AQA Psychology - Research Methods - Data Analysis: Kinds of Data
Quantitative data – numerical data that can be measured and analysed statistically. Qualitative data – descriptive data that provides insight into thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
What are four different types of data?
Quantitative data
Qualitative data
Primary data
Secondary data
Key Terms
What are four different types of data?
Quantitative data
Qualitative data
Primary data
Secondary data
What is quantitative data?
Numerical data e.e reaction time or number of mistakes
Strength of quantitative data:
Easy to analyse
Limitation of quantitative data:
Oversimplifies behaviour = individuality lost
What is qualitative data?
Non-numerical data expressed in words e.g extract from a diary
Strength of qualitative data:
Represents complexities = include unexpected information
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What are four different types of data? |
|
What is quantitative data? | Numerical data e.e reaction time or number of mistakes |
Strength of quantitative data: | Easy to analyse |
Limitation of quantitative data: | Oversimplifies behaviour = individuality lost |
What is qualitative data? | Non-numerical data expressed in words e.g extract from a diary |
Strength of qualitative data: | Represents complexities = include unexpected information |
Limitation of qualitative data: | Not easy to analyse = difficult to get a conclusion |
What is primary data? | ‘First hand’ data collected for the purpose of the investigation |
Strength of primary data: | Information is directly relevant to research aims |
Limitations of primary data: | Time and effort |
What is secondary data? | Collected by someone other than the person who is conducting the research |
Example of secondary data: | Taken from journal article, books, website or government records |
Strength of secondary data: | Inexpensive |
Limitations of secondary data: | Information may be outdated or incomplete |
What is a meta-analysis? | A type of secondary data that involves combining data from a large number of studies |
What does a meta-analysis calculate? | Effect size |
Strength of a meta-analysis: | Increase the extent of generalisation = increase in the validity of the conclusion |
Limitation of a meta-analysis: | Publication bias = researcher may leave irrelevant or non-significant data out |