What does the term "quantitative" refer to in business analysis?

The term "quantitative" in business analysis primarily refers to measuring quantity. This approach focuses on data that can be quantified, meaning it can be expressed in numerical terms. Quantitative analysis involves collecting numerical data and applying statistical methods to analyze this data, allowing analysts to identify trends, make forecasts, and validate business hypotheses based on measurable metrics.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of analysis. Measuring quality often involves qualitative analysis, which focuses on understanding the characteristics, attributes, and perceptions surrounding a subject rather than quantifying it. Measuring behavior typically pertains to observational methods or qualitative insights rather than numerical figures. Meanwhile, measuring significance often involves inferential statistics, assessing the importance of hypothesized relationships within the data rather than quantifying those relationships in a straightforward numerical sense. Thus, the essence of "quantitative" is solely tied to the measurement of quantity.