Quantitative data
Data in numerical form which can be put into categories, or in rank order, or interval data, and is used to make graphs and tables of raw data – e.g. correlations, experiments, closed questions
- easily summarised into graphs or statistics = identify patterns and trends
- more objective – not opened to interpretation
- easier to analyse
- results are limited as they provide numerical descriptions
- research is usually carried out in unnatural, artificial environment
Qualitative data
Data that’s not in numerical i.e. written – typically descriptive e.g. case studies, content analysis, open questions
- + richer and in more detail
- + more valid data
- – fewer people studied as more time consuming
- – less easy to generalise
- – difficult to make systematic comparisons as responses are so varied
Primary data
Original data that has been collected specifically for the purpose of the investigation by the researcher – first hand from participants themselves
Secondary data
Data that has been collected by someone else and already exists before the psychologists begins their research – found in journals, internet or books
Meta-analysis
‘Research about research’ – refers to the process of combining results form a number of different studies on a particular topic to provide an overall view. May involve a qualitative review of conclusions or a quantitative analysis of results