential interviewer effects.
Furthermore, quantitative interviewers prioritize gathering data from a large and representative sample. This can be labor-intensive, and while telephone interviews were once common, the rise of mobile phones has raised concerns over the representativeness of traditional landline interviews. Research indicates that phone interview respondents exhibited less cooperation and engagement compared to face-to-face respondents.
Overall, quantitative interviews help evaluate a candidate’s analytical abilities and quantitative reasoning skills through various types of questions and structured formats.
Differentiating Quantitative and Qualitative Interviews: Key Insights
Key Insights into Quantitative and Qualitative Interviews
The main difference between quantitative and qualitative research is the type of data they collect and analyze.
- Quantitative Data:
- Quantitative data is information about quantities, thus involving numbers.
- Quantitative research collects numerical data and analyzes it using statistical methods.
- The aim is to produce objective, empirical data that can be measured and expressed numerically.
- Data collection methods include surveys, experiments, and controlled observations.
- Quantitative methods allow for systematic measurement of variables and testing of hypotheses.
- Goals include testing causal relationships, making predictions, and generalizing results to wider populations.
- Qualitative Data:
- Qualitative data is descriptive and pertains to phenomena that can be observed but not measured, such as language.
- Qualitative research gathers non-numerical data (words, images, sounds) to explore subjective experiences and attitudes.
- The goal is to understand the quality and texture of people’s experiences and the implications for their lives.
- Data collection methods include diary accounts, in-depth interviews, documents, focus groups, case studies, and ethnography.
- Qualitative methods involve exploring concepts and experiences in greater detail.
- Examples of qualitative data include interview transcripts, observations, and visual data.
Differences Between the Two Approaches
- Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, whereas qualitative research deals with words and meanings.
- Quantitative research is expressed in numbers and graphs, while qualitative research focuses on exploring and understanding complex phenomena through non-numerical data.
- In quantitative interviews, the focus is on obtaining information quickly. In contrast, qualitative interviews recognize the need to build a relationship and invest time, leading to deeper insights.
- In qualitative interviews, the interviewee is seen as the expert, fostering a two-way interaction and allowing for spontaneity.
- Trust and rapport are crucial in qualitative interviews, often necessitating multiple sessions to understand the subjective meanings being shared.
Choosing Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
A rule of thumb for deciding which type of data to use is as follows:
- Use quantitative research if you want to confirm or test a theory or hypothesis.
- Use qualitative research if your goal is to understand concepts, thoughts, or experiences.
Challenges in Data Analysis
Qualitative data is generally more difficult to analyze than quantitative data. It consists of text, images, or videos rather than numbers.
Common approaches to analyzing qualitative data include qualitative content analysis, thematic analysis, and discourse analysis.
