FIU Libraries: Research Methods Help Guide: Types of Data

Introduction

Studies can use quantitative data, qualititative data, or both types of data. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages. Explore the resources in the box at the left for more information.

Of the available library databases, only ERIC (for education topics) and PsycINFO (for psychology topics) allow you to limit your results by the type of data a study uses. Hover over the database name below for information on how to do so.

Note: database limits are helpful but not perfect. Rely on your own judgment when determining if data match the type you are seeking.

ERIC (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
PsycINFO This link opens in a new window

Quantitative Data

Numerical data.

Quantitative variables can be continuous or discrete.

Continuous: the variable can, in theory, be any value within a certain range. Can be measured.
- Examples: height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol.
Discrete: the variable can only have certain values, usually whole numbers. Can be counted.
- Examples: number of visits to doctor in last year, number of fractures, number of children.

How to Analyze Quantitative Data

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical data.

Qualitative variables can be nominal or ordinal.

Nominal: the variable does not have a specific order.
- Examples: eye color, blood type, ethnicity.
Ordinal: the variable has a specific order.
- Examples: stages of cancer, class letter grade, position in a race.

How to Analyze Qualitative Data

Floor		Resources
One		Center for Academic Success: University Learning/Testing Center Electronic Classroom Broadcast Video Productions Resource for Education Technology UTS - Media Equipment Services Distance Learning Electronic Classroom Instructional Photography & Graphics
Two		Information & Research Services Curriculum & Juvenile Collection LACiC - Latin American and Caribbean Center Government Documents GIS-RS Center & Teaching Lab Maps & Imagery User Statistics
Three		Periodicals & Newspapers Laptop Lounge Honors College Student Resource Center College of Medicine Library Copiers Systems
Four		College of Medicine Special Collections & Archivese Academic Space Management School of Social Work Study Area
Five		Audiovisual Collection Diaz Ayala Collection Architecture and Fine Arts (General Collection and Periodical Section N) Music (General Collection and Periodical Section M) Music Listening Room Music CAI Center Spanish Resource Center Group Study Rooms
Six		Quiet Study Space Group Study Rooms General Collection HJ-L & P-Z Oversized Books
Seven		General Collection A-HG Quiet Study Floor Group Study Rooms
Eight		Library Administration Collection Management Digital Collections Center

Floor		Resources
One		Circulation Course Reserves Intercampus/Interlibrary Loan Information and Research Services Center for Excellence in Writing Communication Arts Studio Computer Labs/Copiers
Two		Microforms Periodicals Juvenile Collection Oversize Collection Video Collection Government Documents Reference Workroom Reference Collection Copiers
Three		General Collection, A-Z Library Administration

Research Methods Help Guide

More Information

Database Guides

Introduction

Quantitative Data

Qualitative Data

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