Types of data

Question 1

Quantitative data

Answer 1

• represents how much or how long or how many ( numbers )
  e.g closed questions in a questionnaire, dependent variable, observational study

Question 2

Qualitative data

Answer 2

• cannot be counted ( words, pictures, photos )
  e.g open questions in a questionnaire, meanings, pictures, observational study when a researcher is describing what they see

Question 3

Quantitative vs Qualitative

Answer 3

quantitative
- deals with numbers
- data that can be measured
- looking at averages and differences
- psychologists develop measures of psychological variables

qualitative data
- deals with descriptions
- data that is observed not measured
- observes people through the messages they produce and the way they act
- concerned with attitudes, beliefs, fears and emotions

Question 4

Evaluation of data

Answer 4

quantitative
- easy to analyse
- conclusions can be easily drawn
- however can oversimplify reality e.g people may be forced to tick answers that do not really represent their feelings in questionnaires

qualitative
- provides detailed information which can provide unexpected insights into thoughts and behaviours
- however this makes it more difficult to analyse and draw conclusions from

Question 5

Evaluation of primary and secondary data

Answer 5

primary
- researcher has control over data
- can be designed so it fits the aim and study
- however it is very lengthy — have to recruit, conduct the study and analyse the data
- expensive process

secondary
- cheaper
- less time
- known if it is significant
- however may not exactly fit the needs of the study