types of data Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is qualitative data?
Qualitative data is expressed in words, rather than numbers or statistics, and may take the form of written descriptions of thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
Give an example of qualitative data.
A transcript from an interview, a diary extract, or notes from a counselling session.
What is an unstructured observation?
A qualitative data collection method that is concerned with the interpretation of language rather than numbers.
What is quantitative data?
Quantitative data is expressed numerically, usually as individual scores or counts, and can be easily converted into graphs and charts.
Give an example of quantitative data.
The number of words a person can recall in a memory experiment.
Which is better: qualitative or quantitative data?
Neither is inherently better; it depends on the purpose and aims of the research.
What is primary data?
Primary data is original data collected specifically for the purpose of the investigation, such as through experiments, questionnaires, interviews, or observations.
What is secondary data?
Secondary data is data collected by someone other than the person conducting the research, such as from books, journals, or government statistics.
Give an example of primary data.
Data collected from an experiment or a questionnaire conducted by the researcher.
Give an example of secondary data.
Information found in journal articles, books, websites, or government statistics.
What is the main strength of qualitative data?
It offers richness of detail and a broader scope, allowing participants to fully report their thoughts and feelings.
What is a limitation of qualitative data?
It is difficult to analyse and does not lend itself to being summarised statistically.
What is the main strength of quantitative data?
It is relatively simple to analyse, and comparisons between groups can be easily drawn.
What is a limitation of quantitative data?
It is much narrower in meaning and detail, and may fail to represent real life.
What is the main strength of primary data?
It fits the job, as it is authentic data obtained specifically for the research purpose.
What is a limitation of primary data?
It requires time and effort to collect, and may need considerable planning and resources.
What is the main strength of secondary data?
It may be inexpensive and easily accessed, requiring minimal effort.
What is a limitation of secondary data?
It may be outdated, incomplete, or not quite match the researcher’s needs.
What is external validity in the context of qualitative data?
Qualitative data tends to have greater external validity, providing a more meaningful insight into the participant’s worldview.
How can qualitative data be converted for analysis?
It can sometimes be converted to numerical data for analysis.
What is desk research?
Desk research refers to the use of secondary data that already exists before the study.
What is statistical testing?
A method often used with secondary data to determine its significance.
What is the risk of using secondary data?
There may be substantial variation in quality and accuracy, and it may not fit the researcher’s needs.
