Types of data

Meta-analysis

Combining the findings from a number of studies on a particular topic.

Aims to produce an overall statistical conclusion based on a range of studies.

Should not be confused with a review where a number of studies area compared and discussed

Primary data

Information obtained first-hand by a researcher for the purposes of a research project.

Gathered directly from participants as part of an experiment, self-report or observation

Secondary data

Collected by someone else and pre-dates the current research project.

Data might include the work of other psychologists or government statistics

Qualitative data

Data expressed in words and non-numerical data

Can be converted to numbers

Quantitative data

Data that can be counted or given as numbers.