The quantitative data analysis

The quantitative information psychoanalysisQuantitative information analysis has been an inevit fit part of social science query. Like either early(a) discipline, the theories are taught to students to give them an idea and generalisation of social facts and books, journals and another(prenominal) sources are wontd for the same. However, at times these sources are not adequate to(predicate) and enquiry needs to be done in evidence to sort kayoed a deeper knowledge. That is when quantitative information analysis comes into picture.There have been questions raise on the need to examine quantitative information analysis with the progeny of importance of qualititative information (Bryman 1988a), but the formers importance has waned little. It helps that a larger equipoise of empirical look that is conducted draws upon quantitative data.The look for innovation for any inquiry vignette undertaken includes the manner that needs to be applied for the purpose of l ay in and analysing data.selective information entreaty weed be done two bearings- prime array and subaltern analysis of data. When the look forer collects data on their deliver for the sole purpose of the research that they are conducting, they are making implement of elementary data army. The procedures use in these array best suits the research problem at hand. The subaltern analysis of data involves collecting data for a different research purpose but that is reused for the collapse research question.Primary and unessential DataAs explained before, data collected for the specific problem, master(a) data involves addition of new data to the exist come in of knowledge surrounding the research area. When this material is used by other researchers, then this becomes junior-grade. Hox and Boeije (2005) maintain that the primary data whoremaster be used forDescription of contemporary and historical attribute,Comparative research or reproductive memory of origina l research,Reanalysis for the purpose of asking new questions which were not addressed originally, investigate design and methodological advancement and lastly for 5. instruction and learningSecondary analysis utilises the existing data, collected for the purposes of a prior study, in order to pursue a research interest which is searching from that of the original play (Heaton 2002).Secondary data analysis is usually do of quantitative data where the information is made of researched objects whose characteristics have been coded in variables that can have a range of values. In fact, supplementary analysis of quantitative data is reciprocal but the practice is not the same when it comes to qualitative data (Hinds, Vogel and Clarke-Steffen 1997).Strengths and Weaknesses complaisant science researchers undertaking research have a choice of opting to go for primary data- information that they need to collect by themselves or for secondary- scrutinizing for data that relates to th e research problem in hand. There are distinct pros and cons of going for both. In this section, we leave discuss what advantages or disadvantages the researcher faces when using any of these data collection methods.One of the important advantages of going the way of primary data collection is that making use of the theoretical constructs, research design and the data collection strategy can be build with the research question in mind. This will ensure that the research study is coherent and the data collected is distinctly relevant to the problem at hand.A disadvantage lies in the fact that primary data collection can be quite time consuming and expensive use and considering the limitations of certain research study in terms of time and budget, primary data collection efficacy not be a workable option for many researchers.Another aspect of primary data collection is in its error inducing nature. Sampling errors made by ineffectual field workers can skew up the research.Some o f the prominent data collection methods in primary data are experiments, surveys like interviews, ring mail and web surveys. In the case of the experiment, the researcher is able to have a control on who participates in the research and the research situation beingness under the researchers control means that there is strong control of design and procedure permitting causal interpretation of the results. Thus the ability to have many control may be a distinct advantage for primary data, however this can turn into a disadvantage too as one might plead that the researchers control has made the research artificial. In an experimental laboratory, variables are soft manageable and there is no come out for the circumstantial swerves that dominate in everyday life. While conducting surveys, the researcher is able to gather both subjective as well as objective characteristics of the population. If interview questions are carefully designed, evaluated and tested, surveys are a very me thod to obtain first-hand valid responses from respondents.Effectively, this leads us to understanding of the advantage of secondary data analysis. Secondary data is far easier to collect and is less expensive and the glide slope to relevant information is faster. The disadvantage lies in the fact that secondary data was collected originally for a different purpose and therefore might not be optimal for the research problem that is being considered.Heaton points out another argument favouring the use of secondary data analysis stating that it can be used to generate new knowledge, new hypotheses supporting an existing theory and it also reduces the burden that is placed on respondents (for primary data collection) by removing the need to further recruit subjects thus allowing a wider use of data from rare and inaccessible respondents.Not all social research problems can allow the usage of secondary analysis. It has been determined that it is more cheerful for certain researchers, namely students and in some cases by researchers re-using their own data rather than by independent analysts. (Szabo and Strang 1997).In their own right secondary data analysis is an effective tool in teaching method as it helps in introducing students to a discipline and provides a supplement to the process of teaching (Sobal 1982).But the cons behind using the same are numerous. The researcher will need to locate the source of data that is more relevant to the study and this can be time consuming as pointed out earlier. The researcher should also be able to retrieve the data, which at times can be difficult. Also, the data should be able to meet the quality requirements of the present research. Besides, the reliability of the secondary data is also a major blend of the organisation that gathers, organises and publishes the data.Another crippling factor that arises in the use of secondary analysis is that it differs from systematic studys and the meta-analyses of qualitative stu dies that aim towards compiling and assessing the evidence relating to a common research concern or area of practice (Popay, Rogers and Williams 1998).An issue that doesnt come in forefront when discussing secondary analysis is the principle of ethical motive behind using it. In using sensitive data, the researcher cannot scratch informed consent. A professional judgement needs to be made about the usage of the secondary data and whether that violates any contract in the midst of the researchers and the original researcher (Hinds, Vogel and Clarke-Steffen 1997).ConclusionIn conclusion, one may say that there are several advantages and disadvantages of secondary data analysis to collection of ones own primary data, and its usage is best suited to some research issues. But secondary data analysis is a valuable summation as they can act as a model for the collection of primary data. Suffice it to say that there might not be a need to choose between primary data and secondary data an alysis at all, as the researcher can easily incorporate both in their research to gain a grad of balance between their strengths and weaknesses. What is most important is that both primary as well as secondary data should be accurate, reliable, appropriate, valid, precise and timely.ReferencesBryman, A. 1988), measuring stick and Quality in Social Research, London RoutledgeHeaton, L Secondary analysis of qualitative data, 2003, in R. Miller and J. Brewer (eds.) The A-Z of Social Research, Sage, pp 285-288Hinds, P.S., Vogel, R.J., Clarke-Steffen, L. (1997) The possibilities and pitfalls of doing a secondary analysis of a qualitative data set, Qualitative health Research, vol. 7(3) 408-24.Hox, J.J. and Boeije, H.R. (2005). Data collection, primary versus secondary. in K. Kempf-Leonard (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Social Measurement, pp. 593-599Popay, J., Rogers, A., Williams, G. (1998) Rationale and standards for the systematic review of qualitative literature in health services research , Qualitative Health Research, vol. 8 (3) pp. 329-40Sobal, J. 1982, The Role of Secondary Data Analysis in Teaching the Social Sciences, Library Trends, vol. 30, n3, p479-88.Szabo, V. and Strang, V.R. (1997) Secondary analysis of qualitative data, Advances in nursing Science, vol. 20(2) 66-74.