Types of data
- Quantitative data is numerical, such as times, distances or heart rates. It is objective and easy to compare.
- Qualitative data is descriptive, such as opinions or feelings. It gives detail and reasons but is harder to compare.
Collecting data
- Questionnaires and surveys collect opinions from many people. Interviews give more detailed answers.
- Observation and fitness tests collect data on performance.
- Data is more reliable when collected in the same way each time, from a large enough sample.
Presenting and analysing data
- Tables organise data. Bar charts compare categories. Line graphs show changes over time.
- The x-axis usually shows the thing that changes on its own (such as time), and the y-axis shows what is measured (such as heart rate).
- Analyse by describing trends ("heart rate rises during exercise, then falls") and using figures from the data.
- Evaluate by saying what the data shows and its limits, such as a small sample or an unusual result.
Key terms
- Quantitative data
- Numerical data that can be measured.
- Qualitative data
- Descriptive data, such as opinions.
- Questionnaire
- A set of questions used to collect data.
- Trend
- A general pattern in data over time.
- Line graph
- A graph that shows how something changes over time.
- Bar chart
- A chart that compares categories using bars.