Types of data
- Quantitative data is numerical, such as statistics. Qualitative data is descriptive, such as people's words and feelings.
- Primary data is collected by the researcher; secondary data already exists, such as official statistics, documents and previous studies.
Methods
- Questionnaires: sets of questions, often with closed questions (fixed answers). Quick, cheap and good for large samples, but lack depth and may have low response rates.
- Structured interviews: set questions asked in the same order. Unstructured interviews: like a guided conversation, giving detailed qualitative data but taking more time.
- Observation: participant observation (the researcher joins the group) or non-participant (watching from outside); covert (secret) or overt (open). Covert observation avoids people changing their behaviour but raises ethical issues.
- Official statistics and documents: cheap and cover large numbers, but may not be accurate or may be socially constructed.
- Longitudinal studies follow the same people over time; case studies examine one group in depth.
Choosing a method
- Positivists prefer quantitative, scientific methods; interpretivists prefer qualitative methods that show meanings and experiences.
- Researchers also consider practical factors (time, cost, access) and ethics.
Key terms
- Quantitative data
- Numerical data.
- Qualitative data
- Descriptive data about words and feelings.
- Closed question
- A question with fixed answers to choose from.
- Unstructured interview
- A flexible, conversation-like interview.
- Participant observation
- The researcher joining the group they study.
- Covert observation
- Observation where the group doesn't know they are being studied.
- Longitudinal study
- A study that follows the same people over time.
- Positivism
- An approach favouring scientific, quantitative methods.