Types Of Data

Question 1

Qualitative data

Answer 1

Data that is expressed in words and non-numerical written description of thoughts ,feelings and opinions

Question 2

Strengths of qualitative data

Answer 2

• offers richness of detail
• much broader in scope and gives opportunity to full report their thoughts , feelings and opinions
• greater external validity as provides more meaningful insight

Question 3

Weaknesses of qualitative data

Answer 3

• difficult to analyse
• can’t be summarised statistically so patterns and comparisons in data are hard to identify
• conclusions rely on subjective interpretations of research

Question 4

Quantitive data

Answer 4

Expressed numerically

Question 5

Strengths of quantitative data

Answer 5

• simple to analyse
• comparisons can be easily drawn
• less open to bias and subjective views

Question 6

Weaknesses of quantitative data

Answer 6

• less in depth overview
• less detail
• narrower conclusions
• fail to represent real life

Question 7

Primary data

Answer 7

Information that has been obtained first hand by researcher specifically for purposes of investigation
Eg. Questionnaires

Question 8

Strengths of primary data

Answer 8

authentic data obtained directly from the participant thus targeted to get the information required

Question 9

Weaknesses of primary data

Answer 9

• requires a lot of time and effort to design
• more expensive

Question 10

Secondary data

Answer 10

Information already collected by someone other than the person conducting research , often already subject to statistical testing eg. Significance is known

Question 11

Strengths of secondary data

Answer 11

• inexpensive
• easily accessed
• minimal effort

Question 12

Weaknesses of secondary data

Answer 12

• variation in the quality and accuracy of secondary data
• content of data may not quite match the researchers needs
• might be outdated or incomplete