Types of data

Question 1

What is qualitative data?

Answer 1

• data expressed in words rather than numbers and statistics
• descriptions of thoughts, feelings and opinions
• for example, a transcript from an interview

Question 2

What is quantitative data?

Answer 2

• data expressed numerically
• for example, individual scores from a memory experiment

Question 3

What is primary data?

Answer 3

• original data collected specifically for the purpose of the interview for the purpose of the investigation
• collected first - hand

Question 4

What is secondary data?

Answer 4

• data collected by another indvidual than the one conducting research
• existed before the research
• can be found in books, websites

Question 5

Evaluate qualitative data?

Answer 5

S = richness in detail, broader in scope. greater external validity

L = difficult to analyse, conclusions made can be due to bias and preconceptions

Question 6

Evaluate quantitative data?

Answer 6

S = simple to analyse, numerical so therefore less open to bias

L = narrow in meaning and may fail to represent real life

Question 7

Evaluate primary data?

Answer 7

S = fits the job, can be tailored to an experiments purpose.

L = time consuming, requires planning, preperation

Question 8

Evaluate secondary data?

Answer 8

S = inexpensive, quick

L = may be outdated or incomplete. Content may not match the purpose of a study