Which phrase would likely be found in a report of a quantitative study?

In a report of a quantitative study, the phrase "A convenience sample was chosen" accurately reflects a key aspect of quantitative research methodology. Quantitative studies often involve the collection of numerical data and statistical analysis, and the sampling method is a critical component that informs the validity and reliability of the findings.

Using a convenience sample indicates that the researchers selected participants based on their availability or accessibility rather than random selection, which is commonly employed in quantitative research to generalize findings to a larger population. This phrase helps communicate the research design and sampling strategy, which are essential for understanding the study's structure and potential limitations.

The other phrases indicated are more characteristic of qualitative research. "The phenomenon studied was..." and "Researchers sought to explore the meaning of the hospital experience..." suggest a focus on subjective experiences and interpretations, which are the hallmarks of qualitative methodologies. In quantitative research, the emphasis is placed on measuring and analyzing data rather than exploring meanings. Lastly, "Data were analyzed and interpreted" could apply in both contexts but lacks the specificity and methodological clarity that the mention of convenience sampling provides in a quantitative study.