Types of data

Question 1

What is Qualitative data?

Answer 1

• Qualitative data is non-numerical data, such as text, video, photographs or audio recordings.
• Collected using diary accounts or in-depth interviews. - Analysed using grounded theory or thematic analysis.

Question 2

What is Quantitative data?

Answer 2

• Quantitative data is info about quantities and numbers.
• Collected in experiments
• Analysed using measures of central tendency, stats tests etc.

Question 3

Adv of Qualitative data

Answer 3

• In-depth insights into the research topic
• Looks at the cause of the research topic, as well as how often it appears.
• Allows for contradictions in the data, which reflects real life.

Question 4

Disadv of Qualitative data

Answer 4

• Very costly and time-consuming

- Subjective and based on researcher’s opinion, meaning that it lacks validity/reliability

Question 5

Adv of Quantitative data

Answer 5

• Easy to analyse and understand
• Objective way of analysing data
• Easy to collect and not very time-consuming, can be done with large samples

Question 6

Disadv of Quantitative data

Answer 6

• Does not explain why the behaviour occurs, just measures when it occurs.
• Large samples are needed for more accurate analysis, but can give rise to invalid samples - e.g., social desirability or demand characteristics may be present.

Question 7

What is Primary Data?

Answer 7

• Data gathered by the researcher themselves to investigate their research question.
• Comes from experiments/observations etc.

Question 8

What is Secondary Data?

Answer 8

• Data from other sources other than the researcher that is relevant to the research question.
• E.g., Gov. reports, internet, research reports etc.

Question 9

Adv of Primary Data

Answer 9

• Data collected is very specific to the research question.
• Quality of the data will be good and will be meaningful.
• May lead to the discovery of additional data and info during its collection.

Question 10

Disadv of Primary Data

Answer 10

• Very difficult and possibly time-consuming to collect primary data.
• Expensive

Question 11

Adv of Secondary Data

Answer 11

• No problem with collecting data as it’s collected for you.
• Cheaper than Primary Data.
• Researcher doesn’t have to ensure the data is quality data, as it isn’t their data.

Question 12

Disadv of Secondary Data

Answer 12

• Data may not always be available on the research area.
• May not be enough detail in secondary data for it to be helpful.
• The data may be unrealistic or fake.