QUALITATIVE DATA

 Observe
 record
 non-numerical kind
 observation techniques
 one-to-one interviews
 focus groups
EXAMPLE:
-The hair colors of players on a football team, the color of cars in a parking
lot, the letter grades of students in a classroom, the types of coins in a jar,
and the shape of candies in a variety pack are
all examples of qualitative data so long as a particular number is not
assigned to any of these descriptions.

QUANTITATIVE DATA
 Counts
 Numbers
 Test
 Experiments
 Surveys
 Metrics
 Market reports
 Data set has a specific numerical value associated with it.
EXAMPLE:
-Quantitative data is quantity data; that is, data that can be calculated with
numbers and written down. Your height, your shoe size, and the length of
your fingernails are some examples of quantitative data.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO IS
- Quantitative data can be counted, measured, and expressed using
numbers.
Qualitative data is descriptive and conceptual. Qualitative data can be
categorized based on traits and characteristics. Now that we got the
differences out of the way, let's dive into each type of data using real-world
examples.

Primary sources
 an original journal or diary
 a novel, poem or play
 original notes from an experiment or original research
 an original letter
 a piece of artwork or furniture, musical score, or theatrical
performance

Primary sources provide raw information and first-hand evidence.

Examples include interview transcripts, statistical data, and works of art. A
primary source gives you direct access to the subject of your research.
Secondary sources Examples:
 Books, articles and documentaries that synthesize information on a
topic
 Synopses and descriptions of artistic works
 Encyclopedias and textbooks that summarize information and ideas
 Reviews and essays that evaluate or interpret something
Secondary sources
provide second-hand information and commentary from other researchers.
Examples include journal articles, reviews, and academic books. A
secondary source describes, interprets, or synthesizes primary sources.
Here are the top six data collection methods:
 Interviews.
 Questionnaires and surveys.
 Observations.
 Documents and records.
 Focus groups.
 Oral histories.
INTERVIEW- Input from respondents directly or face-to - face contact is
collected from the interview or direct process. In general, interviews are a
qualitative research approach that involves asking open-ended questions to
connect with respondents and collect data on a topic. Interviews are
performed with a community sample and their conversational sound is the
main trait they display. Interviews are used to gather data on a wide variety
of topics from a specific group of subjects. You may use interviews that are
organized or unstructured.
QUESTIONAIRE AND SURVEYS- Since they are inexpensive and can
provide a broad perspective, questionnaires are a common means of data
collection. They can be performed face-to - face, by mail, by telephone, or
across the Internet (in which case respondents from anywhere in the world
can be included). Surveys are often used when information is sought from a
large number of people or on a wide range of topics (where in-depth
responses are not necessary). They can contain yes/no, true/false, multiple
choice, scaled, or open-ended questions — or all of the above. The same
survey can be conducted at spaced intervals to measure change over time.
Tips for designing a survey

 Keep it short and simple

 Include an introduction with basic directions
  List questions in a logical sequence
 Avoid jargon and complex language
 Provide adequate space for answers
OBSERVATION -A simple and unobtrusive way of gathering data is to
make direct observations. The accumulation of first-hand data in the field
gives the researcher a comprehensive viewpoint that helps them
understand the context in which the entity being examined functions or
occurs. If the observer is gathering data electronically (like with Fulcrum),
the observations are reported in field notes or on a mobile device.
Some examples of observational data collection are building inspections,
safety checklists, agricultural surveys, and damage assessments.
FOCUS GROUPS- A focus group is simply a group interview of people who
all have something in common. They provide the same type of data as in-
person interviews, but add a social element and offer a broader
understanding of why a group thinks or behaves in a particular way.
Focus groups are useful when examining cultural values or other complex
issues, but also have their drawbacks. Lack of privacy or anonymity can
present a major obstacle, as can “group think,” or the potential for the
group to be dominated by one or two participants .

ORAL HISTORIES- At first glance, an oral history might sound like an

interview. Both data collection methods involve asking questions. But an
oral history is more precisely defined as the recording, preservation, and
interpretation of historical information based on the opinions and personal
experiences of people who were involved in the events.

Unlike interviews and surveys, oral histories are linked to a single

phenomenon. For example, a researcher may be interested in studying
the effect of a flood on a community. An oral history can shed light on
exactly what transpired. It’s a holistic approach to evaluation that uses a
variety of techniques.

DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS- Sometimes you can collect a

considerable amount of data without asking anyone anything. Document-
and records-based research uses existing data for a study. Attendance
records, meeting minutes, and financial records are just a few examples
of this type of research.

Using documents and records can be efficient and inexpensive because

you’re predominantly using research that has already been completed.
However, since the researcher has less control over the results,
documents and records can be an incomplete data source.