Types of data

Quantitative data (1)

• Data that can be counted 

• Collection techniques usually gather numerical data in the form of individual scores from participants such as the number of words a person was able to recall in a memory experiment 

• Such data is open to being analysed statistically and can be easily converted into graphs and charts 

Pros of quantitive data (2)

PROs = 

• It is easy to analyse 

• You can draw graphs and calcite averages 

• So comparisons between groups can be made 

Cons of quantitive data (3)

CONs = 

• Narrower in meaning 

• It expresses less detail than qualitative data 

• There is low external validity because it may feel less like ‘real life’ 

Qualitative data (1)

Qualitative 

• Expressed through words rather than numbers and may take form through a written description of the thoughts, feelings and opinions of participants 

• A transcript from an interview, an extract from a diary or notes recorded within a counselling session would all be classified as qualitative data 

Are those that are concerned with the interpretation of language form, unstructured observation or interview. 

Pros of qualitative data (2)

PROs = 

• Richness of detail 

• Much both broader in scope than quantitative data 

• So it is more meaningful and has greater external validitY 

Cons of qualitative data (3)

CONs= 

• Difficult to analyse 

• It is hard to identify patterns and make comparisons 

• And it leads to subjective interpretation and researcher bias 

Primary data (1)

• Sometimes collared field research 

  

Refers to original data that has been collected specifically for the purpose of the investigation by the researcher. 

It is data that arrives first hand from the participants themselves. 

Data which is gathered by conducting an experiment, questionnaire or interview would be classed as primary data (or an observation) 

Pros of primary data (2)

PROs = 

• Study designed to extract only the data that is needed and necessary for the researcher 

• Information is directly relevant to research aims 

Cons of primary data (3)

CONs = 

• It requires time and effort 

• For example designing and collating questionnaires takes time and expense 

• Secondary data can be assessed within minutes 

Secondary data (1)

Secondary 

• Data that has been collected by someone else and which exists be for the psychology’s begins their research or investigation 

• Data such as this is sometimes referred to as ‘desk research’ as it is often the case that secondary data has already been subject to statistical testing and therefore the significance is known. 

Secondary data includes data that may be located in journal articles, books or websites. 

Statistical information can be held by the government such as the information obtained in the census. 

Pros of secondary data (2)

PROs = 

• Inexpensive 

• The desired information may already exist and be extremely accesible 

• It requires invaluable effort making it inexpensive, no money is spent 

Cons of secondary data (3)

CONs = 

• The quality of research may be poor as it is untrusted 

• Information may be outdated or inaccurate, not from a secure know place 

• Challenges of the validity of any conclusion 

Meta - Analysis (1)

Meta- Analysis 

Is a form of research method that uses secondary data 

The process involves identifying a number of studies which have investigated the same aims/hypothesis 

Involves combining data from larger number of studies 

• Can measure the difference or relationship between variables across a number of studies 

• Effect size can be calculated if the IV is the same in all studies 

Pros of Meta - Analysis (2)

PROs = 

• It increases the validity of conclusions 

• The eventual sample size is much larger than individual samples 

• It increases the extent to which generalisations can be made 

Cons of Meta - Analysis (3)

CONs = 

• There is publication bias 

• Some researchers may not select all relevant studies, leaving out negative or non significant results 

• Therefore conclusions would be biased and lack validity