Quantitative Methods and Experimental Research
Herman Tang · 2020
This chapter reviews various quantitative and experimental research methods. The first section presents the basic principles and approaches of statistical analysis, such as descriptive analysis, inferential analysis, and hypothesis testing. The second section discusses different quantitative methods in engineering studies, including modeling, optimization, and computer simulation. The third section provides an overview on the conventional comparative studies, particularly true experimental designs and their characteristics in different research domains. The fourth section introduces factorial design of experiment (DOE) on its concept, requirements, designs, advantages, and result analysis. All the reviews and discussions of the methods are accompanied with relevant research examples.