Primary Data
1. Primary data is that which is obtained by soliciting direct responses from individuals being queried. These individuals are reporting their personal experience, attitudes and feelings. Primary data is the outcome of interviewing and survey methods. Secondary data is information obtained by reviewing the existing academic literature consisting of studies that have been done, analyzing what is "out there", and determining trends or patterns of evidence from many studies. Problems with primary data include the possibility that the research design is limited in the fact that it is given to a strictly controlled, limited group, which may not be representative of the overall population. The results from a convenience sample cannot be generalized to the population. Factors including but not limited to gender, nationality, economic situation and others could be expected to impact the effectiveness of application of results to 'real world' situations. Sometimes researchers choose to disregard their own interpretations and to accept those of respondents at face value. This can be cozy but may lead to collusion: Atkinson has warned of the dangers of "romanticizing" respondents' accounts (Anastas, 12004). Problems with secondary
There are a number of prescriptive methods by which quantitative methods may be combined with qualitative methods, as well as checklists and step-by-step assurances that facts are verified, collaborated and that problems including internal validity, restriction of range, sampling errors and other concerns can be addressed. It is possible for a study to be valid and yet not reliable; reliability may be affected by location and human aspects and other variables. Researchers need to convey the accuracy and credibility of their studies and the appropriateness of the research design for maintaining the validity of findings. The validity of the research is concerned with the dependent variable; results can be influenced by internal (how the treatment of the study influences the outcome) and external validity (how well the results may be generalized). Such exercises encourage thoroughness, both in interrogating the data at hand and in providing an account of how an analysis was developed. It is also important that validity be maintained by using effective and efficient measurements; for that reason, it is always good to use research methods that have proven valid by other researchers previously; that way the precedent can always be invoked. Concerns facing the researcher include identifying the most salient and determinant variables, and verification that these variables are consistent and truly determinant. The classic example is "Do you still beat your wife?" because no one is going to admit to violent or criminal behavior, even if the researcher promises not to disclose the answer to anyone. data is that the researcher was not personally involved and does not know how relatively rigorously the research was done; this may compromise his/her observations and analysis. The reliability of the data has to do with its ability to be replicated. This is not to produce a concordance, from which the research would merely validate generally accepted findings, but to avoid limitations of validity. Determination includes which definitions that work for the research and the researcher; consideration includes cost, time and general resources available.
Common topics in this essay:
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research design,
qualitative research,
primary data,
internal validity,
external validity,
secondary data,
validity threats,
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Acceptance Essays
