Nursing Resources: Qualitative vs Quantitative. Quantitative research, also called empirical research, refers to any research based on something that can be accurately and precisely measured.
Noun. 1. index-a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number. margin of error, margin of safety, safety margin-the margin required in order to insure safety; in engineering the margin of safety is the strength of the material minus the anticipated stress.
The body mass index (BMI) or Quetelet index is a value derived from the mass and height of an individual. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is universally expressed in units of kg/m 2, resulting from mass in kilograms and height in metres.