Types Of Data Flashcards
Define primary data?
Data obtained first hand by the researcher for the purposes of the research project eg a questionnaire
What are the advantages of primary data?
Authentic data obtained directly from the participant therefore it is targeted to get the information that is required
What are the disadvantages of primary data?
It can require a lot of time and effort in conducting the research
Define secondary data?
Information that pre dates the research project and has already been gathered by someone else
Give an advantage of secondary data?
May be inexpensive and easily accessible requiring minimal effort
What are the disadvantages of secondary data?
There may be variation in the quality and the accuracy of secondary data
The context of the data may not exactly match the needs to the researcher
Define qualitative data?
Is data that is expressed in words and is non numerical
Give an advantage of qualitative data?
Offers a rich insight and details of people’s thoughts and feelings
What are the disadvantages of qualitative data?
It can be difficult to analyse and it may be subjective
It is time consuming to analyse
Define quantitive data?
Numerical data
What are the advantages of quantitive data?
Easy to analyse
Conclusions can be drawn easily
More objective and less open to bias
What are the disadvantages of quantitive data?
Not as meaningful
May not represent real life
What 2 things can numerical data be?
Discrete or continuos
Define discrete data?
Discrete data is counted. This is called discrete data because the unit of measurement can’t be split up. There can only be one exact measure.
Give an example of discrete data?
Shoe size
Amount of 3’s rolled by a dice
