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Summary Data Collection Paper
- Module
- A level Psychology
- Institution
- A Level Psychology
Full data collection paper with full marks.
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Erin Bruce 1523676Data Collection Assignment
1. While psychology frequently uses primary research to gather data, other social
sciences use secondary research. Explain the difference between primary and
secondary research and describe an example of each.
Primary research is the original research, it is empirical research and are written by
the researchers who carried out the investigation. It is often expensive, however,
more accurate and reliable than secondary sources. Secondary research is often
articles or books not written by the researcher but someone using their results.
Secondary research is often more easily found and economical. Secondary data may
not include every part of the primary data meaning it may miss information that is
valuable to the researcher.
Hazan and Shaver (1987) carried out primary research, their aim was to find if there
is a correlation between infant’s attachment types and their romantic relationships
in later life. Two questionnaires (checklists) were used, one measuring childhood
relationships with parents and the other a ‘love experience’ questionnaire measuring
their beliefs of romantic relationships/love. They found 56% of participants were
‘secure’, meaning they are more likely to have longer lasting and balanced
relationships. The rest were made up of two insecure attachment types. The three
attachment styles of childhood were mostly the same as adulthood although there
were some exceptions.
Kanner et all (1981) conducted secondary research aiming to find if daily
struggles/hassles were more stressful than major life events. 100 participants
(upper-middle class) were asked to circle events (on a scale) they had experienced in
the last month, rating them on the severity and the hassle it caused, they took part
in this once a month for ten months. They found minor stressors cause psychological
symptoms of stress. The positive parts of the month have a more positive effect on
women than men.
, Erin Bruce 1523676
2. Describe what is meant by quantitative and qualitative data.
Quantitative data is in numerical form and structured. This data can be used for
statistical data. This data has more quantity although less quality (no open-ended
surveys), to gather quantitative data, surveys or one on one interviews can be used.
This data gives accurate results and little/no bias although may not be as in depth. As
this method is not time consuming, more participants can be used meaning it is
more likely the results can be generalised. Specific opinions cannot be gathered
through this type of data collection. Qualitative data cannot be expressed
numerically, the data is presented in text or timelines and is unstructured. The data
is gathered through interviews, participant observation or surveys (with open ended
questions). This method is usually time consuming but offers insightful and in-depth
results as well as specific opinions/feeling of the participants. The data collected is
high in quality, it is accurate. Often sampling is used if a study requires qualitative
data as it is time consuming and can be expensive. However, the lack of participants
could mean that the results cannot be generalised.
3. Give a detailed description of one quantitative method and one qualitative method
of collecting data. For each of your chosen methods explain three possible sources of
error.
A quantitative method is a field experiment. This experiment takes place in a real-life
setting, giving better ecological validity. Therefore, participants usually do not know
they are taking part and more accurate results are found. It allows the researcher to
manipulate the IV to find the effect on the DV, allowing the research question to be
answered. Field experiments can also include many people, and due to the real life
setting the results can be better generalised. However, certain groups of people may
be missed if they are not in the location of the field experiment meaning the results
are not accurate for everyone. There is a lot less control than a laboratory
experiment where extraneous variables may alter the results compromising the
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