research methods: primary & secondary data

Question 1

describe primary data

Answer 1

• gathered by researcher
• directly from ppts
• gives data unique to aim of research
• eg clinical interviews

Question 2

describe secondary data

Answer 2

• relies on evidence from other researchers
• eg assessing peer reviewed articles or public access statistics
• eg from hospital records

Question 3

what is a clinical example of primary / secondary data?

Answer 3

goldstein
- primary = interview using DSM III for sz, assessed severity of symptoms & daily functioning
- secondary = hospital records, detail history, number of hospitalisations

Question 4

what is the strength of using both primary & secondary data?

Answer 4

• high validity as rich & in depth
• increases validity as looking for consistency across methods/studies

Question 5

evaluate primary data for practicality

Answer 5

weaknesses
- expensive
- equipment required
- data gathered at time of study so specific to the time

strengths
- researchers follow study all the way through
- ensure sound methodology

Question 6

evaluate secondary data for practicality

Answer 6

strengths
- gathers suitable info quickly
- cheaper as data already exists

weaknesses
- data may be outdated = cohort effects

Question 7

evaluate primary data for validity

Answer 7

strengths
- researcher has control over methodology so data can be collected specifically for the aim
- considers whether findings are applicable to real life

Question 8

evaluate secondary data for validity

Answer 8

strengths
- old data can be used to look at change over time

weaknesses
- gathered for another purpose
- already analysed = subjective
- may be missing what researcher is interested in
- may not have valid methodology
- publication bias

Question 9

evaluate primary data for credibility

Answer 9

strengths
- more trustworthy
- data collected objectively
- controls in place

Question 10

evaluate secondary data for credibility

Answer 10

lacks

Question 11

evaluate primary data for reliability

Answer 11

strengths
- data collected in real time so events can be tracked easily & progress monitored closely

Question 12

evaluate secondary data for reliability

Answer 12

weaknesses
- may be less relevant for the aim
- flaws in standardised procedures

Question 13

evaluate primary data for ethics

Answer 13

researchers have control so can gain informed consent & ensure right to withdraw

Question 14

evaluate secondary data for ethics

Answer 14

previous data may not have ethical studies