types of data

what is qualitative data?

descriptive data that can be observed but not measured

what is quantitative data?

information about quantities and numbers

what is primary data?

data that has been collected directly by the researcher, solely for the purpose of their investigation

what is a strength of primary data?

primary data is a reliable way to correct data because the researcher can do it again as they know the procedures

what is a weakness of primary data

researchers may be subjective in what kinds of data they look for in particular data that fits the hypothesis they are trying to test

what is secondary data?

information that someone else has collected

what is a strength of secondary data?

it is cost effective as there is no need to spend money on collecting data

what is a weakness of secondary data?

the data may be biased in favour of the person who gathered it.

what is meta-analysis?

a systematic review where you identify an aim and then search for research studies that have looked at similar aims/hypotheses.

how are meta-analysis’ conducted?

looking through databases and deciding what studies to include

what is a strength of meta-analysis?

it increases the validity of the conclusions drawn as they’re based on a wider range of data

what is a weakness of meta-analysis?

research designs can vary between different studies so they can’t be compared fairly.