Data types

Question 1

What’s quantitative data?

Answer 1

This is numerical data. Data which can represent frequencies of people who behaved a certain way or can be included in calculations to determine the average (E.G. the mean).
- Can be represented graphically.

Question 2

Advantages and disadvantages of quantitative data?

Answer 2

+ Can be analysed statistically- improves validity
+ Objective- numbers are difficult to interpret in different ways so improves the reliability
- Difficult to analyse personal thoughts and feelings using quantitative data alone
- Tends to describe rather than explain the causes so less detail= lower validity.

Question 3

What’s qualitative data?

Answer 3

This is non numerical data, often in the form of descriptions of behaviour/events. This type of data can be obtained using open questions on questionnaires or interviews,
Data can be used to offer explanations for reasons behind behaviour rather than to describe behaviour.

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of qualitative data?

Answer 4

+ Can gather data on thoughts and opinions more easily
+ In depth is gained which can explain the reasons for behaviour in more detail- so improves validity
- Subjective and can be difficult to analyse objectively. Each researcher can see different patterns in data, may lower external reliability.
- Internal reliability can be low as qualitative data can be interpreted in different ways by different researchers/participants having different experiences within the study.