Quantitative research methodology

(Case studies)
Introduction
Quantitative research method is the process of collecting numerical datas and analyzing
datas using quantitative methods. The aim is to understand the methodology followed in this
method through case study.

Case study
Topic: A STUDY ON INFLUENCES OF LIGHTING ON RESOURCE
USAGE IN AN INSTITUTION LIBRARY
The research was done by G.THANGARAJ, S.SURESH BALAJI using quantitative research
method. The research started in the year 2014.
Purpose of research: To prove quantitatively that The purpose of this research is to
investigate the lighting in a library and to determine that how the lighting in library
influences the resource usage and to know how lighting affects the user from using the library
resources effectively The main hypotheses are:
1) The lighting provided in library is quantitative and qualitatively sufficient for using library
resources
2) The lighting affects the resource usage in the library
Strategy

Fig: 1.Shows the methodolgy used by the researcher

The study started with literature review of many journals, books, articles related to lighting in
a library. This study helps him to found out the gap in the literature study. The gap which he
found out is that the quantitative analysis of lighting in a library has not yet done in field. The
literature study is the base for every step in his research.

Fig: 3.Shows references used for literature review

Tactics
Various methods used for collecting datas are literature study, questionnaire survey and using
architectural evaluation system. Research method of the study is of both quantitative and
qualitative. An institution library from south India is chosen as a case study. The data analysis
is performed by providing questionnaires to library users and using their replies for
quantitative analysis. As a qualitative measure the light intensity reading is taken at various
reading zones of library, and also daylight about a meter outside the doors and windows is
noted for analysis
System of enquiry
The researcher uses sensors to measure the lighting in decibels. Thus the research is based on
mathematical calculations .In national and international levels people have done qualitative
research related to a study on influences of lighting on resource usage in an institution library
to provide a and comfortable indoor environment. Thus the research converges to results
which already proved through qualitative analysis. The research is based on behavior of day
light.
Assumptions

Ontology: Philosophy of the research based on the lighting level which exist in
library (reality). The result of research is evaluated numerically and hence the
research is objective.
Epistemological: It is independent of the researcher and one should get similar
results no matter who carries out the research.

Research type
This research analyze the facts and information using instrument set up and the results which
obtained from the research can be applied in lighting of a library.
Research identifies with.
Postivism

The research have external validity:

The data is generalizable to a larger
population
This
research
is
reliable:
Instrument(luxmeter) is stable in any
situation.

Naturalistic

The research is credible: researcher

check the data with interviews.
The research is transferable:
The artificial light can be used in any
context

Data Collection
Primary data: through questionnaire survey, lux meter
Secondary data: Books, Journals ,Electronic resources
Questionnaire survey

Questionnaires are provided to the library users and asked to evaluate the question on
the scale provided. In the mean time the duration of effective resource usage is noted.
The data is collected in the morning, afternoon and evening of a sunny day. Subjects
selected for survey included occupants in library are monitored three different times
in a day.

LIGHTING FACTORS AND COMFORTNESS

Structure of library seating and source of lighting

W=window, D=door, C=counter, DLS=diffused light source,

AL=artificial lighting, IC = in charge cabin
Analysis
The researcher analysed the results from instrument using graphs and tables .

analysis is done using quantitative method

and it is done in three different time.

Represented in graphs

Fig: 4. Graph, Lighting Affects Amount of Time Spent in Library

Literature review

Literature study concentrated on daylighting, case studies

Synthesize informations based on the topic of study.

Identify gap in the literature- reading environment can be easily affected by environmental
factors such as light, noise and how it influences readers in using resources is studied.

Researchers main source of information is Internet. This saves researchers precious

time and money.

Ethical Considerations in Research

The researcher reports the full research in website research gate honestly. The
researcher honors the requests and restrictions of the research site. Anybody if want to
refer his work they have to inform the researcher through mail.

Respect the rights of the participants.(didnt disclose personal details)

No Plagarism research is accepted and published.His research was published and

accepted in 2014.

Sampling

selected library from south India

selected library users as respondents for three different times

10.00 am to 11.00 pm (47 respondents)

12.30 pm to 1.30 pm (62 Respondents)

3.00 pm to 4.00 pm (57 respondents)

Analysis
The analysis of this research done using quantitative method. The lighting are calculated
using lux meters in library and it was compared in the research. It was analyzed in three
different time.

Preparation of data analysis

According to the research, researcher edited the datas from literature study. After taking
measurements from library he codified the datas using graphs and tables. This helps him to
easily represent his findings. Even comparison table made by researcher for feedback which
he got from people in library of South India . The whole report is divided into chapters based
on his findings in different morning, afternoon and evening of a sunny day he used.
Report writing
The report starts with an abstract of the project which give an idea about the research within
minutes. The researcher divided the research into 4 chapters .The report starts with an
introduction chapter and end with a conclusion chapter. Each chapter have an introduction
and a summary. The introduction chapter is divided into 1.1 to 1.7 sub headings .Likewise
each chapter is divided into sub headings. In chapter 1 he mentioned about aim, objective ,
methodology and scope of his research. The second chapter includes review of relevant
literature. It includes studies in national and international levels. His study on the lighting in
the library is summarized in the next chapter. In rest chapter he mentioned how he selected
the samples and how he have done quantitative analysis. In the next chapter he explains how
he set up the instrument and how he collected the datas. The next two chapters deals with
results in different timing and the very next chapters talks about the comparison with lighting
of a library in South India. This followed by analysis and conclusion chapters. The researcher
maintained a continuity in his report and this will help the reader to understand his research
more clearly.