types of data

Question 1

what is quantitative data?

Answer 1

data that can be counted, usually given as numbers.

Question 2

what is qualitative data?

Answer 2

data that is expressed in non numerical ways like words

Question 3

evaluate qualitative data

Answer 3

offers the researcher much more detail and is a broader range of data. High external validity.
However it is hard to analyse and patterns and comparisons are hard to see. Conclusions are often reliant on the subjective interpretations of the researcher so may be bias.

Question 4

evaluate quantitative data

Answer 4

relatively simple to analyse therefore comparisons and patterns can be easily discovered. data is objective and less open to bias.
However it lacks detail and may fail to represent “real life”

Question 5

what is primary data?

Answer 5

information that has been obtained first hand by the researcher for the purposes of the study. Gathered directly from pp’s

Question 6

what is secondary data?

Answer 6

information that has already been collected by someone else and so pre-dates the current study. Eg the work of other psychologists

Question 7

evaluate primary data

Answer 7

the data is authentic and fits the job. it specifically targets the info the researcher needs.
However it requires time and effort as you have to plan a whole investigation to obtain it

Question 8

evaluate secondary data

Answer 8

inexpensive and easily accessed & requires minimal effort. Researcher may find that desired info already exists so doesn’t need to gather primary data.
However there may be variation in the quality and accuracy. The info might be outdated or incomplete. Might not match the researchers needs.

Question 9

what is meta-analysis?

Answer 9

the process of combining the findings from a number of studies on a particular topic. The aim is to produce an overall, statistical conclusion.