Types of Research Data

Start with types of data

This page brings together resources on how sociologists collect and use data. A useful starting point is Primary and Secondary Data and Data Sources, a mind map that introduces primary data collected by sociologists and sources such as social surveys, questionnaires and interviews. It also includes secondary data, making it a place to begin comparing the terms.

The flashcards in Research Methods: Types of Data cover primary and secondary data alongside examples such as participant observation, experiments, official statistics and documents. After looking at the mind map, you can use the cards to practice connecting each example with its type of data.

Build connections with maps and flashcards

The Primary and Secondary Data mind map describes primary data collected firsthand by sociologists. The Types of Data mind map also looks at primary and secondary data and notes considerations such as the time and expense of collecting data. Comparing the maps can help you organize the ideas before returning to the flashcards.

Researching Social Life adds terms including quantitative and qualitative data, reliability, validity and representativeness. You can work through those cards alongside a map, using the map to see connections and the cards to practice individual terms. There are no quizzes listed on this page, so the flashcards offer a way to check your recall instead.

Connect data to Research Methods

Types of Research Data is a section of the Research Methods unit in Sociology. The notes titled Reseach and Methods connect collecting and using data with reliability and validity. The Quantitative Research Methods flashcards also cover laboratory and field experiments, including practical, ethical and theoretical issues.

Together, these resources offer ways to move from identifying types of data to considering how data is collected and used. Choose a resource that fits what you are studying and explore the related maps and cards.