Intro to Psych: Data Types

Question 1

Objective Quantitative Data

Answer 1

= numerical data eg. HR, EEG, GSR, behaviour counts, IQ test, raw data/%/mean

• directly observed & verified
• eliminates personal factors
• no bias … accurate & precise results

Question 2

Subjective Quantitative Data

Answer 2

= numerical data based on participants’ self-reports eg. rating scales, self-reports, questionnaires, surveys, personality tests, closed-answer questions

• often not possible to verify
• biased

Question 3

Qualitative

Answer 3

= non-numerical data (always subjective) eg. open-ended questions, interviews, surveys, focus groups, descriptions, words, pictures of study
- participant/researcher bias

Question 4

Qualitative: Content Analysis

Answer 4

• recognise common themes in qualitative data
• record frequency of responses in particular themes
• provide key examples