Datas

Q U A N T A T I V E

data that represents behaviour in terms of numbers or quantities

e.g. how many? how long?

• in experiments, the dependent variable is quantative

• in self report methods like questionnaires, closed questions often collect numerical data

• in an observation, a tally of behavioral categories is quantative

pros: easier to analyse, using inferential statistics

cons: the data oversimplifies reality, not all information is recorded

Q U A L I T A T I V E

data that can’t be quantified or counted

• however it can be categorised and the frequency of each category measured

• often contains opinions and descriptions

pros: provides detailed information which can give valuable insights into human behaviour

cons: increased complexity makes it more difficult to analyse data and draw conclusions

P R I M A R Y

information that is observed or collected directly from first-hand experience

• for psychological research, this involves the researcher gathering data for the study being undertaken

→involves designing the study, gaining ethical approval, piloting the study, recruiting + testing participants and analysing the data

pros: researcher has control over the data + data collection can be designed so it fits the aim of the study

cons: time consuming and expensive

S E C O N D A R Y

information that was collected for a purpose other than the current one

• the researcher could look at data collected by themselves over a number of different studies or information collected by a number of different researchers

meta-analysis: uses secondary data; data is taken from a large number of studies which involve the same research questions and methodology, the results are then combined

pros: much simpler to access someone else’s data + cheaper + less time consuming

cons: it is difficult to find data that fits the exact purpose of the study