Quantitative methods for researching domestic violence and abuse

Abstract

Quantitative methods are increasingly being used in domestic violence and abuse (DVA) settings to build evidence that can affect meaningful change. Ideally resulting in processes that are reproducible and results that can be comparable, quantitative methods are highly valued by many stakeholders, making them particularly useful to inform DVA practice, policy, and research. In essence, quantitative methods produce numerical estimates. When done well, these estimates provide insightful, precise, and valid scientific conclusions. This chapter provides an overview of common quantitative research approaches and methods, with salient examples interspersed throughout. The focus begins on important underlying principles, such as statistical significance, typologies of analysis, basic statistics, types of variables, association of variables, and levels of measurement. From there, the discussion proceeds to an overview of commonly used univariate and bivariate statistical methods. Next, more various advanced multivariable modelling methods such as regression analysis, multilevel regression analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modelling are covered. Finally, limitations of quantitative methods are reviewed to provide important context for those conducting and interpreting the results of such analyses. Overall, readers will find this chapter to be an easy-to-digest and non-technical reference. For those who are somewhat familiar with quantitative research, the chapter will serve as a useful refresher. Moreover, for those new to quantitative methods, this chapter will provide a starting point for further exploration. In all, the chapter expertly weaves together a multitude of useful content for many stakeholders, and will hopefully inform future DVA-focused work.