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Distinction between primary and secondary data
Distinction between primary and secondary data
In a scientific context, data is the results collected from an experiment or investigation used for analysis. Data may take many forms and is gathered in a variety of ways, depending on the type of question being investigated.
Primary data is data that you collect directly by conducting an experiment. It is considered 'primary' because the individual analysing the data has personally collected the data. The key advantage is that the investigation ban be structured in a way to directly answer the research question. However, it is often limited in focus and cannot always be applied to other research questions.
Secondary data is data drawn from existing published or unpublished research. The individual analysing the data has not personally collected the data, it was collected by others and it is important to understand the methodology used. The data collected may not directly answer the research question, but can often be applied to a variety of different questions.
Additional information, including how to evaluate secondary sources and the quality of evidence can be found in the Nelson textbook pages 395-400.
Distinction between opinion, anecdote and evidence
Distinction between opinion, anecdote and evidence
Claims can be based on opinion, anecdote or scientific evidence and can be classified as such according to the type of evidence from which they are drawn.
Opinion describes a claim or judgement formed by an individual that can be drawn from a combination of circumstantial evidence, experience, inference and speculation.
An anecdote describes a claim that is based on or supported by personal observations or personal experience.
Both opinions and anecdotes are considered as weak forms of evidence.
Scientific evidence, is a strong form of evidence that is based on data that has been systematically collected in order to specifically support or refute a claim. The data used needs to be verifiable and collected from experiments that can be replicated.
Evaluating Evidence
Evaluating Evidence
The substance of claims depends upon the characteristics and quality of the evidence that supports them. One helpful tool in evaluating secondary sources is the Harvard University's CRAAP test. This framework is summarised in table 10.2 on page 396 in the Nelson textbook.
As part of your research, you will need to summarise and evaluate at least 3 resources using the CRAAP test, as outlined in the document to the right.
You will also need to include a bibliography of resources used in the correct APA formatting. The cite this for me website can be used to assist with this.
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