types of data Flashcards
what does the term primary data refer to?
original information which has been collected by the researcher themselves for their own purposes.
It can be gathered through methods like interviews, questionnaires, observations and experiments.
what is a strength of primary data?
The researcher can gather precisely the information they want.
what is a limitation of primary data?
Gathering this type of data is time consuming.
what does the term secondary data refer to?
Information that already exists and was created by someone else (the gov, other researchers, the public, journalist), but the researcher can use it for their purposes.
what is a strength of secondary data?
It’s quick and cheap to obtain as it already exists.
what is a limitation of secondary data?
May contain bias introduced by the original researcher.
what does the term quantitative data refer to?
Information in numerical form and it includes statistics expressed through graphs, pie charts and tables.It is usually collected through questionnaires, structured interviews and experiments.
what is a strength of quantitative data?
Easy to analyse.
what is a limitation of quantitative data?
Doesn’t make it possible for the researcher to explain the reasons for people’s behaviour as it lacks depth.
what does the term qualitative data refer to?
Information usually presented through words. It can be gathered through methods like unstructured interviews, observations and secondary sources such as diaries or letters.
what is a strength of qualitative data?
Data is in-depth, more meaningful so it can be used to explain human actions.
what is a limitation of qualitative data?
This type of data can be accused of lacking objectivity – it may contain bias.
