Types Of Data, Pilot Study, Self Report: Questionnaire

Question 1

What is qualitative data? (Types of data)

Answer 1

• data expressed in words + is non-numerical.
• Strength: Offers a rich insight and details of peoples thoughts and feelings.
• Weaknesses: Can be difficult to analyse and many be subject to research bias.
  -> time consuming to analyse.

Question 2

What is quantitative data? (Types of data)

Answer 2

• numerical data.
• Strengths: easy to analyse, conclusions can be drawn easily, more objective / less open to bias.
• Weaknesses: not as meaningful, may not represent real life.

Question 3

What is primary data?

Answer 3

• Data obtained 1st hand by researcher for purposes of research project. Usually gathered 1st hand, e.g. questionnaire.

Question 4

What is secondary data?

Answer 4

• Info that pre-dates the research project and has already been gathered by someone else.

Question 5

What is a pilot study and why is it used?

Answer 5

• small scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation is conducted.
• Aim: check that procedures, materials, measuring scales etc, allow researcher to make changes or modifications if necessary.

Question 6

What is the nature and use of the self report: questionnaire?

Answer 6

• questionnaires and interviews are types of self report method.
• Because ppt reports own thoughts and feelings about a particular mutter -> more qualitative data.

Question 7

What are open questions? (Self report: questionnaire)

Answer 7

• Range of answers not restricted by the researcher, e.g. ‘how do you feel about…?’

Question 8

What are closed questions (self-report: questionnaire)?

Answer 8

• Possible answers determined by the researcher -> various types of these and best asked when factual info is needed, e.g. age.

Question 9

What are the strengths of self report: questionnaires?

Answer 9

• Cost-effective, cheap to distribute
• no demand characteristics -> no researcher present
• Researcher doesn’t need to be present -> practically easier, straightforward to analyse.

Question 10

What are the weaknesses of self report: questionnaires?

Answer 10

• leading questions -> unreliable data
• social desirability bias -> still desire to appear in a positive way
• misunderstanding questions -> problem of reliability

Question 11

What is social desirability?

Answer 11

• type of response bias -> the tendency of survey respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favourably by others.