Types of data

• What are the types of data?

  Quantitative

  Qualitative

  Primary

  Secondary
• Define primary data

  Data collected "first hand" i.e collected directly from the source by the psychologist
• Define secondary data

  Data collected by other researchers and then used by a psychologist (like a meta-analysis)
• Define quantitative data

  Numerical information (numbers of hours exercising)
• Define qualitative data

  Subjective information (favourite colour)
• Give a strength and a limitation of quantitative data

  (+) Easy to analyse statistically. When large amounts of numerical data are generated, easier to conduct descriptive statistics/inferential tests of significance. This would allow for comparisons/trends to be discovered between groups.

  
  

  (-) Lacks representativeness. Since this type of data is often comes from closed questions = responses are narrow in explaining complex human behaviours. The numerical findings lack meaning = not true representation of real life = lacks validity
• Give a strength and a limitation of qualitative data

  (+) Rich detail. Ppts can develop their responses freely = provides meaningful insight into the human condition = enhanced external validity, more likely to represent an accurate real-world view.

  
  

  (-) Can be subjective. Due to the rich and lengthy detail of ppts responses, interpretations can often rely on opinions of the researcher = any preconceptions that the researcher holds might result in biases within the conclusions.
• Give a strength and a limitation of primary data

  (+) Authenticity. As the data is designed to suit the aim = researcher has high levels of control = greater probability that the data will actually fit aim = reducing wasted time and ensuring information is relevant.

  
  

  (-) Take a long period of time and effort. = expenses can rise due to time investments and equipment that might need to be bought.
• Give a strength and a limitation of secondary data

  (+) Since the information already exists = less time consuming and expensive to collect = researcher can find information with little effort = makes the collection and use of secondary data easy.

  
  

  (-) Concerns over accuracy. As the information was not gathered to meet the aim of the research, may be an issue with the quality of the data = some may be of little or no value to the researchers.
• Give a strength and a limitation of meta-analysis

  (+) Since results combined from many studies, conclusions will be based on a larger sample = provides greater confidence for generalisation = increasing validity of the patterns/trends identified.

  
  

  (-)Issues of bias. Since researcher selects data from research that has already happened, may leave out certain findings = findings may be biased, don't accurately represent all relevant data on the topic.
• Define meta-analysis

  Investigators combine findings from multiple studies on a specific phenomenon to make an overall analysis of trends/patterns arising across research)