Qualitative and Quantitative Data Evaluation

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Qualitative Data Strengths

  • Allows for the researcher to delve into the reasons for any quantitative findings 
  • Usally collected in a more natural real life situation equaling more ecologically valid data
  • Can be converted into quantative data if statistical anaylsis is needed
  • Results in more emotionally rich and detailed data allowing for researchers to understand a pps feelings and accounts well for situational context
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Qualitative Data Weaknesses

  • It is harder to replicate due to lack of controls used to collect the data
  • Is seen as less scientific and more subjective compared to quantitative data
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Quantitative Data Strengths

  • Gives mathmatical and statistical data which can be tested even further to analyse how down to chance they are
  • Can be easily represented in charts, graphs and in numbers allowing for more in depth anaysis and allowing most people to compently understand the meaning of the results
  • Uses operationalised varibvles allowing for them to be easily repeated improving the replicability and allowing for other researchers to check for reliability
  • Viewed as more scientific and objective than qualitative data
  • Usally easier to collect as tends to involve closed questions and structured interviews which are quicker
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Quantitative Data Weaknesses

  • May produce a very narrow unrealistic view of a situation that only focuses on small areas of behaviour not allowing for wider context to be taken in
  • Quantitative is quite inflexible and cannot be transffered to qualitative data whereas the reverse is true
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