Quantitative research methods primarily focus on which of the following?

Quantitative research methods are designed to analyze numerical data and derive conclusions based on statistical analysis. This approach emphasizes the measurement of variables in a way that can be quantified and analyzed using statistical techniques. By focusing on data and numbers, quantitative methods allow researchers to examine patterns, test hypotheses, and establish relationships between variables in a systematic manner.

In criminal justice research, for instance, quantitative methods can help assess crime rates, evaluate the effectiveness of policies, or analyze demographic trends in offending. This type of research often involves surveys, experiments, or secondary data analysis, all of which generate quantifiable insights that can be generalized to larger populations.

The other options primarily lean towards qualitative research methods, which seek to explore deeper subjective interpretations and the meanings behind experiences or events. While valuable, these approaches differ in focus from the structured, numerical analysis characterizing quantitative research.