Quantitative psychology relates to the application of educational theories, researching and analyzing learning behaviors and outcomes using various statistical models and psychometric tools to test educational practices. One of the most cited practices of this field is in standardized testing, where various quantitative techniques are employed to gauge scholarship levels, compute minimal proficiency benchmarks, and provide equitable testing across diverse strata. Institutions are able to map the achievement versus expectation scenarios using test score analytics and improve the curriculum along with resource allocation.  

Apart from this, another major practice is psychometrics, measuring psychological features and attributes such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality. Psychometric tools, techniques and processes enable researchers and educators to estimate test reliability and estimate validity to make sure the scores actually reflect the phenomenon being claimed. Test score interpretation, framework and analysis along with learning programs diagnostics use psychometric techniques in institutional design.

Quantitative psychology offers advantages; it creates objectivity, comparability and opportunities for identifying trends across groups of people. This type of evidence has the potential to be incredibly useful for decision makers is use to create policies or amend instructional strategies. At the same time, there are some drawbacks to consider. Quantitative research has the potential to oversimplify learning, reducing learning down to numbers; we can trace any number that relate to the student, still ignoring the social and cultural factors that created their learning experience. For example, two students can obtain the same score on a test but have entirely different learning experiences, dependent upon associated motivation, educational environment, or support systems.

While quantitative psychology can create tools to accurately assess educational outcomes, it is not enough on its own. It can be useful to think of quantitative psychology to help create a more comprehensive understanding of learning when it is combined with qualitative methods, which can add richness related to the lived experiences of students, combined with the precision of numbers.

References:

OECD. (2019). PISA 2018 results (Volume I): What students know and can do. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/5f07c754-en

Messick, S. (1995). Validity of psychological assessment: Validation of inferences from persons’ responses and performances as scientific inquiry into score meaning. American Psychologist, 50(9), 741–749. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.50.9.741