Statistical Data

• Which theory values statistical data?

  Positivist
• What are the theoretical advantages of statistical data?

  • Reliable
  • Objective
• What is the theoretical disadvantage of statistical data?

  • lacks validity
• What is a particle advantage of statistical data?

  • Can be collected on a macro scale --> making it representative and generalisable
  • Objectivity --> data is based on "social facts" and can not be misinterpreted making the researcher's conclusions value free
• What are the practical disadvantages of statistical data?

  • Researcher can not build rapport --> can't achieve verstehen
  • Dark figure --> people may give socially desirable answers making the data lack validity
  • If the statistical data is secondary data it may not be fit for purpose. As the stats may have been operationalised meaning they don't give all the necessary data
• What are the ethical advantages of statistical data?

  • The researcher does not have direct contact with participants so there is no psychological harm
• What is an ethical disadvantage of statistical data?

  • No debrief