Types Of Data Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the types of data
-Qualitative
-Quantitative
-Primary
-Secondary
What is qualitative data
-Detailed data that is expressed in words (non numerical)
What is quantitative data
Numerical data
What is primary data
First hand data collected for the purpose of the investigation
What is secondary data
-Collected by someone other than the person who is conducting the research
Example of secondary data
Government statistics like the census
Strengths of qualitative data
-Rich in detail so provides broader insights
-More meaningful
Weaknesses of qualitative data
-More difficult to analyse than quantitative data, making it hard to identify patterns and make comparisons
-More subjective interpretations are made and researcher bias- makes data less scientific.
Strengths of quantitative data
- Easier to analyse- allows us to draw graphs and calculate average. Allows for easier comparisons between groups
-More objective and scientific.
Weaknesses of quantitative data
-Doesn’t provide as much detailed and rich insights, limiting our understanding
Strengths of primary data
-Produces data that is directly relevant to research aims
-More reliable
Weaknesses of primary data
-More time consuming (have to design and collate)
-More effort
-More expensive
Strengths of secondary data
-Inexpensive and quick- desired information may already exist. No need to conduct research.
Minima effort
Weaknesses of secondary data
-May not be directly relevant to research aims
-Could be outdated
= potentially weaker validity
What is a meta analysis
- A type of data that involves combining data from a large number of studies
Strengths of meta analysis
-Increases validity of conclusions- the eventual sample size is much bigger the individual samples. increases generalisability
Weaknesses of met analysis
-Publication bias- researchers may not select all relevant studies, leaving out negative or no significant results= conclusions may lack validity
