1E - Organising and Interpreting Data Flashcards
Primary Data
Is information collected directly from the source by a researcher. It is still primary when the researcher summarizes the data in table and graphs.
Secondary Data
It is obtained second-hand through research conducted by another person. It is cost and time effective and can provide a baseline for current primary data collection to be compared with.
Quantitative Data
Involves measurable values that can be compared on a numerical scale. It can be collected through many types of investigations.
Qualitative Data
Describes characteristics and qualities. It can be collected in the form of words, photographs, videos, and audio. It can be collected in many types of investigations such as fieldwork, interviews, and observational methods.
Objective Data
Is information that is observable, measurable, verifiable, and free from the personal bias of the researcher. In science, this is the preferred type of data compared to subjective data.
Subjective Data
Is information based on personal opinion, interpretation, point of view, or judgment. It is often biased and can vary from person to person.
Measures of Central Tendency
A single numerical score used to describe a set of data.
- Mean = Average
- Median = The mid-point of a set of ranked scores
- Mode = Most common score
Variation
Indicates how widely scores are distributed around a central point.
Standard Deviation
It summarises how far scores within a set of scores spread from the mean. The higher the standard deviation score, the higher the variation of the scores.
Tables
Tables organize data into columns and rows. Each table in a report must be:
- Numbered consecutively (e.g., Table 1, Table 2).
- Given a title at the TOP explaining its content.
- Formatted with capitalized first letters in each header.
Graphs
Graphs visually represent data. In a report, each graph must be:
- Numbered consecutively (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2).
- Given a title explaining its content, placed BELOW the graph.
