RM: Types of data Flashcards
What is primary data?
First hand data collected for the purpose of the investigation
What is a strength of primary data?
Fits the job, designed to extract data needed and directly relevant to research aims
What is a limitation of primary data?
Requires time and effort to design and collate, can be expensive
What is qualitative data?
Non numerical data expressed in words
What is a strength of qualitative data?
Rich detail, broader scope. higher external validity
What is a limitation of qualitative data?
Difficult to analyse, identify patterns and make comparisons, leads to subjective interpretation and researcher bias
What is quantitative data?
Numerical data
What is an advantage of quantitative data?
Easier to analyse bc can draw graphs and calculate averages, comparisons can be made
What is a limitation of quantitative data?
Narrower in meaning bc it expresses less detail and has low external validity
What is a meta analysis?
Secondary data that involves combining data from a large number of studies
What is an advantage of meta analysis?
Increases validity bc of bigger sample size and can make generalisations
What is a limitation of meta analysis?
Publication bias where all relevant studies are not selected and lack of validity
What is secondary data?
Data collected by someone other than the researcher
What is an advantage of secondary data?
Not expensive as it already exists and requires minimal effort
What is a limitation of secondary data?
May be poor quality, outdated or incomplete challenging validity
