Types of data

Question 1

SUBJECTIVE DATA

Answer 1

• data influenced by people’s personal thoughts/emotions/opinions
• more likely to be qualitative
• requires researcher to interpret it

Question 2

OBJECTIVE DATA

Answer 2

• unbiased/factual data not influenced by people’s opinions etc.
• no interpretation needed
• more consistent between different researchers
  more likely to be quantitative

Question 3

QUANTITATIVE DATA

Answer 3

numerical data about quantity of a psychological measure
features:
statistical, structured, objective, concise, closed questions, measured on scales, correlation, behavioural checklist for observations
+ more objective - no interpretation needed (increases validity)
+ less risk of researcher bias
+ increase reliability and replicability
+ easy to analyse statistically
- doesn’t always investigate reasons behind responses - can limit validity
- less in depth/rich data

Question 4

QUALITATIVE DATA

Answer 4

descriptive, in-depth, non-numerical data indicating quality of psychological characteristics
features:
non statistical, unstructured/semi structured, subjective, explores open questions, can be categorised based on traits and characteristics
+ more representative - they can express themselves fully
+ important but unusual responses are less likely to be ignored
- risk of subjectivity - researcher has to interpret their response (can limit validity)
detailed data may not be generalised