types of data

Question 1

quantitative data

Answer 1

produces numerical data
> easily displayed in a table/graph
> can reveal patterns/trends but can’t reveal the reasons for them

Question 2

qualitative data

Answer 2

produces textual information
> can include a great deal of detail
> explores motivations + emotions rather than just factual descriptions

Question 3

primary data

Answer 3

data the sociologist collects themselves
> up to date + accurate
> definitely in relevance to your study

Question 4

secondary data

Answer 4

data that’s already collected so is second hand
> quick
> limits chance of errors being made
> useful when researching past events/hard to access groups