Types of Data Flashcards
Qualitative
Data expressed in words and may take the form of a written description of the thoughts, feelings, and opinions. E.g. transcript from an interview, extract from diary, notes recorded in a counselling session.
Ql Strengths
Offers researcher more richness in detail.
Gives pps opportunity to report everything fully.
Greater external validity as provides more meaningful insight.
Ql Weaknesses
Difficult to analyse as doesn’t lend itself to be summarised statistically, so patterns and comparisons hard to identify.
Conclusions rely on subjective interpretations which could lead to bias especially if preconceived expectations of results.
Data is time consuming to collect and analyse especially if gathered from large group.
Quantitative
Data expressed in numerical forms. It can be analysed and easily converted in graphs and charts.
Qn Strengths
Relatively simple to analyse using statistical tests so comparisons easily drawn.
More objective and less open to bias so increased internal validity.
Qn Weaknesses
Much narrower in meaning and detail so fails to represent real life which lowers external validity.
Primary
Original data has been collected for specific purpose of investigation. Arrives first hand from participants.
P Strengths
Fits the job. Research technique can be specifically designed to target information researcher requires so means high internal validity.
P Weaknesses
Requires time and effort to gain this data.
Secondary
Data already exists as it was collected by someone else. Already been subject to statistical testing so significance already known.
S Strengths
Data may be inexpensive and easily accessed as desired information already exists.
S Weaknesses
Substantial variation in quality and accuracy of data as may first appear valuable but may be incomplete or outdated so conclusions lack validity.
Content of data may not match researcher’s needs or objectives which could challenge the validity of conclusions.
