Interpreting Data

• What is data interpretation?

  Using diff. analytical methods to review data + arrive at a conclusion.
• PROs of quantitative data

  • Easy to quantify
  • Easy to replicate - reliable
  • Easy to compare diffs. between 2/more things
  • Express relationships statistically (no need to understand the meaning behind smth)
  • Identify and track patterns + trends
• CONs of quantitative data

  • Not valid - don't explore issues in depth
  • Lack meanings that people attach to things
• Quantitative is interpreted - .

  Numerically
• PROs of qualitative data

  • Depth/detail of qualitative data means it's more likely to be valid
  • Sociologists can decipher the meanings ppl attach to diff. situations
• CONs of qualitative data

  • Irreproducible ➡️ low reliability
  • Qualitative data = lots of info but much of it is irrelevant
  • Hard to compare
• Qualitative data has to be - to group data into identifiable themes. It can also be interpreted via - which has been utilised by many N-Marxists to analyse behaviour of WC youths.

  'coded' - semiotics