Types of Data in Psychological Research
Study Edexcel Psychology data questions by identifying qualitative and quantitative data, primary and secondary sources, and their research uses.
- Syllabus
- 2026
- Course
- Psychology XPS01/YPS01
- Level
- A2
Exam points
- Distinguish qualitative descriptions from quantitative numerical measurements in a research scenario.
- Identify primary data as collected by the researcher and secondary data as previously collected evidence.
- Apply the data type to the study’s aim, recognising the strengths and limits of each form.
9.1.1 - Types of data question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Elijah interviewed seven people about their experiences of flying using a semi-structured interview technique.
Give one strength of using qualitative data to investigate people's experiences of flying.
After gathering this data, Elijah wanted to find out if there were any similarities in the responses from interviewees who are fearful of flying.
AO2 (1 mark), AO3 (1 mark)
Credit one mark for identification of strength in relation to scenario (AO2)
Credit one mark for justification of strength (AO3)
For example:
- Qualitative data can give a personal viewpoint of fear of flying such
as a bad flight or seeing a plane crash on television (1) so qualitative
data allows this in depth, more complex detail to be gathered about
individual flying experiences making data more valid (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
Generic answers score 0 marks.
(2)
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