Types of Data

• What is qualitative data?

  Data expressed in words and non-numerical
• What is quantitative data?

  Data that can be counted, usually as numbers
• What is primary data?

  Information obtained first-hand by a researcher
• What is secondary data?

  Information collected by someone else previously
• What is meta-analysis?

  The process of combining findings from studies
• What are the strengths of qualitative data?

  • More detail than quantitative data
  • Higher external validity than quantitative data
  • Provides meaningful insight
• What are the limitations of qualitative data?

  • Difficult to analyze
  • Patterns and comparisons are hard to identify
  • Conclusions rely on subjective interpretation
  • May lead to bias
• What are the strengths of quantitative data?

  • Easy to Analyse
  • Comparisons can be Easily Drawn
  • Data is less Open to Bias
• What are the limitations of quantitative data?

  • Lack of Detail
  • May Fail to Represent Real Life
• What are the limitations of primary data?

  • Time-Consuming
  • Expensive
• What are the strengths of primary data?

  • Fits the Job
  • Can be Designed to Specifically Target the Information Required by the Researcher
• What are the strengths of secondary data?

  • Cost-Effective
  • Easily Accessible
  • The Desired Information may Already Exist
• What are the limitations of secondary data?

  • Variation in Quality and Accuracy
  • Information may be Incomplete or Out-Dated