Types of data

• What is QUALITATIVE data?


  non numerical data expressed in words.

  This could also be collected through semi-structured or unstructured interviews and open questions in a questionnaire. It allows researchers to gain a unique insight into the nature of human experiences, opinions and feelings.
• what is a strength of qualitative data?


  rich detail can be obtained. since participants develop their responses freely this provides the investigator with meaningful insights into the human condition.

  Because of this, the external validity of findings is enhanced as they are more likely to represent an accurate real-world view.
• what is a limitation of qualitative data?


  It can be subjective. Due to the rich and often lengthy detail of responses, interpretations of this type of data can often rely on the opinions and judgements of the researcher.

  This means that any preconceptions that the researcher holds may act to a bias happening.
• what is QUANTITATIVE data? 


  numerical data that can be statistically analysed and converted easily into a graphical format.

  Experiments, structured observations, correlations and closed questions from questionnaires all produce this data
• what is a strength of quantitative data?


  it is easier to analyse. it is easy to conduct descriptive statistics or inferential tests of significance which allow for comparisons and trends to be identified between groups.

  Since established mathematical procedures are in place with this type of analysis, it makes quantitative data more objective.
• what is a limitation of quantitative data?


  however, since it is obtained from closed questions, the responses are narrow in the explaining complex human behaviour. this means the findings can lack meaning and context- may not represent real life.
• what is primary data? 


  data that has been collected for a specific reason and reported by an original researcher. It is data that the participant reports directly to the researcher (e.g through an interview) or witnessed first hand (via an observation)
• what are strengths of primary data?


  • it is authentic. it is collected with the sole purpose of being specific to an investigation.
  • since the data collection is designed to suit the aims of the research it allows high level of control. This is an advantage because the data is more likely to fit the aims of the research, reducing time wasting for the researcher and ensuring that info prepared for the analysis is relevent.
• what are limitations of primary data?


  • Time-consuming
  • expensive
  • limited sample size
  • potential for bias
  • difficulty in collecting sensitive information.
• what is secondary data?

  information that was collected by other researchers for a purpose other than the investigation in which it is currently being used.
• what are strengths of secondary data? 


  • less time consuming since data already exists, meaning researchers can find info they desire with little effort making collection of data much easier.
• what is a limitation of secondary data? 


  • quality may be poor. the info may be incomplete or inaccurate which challenges validity .
  • the info was not gathered to meet the specific aim of the research, this means the data may be of little or no value to researchers.
• what is meta-analysis?

  refers to a type of secondary data that involves combining data from large numbers of studies which have investigated the same aims/ hypothesis.
• what is a strength of met-analysis data?


  since results combine many studies the conclusions will be based on a larger sample, providing greater confidence for generalisation. this increases validity for patterns and trends to be indentified.
• what is a limitation of meta-analysis data?


  • issues of bias. researchers may choose to omit certian findings from their investigation.