Types of data and their usefulness

Overview

Primary and secondary, quantitative and qualitative data, official statistics and the census, non-official statistics, diaries and academic journals.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is primary data?

   Model answer

   Primary data is information a sociologist collects first-hand for their own study. Questionnaires, interviews and observation all produce primary data.

2. 2

   What is secondary data?

   Model answer

   Secondary data is information that already exists because someone else collected or produced it. A sociologist reuses it rather than gathering it afresh.

3. 3

   Why might a sociologist collect primary data rather than rely on secondary data?

   Model answer

   Primary research lets the sociologist decide exactly what is asked, and of whom. The data therefore fits the research question and is up to date.

4. 4

   Why might a sociologist use secondary data instead of collecting their own?

   Model answer

   Secondary data is usually cheap and quick to obtain. Secondary sources can also cover whole populations or past periods that no single researcher could study.

5. 5

   Define quantitative data.

   Model answer

   Quantitative data is information in numerical form, such as percentages, rates or totals. Researchers can present it in tables and graphs.

6. 6

   Define qualitative data.

   Model answer

   Qualitative data is information in words or images that describes people's experiences, feelings and meanings. Diaries and interview transcripts are typical examples.

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