types of data

• Qualitative data:

  Outline:

  qualitative data It is data that is mainly descriptive. It is mainly diaries etc. There can be yes or no answers but they do not provide rich detail.

  Strengths:

  Has detail. Provides abroad scope. Allows to fully report thoughts and feelings. Has high external validity.

  Weaknesses:

  Difficult to analyse. Patterns are hard to identify and cannot be summarised. Can rely on subjective interpretations, such as subject and researcher bias.
• Quantitative data:

  Outline:

  quantitative data It is mainly numerical data. It can be measured.  Yes and no answers can be used to do this.

  Strengths:

  Can be analysed easily. Comparisons can be drawn. Less open to bias and is objective.

  Weaknesses:

  Narrow and less meaningful, meaning that it struggles with real world application.
• Primary data:

  Outline:

  primary data It is collected first hand by the researcher. It is original data. It is collected for a specific purpose. 

  Strengths:

  Targets the information required.

  Weaknesses:

  Time consuming.
• Secondary data:

  Outline:

  secondary data It is data that already exists, and is collected by someone other than the researcher. 

  Strengths:

  Inexpensive and minimal effort needed. 

  Weaknesses:

  Substantial difference in  the quality and variation. Can be outdated, and incomplete, damaging the validity.