Qualitative vs quantitative data

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

• Data is the information gathered for a study.
• Different types and ways of collection.
• Quantitative vs. Qualitative
• Primary vs. Secondary
• Meta-analysis

Question 2

quantitative data

Answer 2

• Numerical data that can be statistically analysed and converted easily into a graphical format.
• Experiments
• Structured observations
• Correlations and closed/rating-scale questions from questionnaires

Question 3

qualitative data

Answer 3

• Non-numerical, language-based data.
• Expressed in words
• Semi-structured
• Unstructured interviews
• Open questions.
• Allows development of insight into the unique nature of human experiences, opinions and feelings.

Question 4

eval quantitative data

Answer 4

s-Easy to analyse statistically.
• Descriptive statistics(Measures of central tendency(eg mean), measures of spread, graphs and charts) or inferential tests (eg t test, chi squared)
• Comparisons and trends between groups are easy to identify.
Objective.

L-• Lack of representativeness.
• Responses gained can be narrow in their scope towards explaining complex human behaviour.
• Numerical findings can often lack meaning and context.
• May not be a true representation of real life and thus lacks validity.

Question 5

qualitative data eval

Answer 5

s-Rich detail
• Investigator gains meaningful insights into the human condition.
• Increased External validity of findings as they are more likely to represent an accurate real-world view.

L-Subjective.
• Interpretations of this type of data can often rely on the opinions and judgements of the researcher.
• This means that any preconceptions that the researcher holds may act to bias any conclusions drawn.