Types of data Flashcards
Define qualitative data.
Data that us not numerical e.g. quotes from research participants/ observations of how people act or feel.
What are the strengths of qualitative data?
Richer in detail than quantitative data. Can express the motivations and intent behind feelings and actions.
What are the limitations of qualitative data?
Considered less reliable than quantitative data. Difficult to analyse objectively; two psychologists may look at the data and draw different conclusions.
Define quantitative data.
Data that is expressed in a numerical form.
What are the strengths of quantitative data?
Reliable, objective, useful when conduction experiments to count how many people do a particular thing. Can be analysed to reveal trends and correlations.
What are the limitations of quantitative data?
Can’t really be used to discuss feelings. Doesn’t have a lot of rich detail/ depth.
Define primary data.
Data collected from first hand experience.
What are the strengths of primary data?
Data gathered is for the purpose of addressing the specific research hypothesis - this increases its validity.
What are the limitations of primary data?
Often time-consuming and expensive. Psychologist may not have funding to have a large sample which other sources may have.
Defne secondary data.
Data collected from an already published source.
What are the strengths of secondary data?
Readily available so quick and possible inexpensive.
What are the limitations of secondary data?
Second hand so already undergone some interpretations so may have inherent biases.
Define meta-analysis.
A technique for combining the findings of independent studies, often with smaller samples to create a larger sample.
What are the strengths of meta-analysis?
Useful in situations where a topic. has been extensively studied. With a large amount of data, it is possible to spot trends/ correlations.
What are the limitations of meta-analysis?
Reliant on the psychologist who did the research primarily doing a good job. Might not be a topic where there has been much research.
