types of data

• qualitative data? 


  data thats expressed in words and non-numerical
• quantitative data? 


  data that can be counted usually as numbers
• primary data ? 


  information that has been obtained first hand by a researcher for the purposes of a research project
• secondary data? 


  information that has already been collected by someone else and so pre-dates the current research project
• meta analysis? 


  process of combining the findings from a number of studies on a particular topic. aim is to produce an overall statistical conclusion based on a range of studies
• strength and weakness of qualitative data?

  strength - more richness in detail, more broader in scope and gives participant opportunity to more fully report their opinions. greater external validity

  weakness - difficult to analyse, can't be summarised statistically so patterns and comparisons between data hard to identify. relies on researchers subjective interpretations
• strength and weakness of quantitative data?

  strength - simple to analyse so comparisons easily drawn. data is more objective and less open to bias

  weakness - narrower in meaning and detail so fails to represent real life.
• strength and weakness of primary data?

  strength - authentic data obtained from participants themselves

  weakness - requires time and effort. requires considerable planning, preparation and resources
• strength and weakness of secondary data?

  strength - inexpensive and easily accessed requiring minimal effort

  weakness - substantial variation in quality and accuracy of secondary data. content of data may not match researchers needs so challenges validity of any conclusions