qualitative data

Question 1

what is qualitative data

Answer 1

when the data can be observed and analysed

eg feelings, emotions and meanings

Question 2

how is qualitative data analysed

Answer 2

thematically

• favours depth of material leading to better validity and verstehen

Question 3

primary sources for qualitative data

Answer 3

interviews, observations

Question 4

secondary sources for qualitative data

Answer 4

diaries, media, the internet

Question 5

advantages of qualitative data

Answer 5

• can provide very rich data thats full of detail
• can provide fuller responses that reveal the respondents’ true feelings and views
• can observe behaviour in its natural setting
• doesn’t force people into ‘boxes’
• can be done covertly

Question 6

disadvantages of qualitative data

Answer 6

• the research normally can’t be repeated to test accuracy of researcher’s claims
• normally the sample size is very small meaning the study does not represent wider society
• researcher may change the behaviour of respondents by their presence
• researcher may use personal bias when interpreting and selecting data