Advantages and Disadvantages of Statistical data

?
  • Created by: Phil
  • Created on: 17-05-13 09:40

Advantages and Disadvantages of Statistical data

Advantages

  • Because it is secondary data it is usually cheap and is less time consuming because someone else has compiled it
  • Patterns and correlations are clear and visible
  • Taken from large samples so the generalisability is high
  • Can be used and re-used to check different variables
  • Can be imitated to check changes which increases reliability and representativeness

Disadvantages

  • The researcher cannot check validity and can't find a mechanism for a causation theory only draw patterns and correlations from the data
  • Statistical data is often secondary data which means that is can be easily be misinterpreted
  • Statistical data is open to abuse it can be manipulated and phrased to show the point the researcher wants to show (effects the objectivity)
  • Because this is often secondary data it is hard to access and check

Evaluation

Statistical data is clear and generalisable however it is lacking validity and objectivity

Comments

No comments have yet been made