What is Research Data:
"...materials generated or collected during the course of conducting research..."
Research data can be placed into two broad categories: quantitative or qualitative.
Quantitative data are used when a researcher is trying to quantify a problem, or address the "what" or "how many" aspects of a research question. It is data that can either be counted or compared on a numeric scale. For example, it could be the number of first year students at DkIT, or the ratings on a scale of 1-4 of the quality of food served at in the canteen This data are usually gathered using instruments, such as a questionnaire which includes a ratings scale or a thermometer to collect weather data. Statistical analysis software, such as SPSS, is often used to analyze quantitative data.
Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics. It is collected using questionnaires, interviews, or observation, and frequently appears in narrative form. For example, it could be notes taken during a focus group on the quality of the food at the canteen, or responses from an open-ended questionnaire. Qualitative data may be difficult to precisely measure and analyze. The data may be in the form of descriptive words that can be examined for patterns or meaning, sometimes through the use of coding. Coding allows the researcher to categorize qualitative data to identify themes that correspond with the research questions and to perform quantitative analysis.
Which method of research should I employ: "Information needs is dependent on your research question and research design
Research topics may be approached using either quantitative or qualitative methods. Choosing one method or the other depends on what you believe would provide the best evidence for your research objectives. Researchers sometimes choose to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative data in their research since these methods provide different perspectives on the topic.
Data are facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis
Research Data is any information that has been collected, observed, generated or created to validate original research findings.
Research Data includes :
Research data takes many different forms. Data may be intangible as in measured numerical values found in a spreadsheet or an object as in physical research materials such samples of rocks, plants, or insects. Here are some examples of the formats that data can take:
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Difference between Data and Statistics
While the terms ‘data’ and ‘statistics’ are often used interchangeably, in scholarly research there is an important distinction between them.
Data are individual pieces of factual information recorded and used for the purpose of analysis. It is the raw information from which statistics are created. Statistics are the results of data analysis - its interpretation and presentation. In other words some computation has taken place that provides some understanding of what the data means. Statistics are often, though they don’t have to be, presented in the form of a table, chart, or graph.
Both statistics and data are frequently used in scholarly research. Statistics are often reported by government agencies - for example, unemployment statistics or educational literacy statistics. Often these types of statistics are referred to as 'statistical data'.
CSO Central Statistic Office: Government body responsible for compiling Irish official statistics. Provides data and information on methodology.
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