Which analysis technique is most commonly associated with quantitative research?

Statistical analysis is the technique most commonly associated with quantitative research due to its focus on quantifying data and drawing conclusions based on numerical results. Quantitative research aims to identify patterns, test theories, and make predictions through measurable variables. Statistical analysis provides the necessary tools and methods to summarize this data, evaluate relationships between variables, and validate hypotheses through tests that determine statistical significance.

In contrast, thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and content analysis are primarily qualitative techniques. Thematic analysis identifies patterns within qualitative data, narrative analysis emphasizes the stories and personal accounts from participants, and content analysis involves quantifying specific content elements in text or media. While these methods can complement quantitative approaches by providing context and deeper understanding, they do not utilize the numerical frameworks and inferential techniques that define statistical analysis and its role in quantitative research.