Descriptive Data Flashcards
What is quantitative data
Information in numerical form
What are the strengths of quantitative data
-allows for easy comparison between groups.
-often use objective measures which cannot be misinterpreted
Hat are the weaknesses of quantitative data
- methods of measurement may limit participants responses from being detailed, therefore making data less valid and less useful as we don’t know why
What is qualitative data
Information in non-numerical form
What is the strength of qualitative data
- better detailed responses as participants express themselves freely and you can understand why
What is weakness of qualitative data
-subjective measure
-harder to compare as each participant gives individual measures
What is primary data
The results are coming straight from the source
What is secondary data
They have not collected the results themselves
What is the strength of primary data
The researcher can ensure that data is collected properly and can have more faith in the validity
What is the weaknesses of primary data
You need to plan a suitable and ethical procedure which would take time
What is the strength of secondary data
The data already exists so it saves time and is quick and easy to access
What is the weakness in secondary data
The quality of the data is subject to any weaknesses present in the original design. Therefore the validity could be questionable.
What is nominal data
Simple data which has two or more categories that are the dv not the IV. Only total scores are given not individual participant scores.
What is ordinal data
You have the data for each individual hand these result can be placed in rank order. However scientific units aren’t given
What is interval data
Results are made up of numbers that come from a scientific scale. The numbers can also go into negatives. Example = temperature
What is ratio data
Results are made up of numbers that come from a scientific scale. Ratio data has an absolute zero so can’t go in to negatives. Example = time
What is a strength of nominal data
Easy to analyse
What is a weakness of nominal data
Doesn’t allow for comparison between individuals as there is no individual scores
What is the strength of ordinal data
Allows for some comparison and the data can be simplified into nominal data
What is the weakness of ordinal data
Doesn’t always allow you to see the difference between participants and there are no scientific units
What is the strength of interval and ratio data
Universally accepted units allows for detailed comparison between participants.
The data can be simplified into both ordinal and nominal data
What is the weakness of interval and ratio dat
No weakness
What are the steps to calculate the standard deviation and what is the equation
- Add up the NUMBER of scores give
- Calculate the mean
- Calculate the difference between the mean and each individual score
- Square the difference
- Find sum of squares
- Divide sum of squares by the number of score given =variance
- Square root the variance
What is the mean and what type of data is it suitable for
You add up all the score and divide by number of scores. Suitable for interval, ratio or ordinal
