1.9 Research Methods - Types Of Questions And Types Of Data

Question 1

Open Question

Answer 1

People can describe what they think and feel in their own words on a topic e.g. a ‘’what’s your opinion on…’’ Question

Question 2

Closed Question

Answer 2

Questions that gather numerical quantitative data. Answers are fixed such as rating on a scale or ticking yes or no

Question 3

Qualitative Data

Answer 3

Data displaying thoughts and feelings via verbal or physical communication

Question 4

Strengths of Qualitative Data

Answer 4

• Rich in-depth information

- Allows for elaboration on answers

Question 5

Limitations of Qualitative Data

Answer 5

• Harder to analyse

- Difficult to replicate and check for reliability

Question 6

Quantitative Data

Answer 6

Numerical data such as scores from yes/no questions, these can be put into graphs and statistically analysed

Question 7

Strengths of Quantitative Data

Answer 7

• Easy to analyse and compare for conclusions

- Easily replicated

Question 8

Limitations of Quantitative Data

Answer 8

• Forced into one specific answer, thus lacks flexibility

- Restricted response so lack of detail and elaboration

Question 9

Primary Data

Answer 9

Data gathered directly from the source

Question 10

Strengths of Primary Data

Answer 10

• Fit for purpose
• Collected by the researcher in the way they want
• EVs are controlled, increases the validity

Question 11

Limitations of Primary Data

Answer 11

• Time consuming

- Have to design study first before they collect data

Question 12

Secondary Data

Answer 12

Data gathered via anyone who isn’t the person conducting the research

Question 13

Strengths of Secondary Data

Answer 13

• Quick to gather compared to primary
• Already exists
• Cheaper

Question 14

Limitations of Secondary Data

Answer 14

• Reliability can be questioned
• Uncertainty on whether the EVs have been controlled so lowered validity
• May be outdated

Question 15

Meta-Analysis

Answer 15

Combining results from a number of studies on a topic to provide an overall view. Uses Secondary data

Question 16

Strengths of Meta-Analysis

Answer 16

• Tends to be more reliable as many results included

- More likely to be trusted as it eliminates one off findings

Question 17

Limitations of Meta-Analysis

Answer 17

• Effects of publication bias, possibly ignored results that do not fit the hypotheses
• Conclusion drawn may be in correct or invalid