Types of Data

Question 1

Primary sources

Answer 1

First hand data generated by the researcher themselves eg questionnaire, interviews

Question 2

Strengths of Primary Sources

Answer 2

Fit for purpose - research will meet needs and targets of researcher exactly as they have designed it and collected the data

The researcher will be aware of any problems with data eg if questions confused ppts

Question 3

Weaknesses of Primary Sources

Answer 3

More costly as they dont already exist and have to be carried out

Primary sources are more time consuming as you have to produce the research your self

Question 4

Secondary Research

Answer 4

The researcher takes advantage and uses data that already exists eg from the ONS or government statistics

Question 5

Strengths of Secondary Research

Answer 5

Cost and time efficient as data already exists

May be only source of information on certain topics

Question 6

Weaknesses of Secondary Research

Answer 6

Not fit for purpose and data may not specifically relate to question researcher wants to answer

The researcher may be unaware with problems of data and how it could be untrustworthy

Question 7

Quantitative data

Answer 7

Numerical data that involves counting/measuring. eg stats, closed ended questionnaires

Question 8

Strengths of Quantitative data

Answer 8

Easy to analyse
Easy to make comparisons
Objective
More representing as large amounts of data can be collected
Tends to be reliable

Question 9

Weaknesses of Quantitative data

Answer 9

Lacks detail
Tends to lack validity

Question 10

Qualitative data

Answer 10

Take the form of words eg unstructured interviews, open ended questions

Question 11

Strengths of Qualitative data

Answer 11

in depth and insightful
tends to be more valid
allows new insights

Question 12

Weaknesses of Qualitative data

Answer 12

lacks reliability
more difficult to analyse
not cost or time efficient
subjective as researcher will decide what is important

Question 13

Longitudinal Research

Answer 13

The same group of individuals are observed at intervals over a long period of time, possibly even a lifetime.

Question 14

Strengths of Longitudinal Research

Answer 14

Can observe changes in a group over time producing rich and valid data

Eliminates problem of individual differences

Question 15

Weaknesses of Longitudinal Research

Answer 15

Panel attrition - people may drop out

Keeping in touch with ppts may be difficult

Difficult to analyse large amounts of data

Question 16

Cross - sectional research

Answer 16

Compare different groups of individuals at different stages of their lives as a snapshot. Opposite strengths and weaknesses to longitudinal