Types of data and meta-analyses

Question 1

What is meta-analyses?

Answer 1

A form of research method that uses secondary data. Refers to a process in which a number of studies are identified which have investigated the same aims/ hypothesis.

Question 2

What is effect size?

Answer 2

The name of the number that you get that represents how strong the relationship is between the variables you’ve analysed in a meta-analysis

Question 3

What is primary data?

Answer 3

Refers to original data that has been directly collected specifically for the purpose of the investigation by the researcher

Question 4

What is secondary data?

Answer 4

Data that has been collected previously by someone other than the person who is conducting the researcher. Data that already exists before the psychologist begins their research or investigation

Question 5

Strengths of quantitative data

Answer 5

Simple to analyse and compare
More objective to analyse and less open to bias

Question 6

Weaknesses of quantitative data

Answer 6

Much narrower in meaning and detail
Not very externally valid

Question 7

Strengths of qualitative data

Answer 7

Rich in detail
Greater in external validity

Question 8

Weaknesses of qualitative data

Answer 8

May be difficult to compare and analyse, patterns are hard to identify
Conclusions rely on subjective interpretations of the researcher which may be subject to bias

Question 9

Strength of meta-analyses

Answer 9

Can create a larger, more varied sample and results can be generalised across much larger populations, increasing validity

Question 10

Weaknesses of meta analyses

Answer 10

Prone to publication bias, researcher may not select all relevant studies, choosing to leave out those studies with negative or non-significant results
Conclusions will be biased as they only represent some of the relevant data

Question 11

Strength of primary data

Answer 11

Authentic data obtained from the participants themselves for the purpose of a particular investigation

Question 12

Weaknesses of primary data

Answer 12

Requires time and effort on the part of the researcher
Considerable planning, preparation and resources needed

Question 13

Strengths of secondary data

Answer 13

Inexpensive and easily accessible with minimal effort
May find data already exists so doesn’t need to use primary data

Question 14

Weaknesses of secondary data

Answer 14

Variation in the quality and accuracy of secondary data
Validity may vary