The failure of probity test in quantitative data analysis

Abstract

Over the years social sciences have enjoyed the robustness of quantitative methods as veritable tools for data analysis. Empirical proofs based on statistical data analysis have been used to establish the authenticity of research findings. Fans of quantitative analysis have advocated the effectiveness of quantitative methods in research findings over qualitative methods. Today, scientists use quantitative methods of data analysis to arrive at empirical conclusions. As good as quantitative data analysis may be, it is obvious that it has limitations, although its proponents may not readily accept. Despite its robustness, quantitative method(s) cannot be a substitute for judgement, knowledge and wisdom, neither can qualitative data analysis. The integrity of quantitative analysis is entirely dependent on the integrity of the respondents in response to questionnaire. The study conducted on a population of over 450, had only 250 respondents. Among this figure, some respondents only completed the questionnaire for the sake of it. It was observed in our findings that respondents tend to just tick responses to questionnaires without considering the veracity of the response. This act resulted in false conclusions and destroyed the purpose of research. Quantitative methods (QM) have no facility to detect lies which can be eradicated through a qualitative study. This paper investigates instances where respondents respond to questionnaire without an in-depth knowledge on the truthfulness of the response thereby exposing the probable flaws in quantitative data analysis.