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Give 5 examples of Quantitative data collection methods
- Experiments where variables are strictly measured for high control levels
- Self reports using closed questions and counting the number of responses for each questions in categories
- Structured observations where behaviours are counted or rated
- Correlations which measure the strength and relationship between two sets of scores
- Quantitative content analysis where content may be tallied or coded
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Give 4 examples of Qualitative data collection methods
- Self reports using open ended questions where answers can be summarised or transcribed in written form
- Qualitative observations where researchers describe or visually record what they see
- Case studies, which offer a detailed description of the person, group or situation under investigation
- Qualitative content analyses where content is described rather than scored in any way
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When are qualitative methods used?
- When there is little existing research and the issue in question is sensitive
- As a follow up for quantitative research, especially when the theory is seen as inadequate
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What are the strengths of qualitative data?
- It provides in depth, contextual information
- Data is holistic, taking all factors into account
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What are the strengths of quantitative data?
- It can be analysed through statistical tests
- It can be displayed in graph form allowing for more clear representation of data and patterns
- It involves the following of set instructions, making methodology more replicable
- It is objective and immune from bias
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What are the limitations of qualitative data?
- The data cannot be analysed or tested for significance
- The data is often subjective and is affected by the researcher collecting it
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What are the limitations of quantitative data?
- The information is not in depth
- Contextual information is not received
- It is reductionist- all behaviour is reduced down to a set of figures
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