Types of data Flashcards
What is qualitative data ?
- Expressed in words rather than numbers
- Written thoughts and feelings
- E.g Open questions, unstructured interviews and observations
What are strengths of qualitative data ?
Rich in detail:
Broader scope which allows participants to filly report their thoughts and feelings
External validity:
Provides the researcher with a more meaningful insight into a participants view
What are the limitations of qualitative data ?
Difficult to analyse:
Not summarised statistically so patterns and comparisons are harder to identify
Subject to interpretations:
Subject ti researcher bias which can lack internal validity
What is quantitive data ?
- Data expressed numerically
- gathers individual scores
- Open to being analysed
- Converted into graphs
What are the strengths of quantitive data ?
- Simple to analyse
- easily compatible data
- Objective - less open to bias
What is a limitation of quantitive data ?
Less detail
What is primary data ?
- Known as field research
- original data collected
- first-hand from participants
- Gathered by conducting an experiment, questioning interview or observation
What is a strength of primary data ?
Authentic data
Questionnaires and interviews can be designed specifically to target information required
What is a limitation of primary data ?
Required time and effort
Researching would need to do plenty of research and preparation
What is secondary data ?
- data collected by someone older than the person conducting the research
- Pre-existing data
- Significance is already known due to statistical testing
- E.G Journal articles, books, website, government data
What are strengths of secondary data ?
- Inexpensive
- Minimal effort
What are the limitations of secondary data ?
- Variables quality
- Might not match researchers needs
