Data Sources

What is Tabular Presentation?

a text presentation of data within a table. This is used where precise data and detail is required.

For data to be reliable it must meet the following criteria: Completeness & Accuracy. What does Completeness mean?

all of the data that is required for what you are investigating is included.

INTERVIEW

A one-to-one meeting where an interviewer asks questions to a single respondent in order to gather information.

QUESTIONNAIRE

A set of questions, normally in a closed question format, used to gain information for statistical analysis or personal information from respondents.

Methodology with performing surveys to gather primary data include:

Avoid using jargon, Avoid bias in language, and Use closed answer questioning

What is the concept of "GIGO"?

Garbage In Garbage Out - computers don't have the common sense to spot errors and so if bad data is entered bad results are outputted

cons to using interviews

Interviews take a long time to gather information from a wide range of people, and Much like focus groups, data gathered from interviews is much more qualitative

pros to using questionnaires

It is good for gathering information from a large group in a relatively short space of time, Every respondent answers the exact same questions, and Questionnaires can be completed anonymously.

What are the cost benefits of Secondary Data over primary?

It is much cheaper. The data has been collected and so you do not need to the data gathering process, such hiring people to perform surveys.

Why can secondary data be considered more accurate than primary data?

It isn't subject to the organisation/individuals' bias. You did not gather the data and so you could not have influenced its findings.

cons to using questionnaires

Poorly worded questions can introduce bias into your results or can be misinterpreted, It can be difficult to get in-depth answers, and Response rates are usually very poor.

Is Primary Or Secondary data more up to date?

Primary data is more up-to-date. You gather the information when you need it and so it is likely more valid.

pros to using focus groups

Respondents are able to build on each other's answers, which helps to improve the depth and detail of the responses, data, You can get responses from wider group of people, and Unlike questionnaires, focus groups allow you to alter questions to fit the ongoing conversation

cons to using focus groups

Respondents can influence each other's answers, The data produced from focus groups is qualitative, and Assembling a group of people together at the same time may be difficult.

Which, primary or secondary Data, is quicker to obtain?

Secondary data, as yhe research has already been done and so it is available as soon as you need it. Primary data requires a long process of data gathering.

Why is primary Data more reliable?

You can be sure about the quality of the data gathered because you performed the research yourself.

Why is Primary Data more relevant than Secondary Data?

You can direct your data gathering to find the precise data that you are looking for. Secondary data may not provide all the answers you need.

What is Validation?

a check to ensure data is sensible and reasonable. E.g. a length check or type check.

What is Verification?

a check to ensure data matches the original source. E.g. a proofreading check or double entry check.

FOCUS GROUPS

a group of people being asked questions on a particular topic. The group is normally small (around 8) but from a wide demographic of people to gain a full analysis and remove cultural biases.

What is Data Modelling?

a process used to plan the structure of a database to ensure that data is stored in the most organised and efficient manner.

How can Extracting be performed?

by choosing specific fields and using filters to select data that meet specific criteria.

Where can Secondary data come from?

census data, textbooks, web information, official statistics and previous research.

What is Secondary Data?

data that has been gathered by someone other than the user of the data. A third party has gathered the data and made it available to the business or individual.

What is Primary Data?

data that has been gathered through original research done by the organisation or individual.

How can Data be presented?

in tabular or graphical format.

What does Sorting do?

organise data by any retrieved field in ascending or descending order.

Give four ways of collecting primary Data

questionnaires, interviews, sensor readings and measurements.

For data to be reliable it must meet the following criteria: Completeness & Accuracy. What does Accuracy mean?

the data is consistent, in that the collection of data can be repeated with matching results. It is also correct, in that the data matches what was actually gathered at the source.

How can we help ensure data accuracy?

validation and verification

pros to using interviews

very good for drawing out detailed responses, and Greater honesty in responses can be gained.

What is graphical presentation?

where data is presented using a chart or some other form of diagram. This is used where ease of interpretation and spotting trends is required.

What is numerical modelling?

where mathematical calculations are used to simulate a real-life system.