Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test

Which of the following methods is used to collect quantitative data?

1. Interviews

2. Focus groups

3. Surveys

4. Observations

The correct answer is: Surveys

Surveys are a widely recognized method for collecting quantitative data because they are designed to gather numerical information that can be statistically analyzed. Surveys often include structured questions with fixed response options, such as multiple-choice or rating scales, which facilitate the collection of consistent and quantifiable data from a larger sample. This allows researchers to identify trends, make comparisons, and derive conclusions based on numerical outcomes. In contrast, interviews and focus groups typically focus on qualitative data. Interviews lean towards in-depth discussions that provide insights and personal perspectives, while focus groups generate discussions among participants to explore attitudes and feelings, which are not easily quantifiable. Similarly, observations can also yield qualitative data, especially when the researcher is noting behaviors, interactions, and contexts, rather than counting measurable events or responses. Thus, the structured format of surveys distinctly sets them apart as the preferred method for collecting quantitative data.