Types of data

define meta analysis

the process of combining the findings from a number of studies on a particular topic

define primary data

information that has been obtained first hand by a researcher-usually self report or observation

define secondary data

information that has already been collected by someone else and so pre dates the current research project

define qualitative data

data expressed in words

define quantitave data

data expressed in numbers

advantages of quantitative data

-simple to analyse

-more objective

-less open to bias

disadvantages of quantitative data

-narrow in meaning

-low external validity

advantages of qualitative data

-more richness and detail

-broader in scope

-greater external validity

disadvantages of qualitative data

-difficult to analyse

-rely on subjective interpretation

-researcher bias

advantages of primary data

-authentic data

-specifically target for info needed

disadvantages of primary data

-requires time and effort

advantages of secondary data

-inexpensive

disadvantages of secondary data

-vary in quality

-data might not match researchers needs

-challenge validity

advantages of meta analysis

-allows to create larger, varied sample

-high external validity bc can be generalised over large populations

disadvantages of meta analysis

-prone to publication bias

-researcher may not select relevant studies

-biased bc only represent some of the relevant data