Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to explain phenomena. It aims to establish objective and generalizable conclusions through statistical analysis and reducing problems to a limited set of variables. Some key advantages include producing reliable, objective results and allowing researchers to measure outcomes numerically. However, it also has disadvantages like ignoring context, requiring large sample sizes, and limiting detailed accounts of human perceptions. Quantitative research is important in fields like education, business, medicine and science for measuring and analyzing outcomes.