RM: Stats Flashcards
What is meant by the term quantitative data (2)
Data that is expressed numerically (1)
This type of data can be gained from individual scores in experiments or from self reports methods and the use of closed questions(1)
What is meant by the term qualitative data (2)
Data expressed in words/descriptive data(1)
Written descriptions of thoughts feelings and opinions of ppts or answers from open questions in a questionnaire(1)
AO3 strengths of using quantitative data
Quantitative data is a more simple way to analyse which allows comparisons to be drawn between groups of data and patterns and trends to be established. This means that it may be easier to make conclusions about behaviour. Whereas qualitative data is wordy and more difficult to statistically summarise and therefore comparisons within data are hard to identify
AO3 weaknesses of using quantitative data
Quantitative data lacks depth and understanding and meaning to behaviour especially when it is complex as it as it prevents participants from being able to develop their thoughts, feelings and opinions on a given subject. Therefore quantitative data may lack vital detail which reduces the internal validity of the data. Whereas , qualitative data is rich in detail and which can provide a greater understanding of human behaviour
AO3 strengths of using qualitative data
Qualitative data provides rich detail and depth, which allows participant to develop their thoughts and feelings on a given subject. This provides a greater understanding of the behaviour being studied. Whereas, quantitative data lacks depth and meaning as the data is only numerical.
AO3 weaknesses for qualitative data
Qualitative data is harder to analyse as it is difficult to summarise statistically to establish patterns trends. This opens the data up to potential researcher bias as the analysis is based upon their own subjective interpretations of the data. Whereas quantitative data can be analysed statistically to provide patterns and trends which may make it easier to make objective conclusions about behaviour.
Level of measurement
Nominal - Categorical data
Ordinal - ordered/ranked highest to lowest
Interval - standardised/universal measurement. Objective measures. Numerical scales
What is meant by primary data (2)
primary data is gathered directly/first hand from the participants, and is specific to the aim of the
study.
Strengths and weakness of primary data
Strength: Primary data is collected first hand from the participant specifically for the aim of the research which allows researchers to specifically target the information that they require and organise and experiment in a way that suits them and their aim. This increases the over all internal validity of the data. Whereas secondary data might not meet the direct needs of the researcher suggesting it may be less useful
Weakness: primary data is conducted by the researcher them selves which involves time and effort to obtain the data as well as analyse the findings. Whereas secondary data is easily accessed and requires minimal effort to obtain reducing the time and cost taken to complete the research.
What is meant by secondary data(2)
Secondary data has previously been collected by a third party (another researcher or an official body), not specifically for the aim of the study, and then used by the researcher
Strengths and weaknesses for secondary data
Strength: secondary data is easily accessed and requires minimal effort to obtain. The researcher might find that information that he/she wants to collect already exists therefore is no need to collect primary data. Whereas primary data is conducted by the researcher them selves which requires effort and time to obtain the data as well as analyse the findings
Weakness: secondary data may be poor quality or have inaccuracies. It may appear to be valuable at first but could be out dated or incomplete and might not meet the direct needs of the researcher. Whereas primary data is collected first hand from participants and specifically for the aim of the research which increases the overall internal validity of the research.
What is meant by the term meta analysis (2)
A meta analysis is a form of research method that uses secondary data (1) as it gains data from a large number of studies, which have investigated the same research questions and methods of research. It then combines this information from all the studies to make conclusions about behaviour.(1)
Strengths and weaknesses of using meta analysis
Strength: meta analysis gather data from a number of studies which allow us to view data with much more confidence and increases the generalisability of the findings across much larger populations
Weakness: meta analysis may be prone to publication bias as the researcher may not select all relevant studies, choosing to leave out those studies with negative or non-significant results . Therefore the meta analysis will be biased because it only represents some of the relevant data and incorrect conclusions.
What are the two ways to analyse qualitative data
Content analysis: convert qualitative data into quantitative through coding
Thematic analysis: keep as qualitative
What is content analysis (2)
A method of analysis in qualitative data by changing large amounts of qualitative data into quantitative (1)
This is done by identifying meaningful codes that can be counted enabling us to present data in a graph(2)
Why is it appropriate to use content analysis (1)
The data being analysed is qualitative data
What is meant by coding (1)
Coding is the initial process of a content analysis where qualitative data is placed into meaningful categories.
How is a content analysis carried out/ explain how you would analyse qualitative data (4)
- Read. View video or transcript
- Identify/create coding categories (example)
- Re-read the diaries/questionnaire or repeatedly listen to recording and tally every time each code appears
- Present quantitative data in a graph/table
What is thematic analysis (2)
Method of analysing qualitative data by identifying clear themes(1) enabling us to present the data in a qualitative format(1) e.g.interview,diaries, conversation
How is thematic analysis carried out (2-4)
- Watch video or listen to recordings to creat a transcript
- Read and re read transcript
- Identify coding themes - looking for words that keep being repeated
- Combine these codes to reduce the number of codes into 3 or 4 themes that are linked
- Present the data in qualitative format not quantitative
Ways to asses reliability for content analysis
Test re test - repeat content analysis tallying every time coding category occurs. Correlate the results
Inter rater reliability- two raters would read through the qualitative data separately and create coding categories together. Two raters read exactly the same content but record the occupancies separately. Then compare and correlate using stats test. Strong positive shows high reliability.
Operationalise the coding categories
What is meant by central tendency (2)
The general term for any measure of the average value in a set of data.(1) For example, the mean (1)
How can we evaluate the measures of central tendency
If its easy to calculate
Takes in to account all the data (less accurate if anomalies/extreme values)
What is meant by measures of dispersion (2)
This is based on the spread of scores: how far score vary from the mean or range. For example, the range or standard deviation.