Quantitative and qualitative data; the distinction between qualitative and quantitive data collection techniques

strengths of qualitative data

Detailed, descriptive information provided, can provide insights into thoughts and behaviour.

Strengths of quantitative data

Easier to analyse using descriptive statistics and statistical tests, so conclusions can be made.

What is Quantitive data?

Information that is represented in numerical form, it can be put into categories, rank order or measured in units of measurement.

Give 3 features of qualitative data

data that deals with description data is observed but not measured concerned with attitudes, beliefs, emotions

Give three features of quantitative data

data that deals with numbers data that can be measured psychologists measure psychological variables.

What is Qualitative data?

descriptive information that is not in numerical form. It can be turned into quantitative data by placing the information into categories and counting the frequency.

Give examples of where quantitative methods would be used

experiments, structured interviews and observations, psychometric tests

limitations of quantitative data

it could produce conclusions that are meaningless as it may oversimplify reality- e.g ticking boxes on a closed question in a questionnaire.

limitations of qualitative data

the complexity of information may make it harder to analyse and therefore it may need to be turned into quantitative data.

Give examples of where qualitative methods would be used

unstructured interviews, participant observations, case studies