Types of Data

Question 1

What are the two types of data?

Answer 1

Qualitative and Quantitative

Question 2

Define quantitative data.

Answer 2

Numerical data that can be statistically analysed and converted into graphical format

Question 3

Evaluate quantitative data.

Answer 3

• A strength is that it is easy to analyse statistically. Large amounts of numerical data can be easily converted into statistics and graphs that allow comparisons to be made and trends to be identified between groups.
• A limitation is that it lacks representativeness. Since this type of data is usually generated from closed questions, the responses don’t give a detailed insight into complex human behaviour. This means numerical data may not be a true representation of real life and thus lacks validity.

Question 4

Define qualitative data.

Answer 4

Non-numerical, language-based data expressed in words that allows researchers to develop an insight into complex human behaviour.

Question 5

Evaluate qualitative data.

Answer 5

• A strength is that rich detail is obtained within the data. Participants can develop their responses freely which gives researchers an insight into complex human behaviour. This also increases the external validity of the findings since they have a true representation of real life.

Question 6

What is primary data?

Answer 6

• Sometimes referred to as field research. It is data that has been collected for a specific reason and reported by the original researcher

Question 7

What is metal analysis?

Answer 7

The process where investigators combine findings from multiple studies.