Questions and Answers
What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?
Quantitative data involves numerical data and is objective whereas qualitative involves descriptive data and an in-depth insight.
Name 4 methods which can collect quantitative data.
Lab experiment, observations using coding systems, closed questions/rating scales, content analysis.
What are 2 main advantages of quantitative data?
Can do inferential statistical analysis and can replicate the study to check if results are reliable.
What is 1 main disadvantage of quantitative data?
Signup and view all the answers
Name 3 methods which can collect qualitative data.
Signup and view all the answers
What are 2 main advantages of qualitative data?
Signup and view all the answers
What are 3 main disadvantages of qualitative data?
Signup and view all the answers
Name 5 main non-experimental methods.
Signup and view all the answers
Name 2 self-report methods.
Signup and view all the answers
What type of method is a questionnaire?
Signup and view all the answers
Explain what a closed question is with an example.
Signup and view all the answers
Give 2 advantages of closed questions.
Signup and view all the answers
Give 1 disadvantage of closed questions.
Signup and view all the answers
Explain what an open question is with an example.
Signup and view all the answers
Give 2 advantages of open questions.
Signup and view all the answers
Give 1 disadvantage of open questions.
Signup and view all the answers
Give 2 general advantages of using questionnaires in research.
Signup and view all the answers
Give 2 general disadvantages of using questionnaires in research.
Signup and view all the answers
Give 4 important considerations when designing a questionnaire.
Signup and view all the answers
What method can be used to analyze open-ended questions?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Quantitative and Qualitative Data
- Quantitative data consists of numerical information and is objective in nature.
- Qualitative data provides descriptive insights and depth, focusing on understanding human experiences.
Methods for Collecting Quantitative Data
- Lab experiments allow controlled observation and manipulation of variables.
- Observational studies utilize coding systems to systematically categorize behavior.
- Closed questions or rating scales offer specific options for responses.
- Content analysis examines communication forms to quantify the presence of certain themes.
Advantages of Quantitative Data
- Enables inferential statistical analysis to assess significant differences or correlations.
- Replicable studies enhance the reliability of results, supporting objectivity.
Disadvantages of Quantitative Data
- Provides limited depth, often capturing only a snapshot without comprehensive insights.
Methods for Collecting Qualitative Data
- Unstructured interviews facilitate spontaneous and open dialogue.
- Open-ended questions on questionnaires allow for elaborate responses.
- Case studies provide in-depth explorations of specific instances.
- Thematic analysis focuses on identifying and interpreting patterns within qualitative data.
Advantages of Qualitative Data
- Produces rich, detailed information for greater understanding of emotions and thoughts.
- Higher ecological validity, as it reflects real-life circumstances and experiences.
Disadvantages of Qualitative Data
- Lacks the ability to perform inferential statistical analysis.
- Lower internal validity complicates establishing clear cause-and-effect relationships.
- Increased potential for researcher bias due to subjective interpretations.
Non-Experimental Methods
- Include self-reports, observational studies, correlational studies, case studies, content analysis, and thematic analysis.
Self-Report Methods
- Primarily consist of questionnaires and interviews.
Questionnaires
- Classified as self-report methods, emphasizing participant self-disclosure.
Closed Questions
- Fixed-choice questions promoting straightforward responses (e.g., "Do you smoke? Yes or No").
- Advantages: Facilitate statistical analysis and quicker participant responses.
- Disadvantage: Limited choices may not reflect participant true opinions, impacting validity.
Open Questions
- Allow free-form responses from participants (e.g., "Why do you smoke?").
- Advantages: Yield more valid responses and rich qualitative data.
- Disadvantage: Complexity in transforming responses into quantitative data complicates analysis.
General Advantages of Questionnaires
- Time-efficient compared to interviews, facilitating a larger sample size.
- Ability to reach a broad audience, enhancing representativeness of results.
General Disadvantages of Questionnaires
- Often suffer from low response rates, which can skew results.
- Risk of socially desirable answers undermines the validity of data.
Considerations for Designing Questionnaires
- Establish a clear aim to guide question development.
- Keep questionnaires concise to maintain participant engagement and response rates.
- Use successful existing questionnaires as templates for structure.
- Ensure clarity and simplicity in questions to prevent misunderstanding.
Analyzing Open-Ended Questions
- Thematic content analysis is a suitable method for interpreting qualitative data from open questions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the differences between quantitative and qualitative data with our flashcards. Explore various methods for collecting quantitative data and understand key concepts that differentiate these types of data.