Types of data

• Define 'quantitative data'

  Data that can be counted usually given as numbers
• Evaluate 'quantitative data'

  Strengths: easy to analyse and compare, less bias & more objective

  Weaknesses: less representative and detailed & lacks external validity
• Define 'qualitative data'

  Data that can be expressed in words
• Evaluate 'qualitative data'

  Strengths: detailed, meaningful insight & external validity

  Weaknesses: biased, difficult to analyse & less objective
• Define 'primary data'

  Information that has been obtained first hand by a researcher for the purposes of a research project
• Evaluate 'primary data'

  Strengths: fits the job, authentic & specific

  Weaknesses: time consuming, requires planning & effort
• Define 'secondary data'

  Information that has already been collected by someone else
• Evaluate 'secondary data'

  Strengths: cost effective & easy to access

  Weaknesses: substantial variation in quality, can be outdated & incomplete
• Define 'meta analysis'

  The process of combining the findings from a number of studies on a particular topic to produce an overall statistical conclusion
• Evaluate 'meta analysis'

  Strengths: generalisable & high validity

  Weaknesses: biased