Quantitatively

Quantitatively is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is measured or assessed using numerical data or quantities. It derives from the adjective quantitative, which characterizes data, analyses, or conclusions that are numerical rather than descriptive or interpretive.

In scientific and social science research, actions described as quantitative involve collecting numeric measurements, applying statistical methods, and reporting results in numerical terms. Quantitative results include counts, percentages, means, rates, coefficients, and p-values, and they support comparisons, trend analyses, and inferences about relationships or effects.

Quantitatively is often contrasted with qualitatively, where information is non-numeric and focuses on meaning, qualities, or categories. Mixed-methods studies may combine both approaches. The adverb can also describe the process of converting observations into numbers, such as measuring a variable quantitatively or assessing outcomes quantitatively to obtain objective, reproducible values.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin quantitas; English quantitative from Latin quantitative, with the adverb formed by adding -ly to the adjective. In usage, quantitatively is typically interchangeable with numerically, though it emphasizes the measurement and numerical characterization of quantity rather than descriptive content.