RESEARCH DATA TYPES
RESEARCH DATA TYPES
I. Types of data
Data may be qualitative or quantitative. Once you know the difference between them, you can know
how to use them.
Qualitative Data: They represent some characteristics or attributes. They depict descriptions
that may be observed but cannot be computed or calculated. For example, data on attributes
such as intelligence, honesty, wisdom, cleanliness, and creativity collected using the students of
your class a sample would be classified as qualitative. They are more exploratory than conclusive
in nature.
Quantitative Data: These can be measured and not simply observed. They can be numerically
represented and calculations can be performed on them. For example, data on the number of
students playing different sports from your class gives an estimate of how many of the total
students play which sport. This information is numerical and can be classified as quantitative.
Primary and secondary methods of data collection are two approaches used to gather information for
research or analysis purposes. Let's explore each data collection method in detail:
The first techniques of data collection is Primary data collection which involves the collection of original
data directly from the source or through direct interaction with the respondents. This method allows
researchers to obtain firsthand information tailored to their research objectives. There are various
techniques for primary data collection, including:
a. Surveys and Questionnaires: Researchers design structured questionnaires or surveys to collect data
from individuals or groups. These can be conducted through face-to-face interviews, telephone calls,
mail, or online platforms.
b. Interviews: Interviews involve direct interaction between the researcher and the respondent. They can
be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Interviews can be structured
(with predefined questions), semi-structured (allowing flexibility), or unstructured (more conversational).
c. Observations: Researchers observe and record behaviors, actions, or events in their natural setting.
This method is useful for gathering data on human behavior, interactions, or phenomena without direct
intervention.
d. Experiments: Experimental studies involve manipulating variables to observe their impact on the
outcome. Researchers control the conditions and collect data to conclude cause-and-effect relationships.
e. Focus Groups: Focus groups bring together a small group of individuals who discuss specific topics in a
moderated setting. This method helps in understanding the opinions, perceptions, and experiences
shared by the participants.
The next techniques of data collection is Secondary data collection which involves using existing data
collected by someone else for a purpose different from the original intent. Researchers analyze and
interpret this data to extract relevant information. Secondary data can be obtained from various sources,
including:
b. Online Databases: Numerous online databases provide access to a wide range of secondary data, such
as research articles, statistical information, economic data, and social surveys.
c. Government and Institutional Records: Government agencies, research institutions, and organizations
often maintain databases or records that can be used for research purposes.
d. Publicly Available Data: Data shared by individuals, organizations, or communities on public platforms,
websites, or social media can be accessed and utilized for research.
e. Past Research Studies: Previous research studies and their findings can serve as valuable secondary
data sources. Researchers can review and analyze the data to gain insights or build upon existing
knowledge.
- The data collection frequency determines how up-to-date, consistent, and accurate your data is. If you
collect data too infrequently, you might miss out on important changes, trends, or events that affect your
data analysis.
- The frequency (f) of a particular value is the number of times the value occurs in the data. The
distribution of a variable is the pattern of frequencies, meaning the set of all possible values and the
frequencies associated with these values. Frequency distributions are portrayed as frequency tables or
charts.