Research Methods- Types Of Data Flashcards

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1
Q

What is research data categorised as ?

A

Quantitative or qualitative

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2
Q

Quantitative data:

A

Data in the form of numbers (quantity).

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3
Q

What collects quantitative data?

Examples

A

The recording of variables collects quantitative data.

Examples include reaction times using a stopwatch, a rating of emotion out of seven using a Likert scale, or a tally of the number of times someone performs an operationalised behavioural category in an observation.

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4
Q

Descriptive statistics

A

Descriptive statistics (averages and ranges) summarise quantitative data, and these descriptive statistics are then displayed on tables and graphs.

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5
Q

Qualitative data:

A

Data in the form of words; these words are descriptions of behaviour, thoughts and feelings.

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6
Q

Content analysis

A

converts large amounts of qualitative data into quantitative data. To turn observations and interviews into quantitative data behavioural categories can be created and then tallied.

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7
Q

Methodological triangulation

A

Involved us young more than one method to study a phenomenon

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8
Q

Example of Methodological triangulation

A

Studies can collect a combination of both quantitative and qualitative techniques in research. If both methods agree, this increases credibility (Methodological triangulation)

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9
Q

Quantitative data
Advantages

A

Objectively measured, reducing the likelihood of bias. This increases scientific credibility.

• Descriptive statistics allows quantitative data to be summarised and then displayed on graphs, charts and tables

• Quantitative data tends to be more reliable. Because of the limited number of responses, there is a higher chance of getting the same findings if the study is repeated.

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10
Q

Quantitative data
Disadvantages

A

X The limited number of qualitative research responses results in data lacking depth and detail. Also, qualitative data collection can only focus on individual behaviours and what can be mathematically measured.

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11
Q

Qualitative data
Advantages

A

seen as rich in detail; this is because qualitative researchers often collect more information, and the use of open-ended questions means participants are not limited in the responses they can give, meaning qualitative data has higher validity.

(e.g. participants can give the answer they want, not limited to yes/no or out of 7)

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12
Q

Qualitative data
Disadvantages

A

X Qualitative data gathered by the researcher can be open to
interpretation and potentially biased.

X Due to the extensive range of data collected, it can be challenging to summarise.

X As the questions that produce
qualitative data are open-ended, this tends to be more variable, reducing the reliability of qualitative research.

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13
Q

Primary data:

A

The researcher is responsible for generating the data, also known as
“first hand” or “original” data.

Primary data is created to answer the research question.

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14
Q

Common ways to collect primary data are :

A

the researcher conducting:
experiments
observations
interviews
questionnaires
and case studies.

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15
Q

Secondary data:

A

Also known as “second-hand” data, this is when researchers use information previously collected by a third party, such as another researcher or organisation. This Secondary data was initially collected for a reason other than to answer the current research question.

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16
Q

Examples of secondary data are

A

government or business statistics and records or previously published studies.

17
Q

Primary data
Advantages

A

Increased validity as the data is collected to answer the research question directly. The experiment or observation is designed to test the intended variable directly.

Increased validity as the researcher can control the data collection process carefully.

18
Q

Primary data
Disadvantages

A

X Collecting original data from
participants is both time-consuming for the researcher and potentially expensive.

Costs include paying participants for their time and other researchers for their work. Setting up an experiment also includes paying for materials.

19
Q

Secondary data
Advantages

A

Secondary data already exists and is often already analysed; this can dramatically reduce both the time needed to conduct research and the costs involved in conducting a study involving participants.

20
Q

Secondary data
Disadvantages

A

X Decreased validity as the data is not collected to answer the research question directly. The data may not be appropriate to answer the researcher’s research question.

X Decreased validity as the researcher had no role in the data collection process, so cannot ensure that the data was collected free from bias or is the result of variables.

21
Q

Meta-analysis:

A

A process that collects and combines the results of a range of previously published studies asking similar research questions. The data collected is compared and reviewed together, and part of this review can include statistically combining all the data to produce an overall effect size and conclusion.

22
Q

Meta- analysis
Advanatges

A

+ The large sample size of meta-analysis produces results that are more statistically powerful than studies with a small number of participants.

+ As meta-analysis looks at the overall pattern of results across many studies, a small number of individual studies that are affected by bias or a lack of control will not change the overall pattern of results, making meta-analysis more trustworthy than any individual study.

+ Studies testing the same variable in various contexts (such as across cultures) be compared, revealing unexpected relationships.

23
Q

Meta-analysis
Disadvanatges

A

X A meta-analysis has all the weaknesses of secondary data; the researcher has no control over the quality of the data collected. Also, included studies are conducted to answer particular research questions, so may not be comparable.

X Studies that show a statistically significant result are more likely to be published (so included in a meta-analysis), while non-significant results are unlikely to be submitted for publication (the file draw problem)

X The choice of which studies to include/exclude could be biased.