Kinds of data

• What is qualitative data?


  Data that is expressed in words and is non-numerical (cannot be counted or quantified)
• What is quantitative data?


  Data that is expressed numerically
• What is primary data?


  Data that has been obtained first-hand by the researcher for the purpose of a research project /investigation
• What is secondary data?


  Data that has been obtained by someone other than the person who is conducting the research and for a purpose other than the current one (already existing research)
• What is a meta-analysis?


  A process of combining results from a number of studies on a particular topic to provide an overall view
• What is a strength of using qualitative data?


  High external validity - offers more richness of detail as gives a more meaningful insight into the participant's worldview
• What are two limitations of using qualitative data?


  1. Difficult to analyse as not easy to summaries statistically

  2. Risk of subjective interpretation and bias
• What are two strengths of using quantitative data?


  1. Simple to analyse and can make comparisons

  2. Objective and less open to bias
• What is a limitation of using quantitative data?


  Low external validity - much narrower in scope so less likely to represent real world
• What is a strength of primary data?


  Data is specific to research question
• What is a limitation of primary data?


  Time consuming and expensive to collect data - conducting experiment takes planning, preparation and resources
• What is a strength of secondary data?


  Easy and cheaper to access someone else' data
• What is a limitation of secondary data?


  Content of data might not match the researcher's needs or objectives
• What is a strength of using a meta-analysis?


  Increases validity of conclusions because they are based on a wider sample of participants
• What is a limitation of using a meta-analysis?


  Research designs in the different studies may vary and so studies may not be truly comparable - lead to possible invalid conclusions