Psychology Data Types

Objective Quantitative Data

measured numerically, it is factual and able to be confirmed as accurate by multiple sources, it is not based on opinion

advantages of Objective Quantitative Data

free from subjectivity and bias, allows researchers to draw conclusions quite easily

disadvantages of Objective Quantitative Data

not able to understand in-depth reasoning for elaboration behind participant responses

Subjective Quantitative Data

measured numerically, but are feelings or thoughts provided by the subject themselves

advantages of Subjective Quantitative Data

numerically, participants can provide greater insight into their own personal beliefs, feelings and ideas

disadvantages of Subjective Quantitative Data

observations are subject to observer bias, difficult to compare with other data, subject to bias and interpretation

Qualitative Data

always subjective (given by the subject), but is not numerical (usually in form of words/qualities)

advantages of Qualitative Data

participants can provide greater insight into their own personal beliefs, feelings, ideas (in form of words/qualitites)

disadvantages of Qualitative Data

time consuming to analyse for trends, cannot be directly verified, therefore lowering validity