Types of data

• Qualitative data: Non-numerical data expressed in words.

  +)Rich in detail, high external validity.

  -)Difficult to analyse, hard to identify patterns and make comparisons.

  
  

  Quantitative data: Data expressed through numbers.

  +)Easier to anaylyse, create graphs, find averages.

  -)Expressed in less detail than qualitative data.
• Primary data: First-hand data collected personally by the researcher.

  
  

  +)Because the study created extracts only the data needed, information is directly relevant to research aims.

  
  

  -)Requires time and effort
• Secondary data: Secondary data collected by someone other than the research person.

  
  

  +)Inexpensive and easy to access because the information already exists.

  
  

  -)Quality may be poor because it could be outdated or incomplete.