In quantitative research, what does n refer to?

RESEARCH METHOD
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1) In quantitative research, what does n refer to?
As the name suggests, quantitative research simply aims at creating a quantity or a scale that can be used in the assessment of numerical data which can in turn, be manipulated statistically for better interpretation. In this kind of research, n is the number of individuals, entities or objects that are under research. In other terms, n is the sample size under the given research (Emmel, 2013). ‘n’ is of great importance in any piece of research because it gives or breathes life into the research. It makes the whole research process functional, since there can now be some statistical values to work with and help interpret the objectives of the research more elaborately. Through the various manipulations and interpretations of ‘n’ a lot can be learnt from the given dataset, which can even provide ideas for further research on the same.
2) Describe a scholarly approach that is not positivist
There are various approaches to research and even interpretations of phenomena under research or observation. They can be broadly categorized into the positivist and nonpositivist approaches. Nonpositivist approach essentially conceptualizes research as an element that is given by the view or analysis of an individual, based on his or her own school of thought or ideology. This is to mean that there is a general belief in the non-positivist approach that knowledge is a subset of personal experience rather than an element learnt from the outside world (Howell, 2013). There is this interpretation of reality or fact in research as a complex multilayered phenomenon, which would therefore need a multi-structured approach to dissect i...