Quantitative and qualitative analysis
After collecting data, the researcher must analyse them (make sense of them).
- Quantitative analysis: data are numbers (scores, times, counts). We use statistics such as the mean (average), percentages and graphs. Worked example: scores 6, 8, 7, 9, 10 → sum 40 → mean = 40 ÷ 5 = 8.
- Qualitative analysis: data are words, pictures, diaries and interviews. The researcher reads them again and again, codes key ideas and groups them into themes, such as "loneliness" and "support".
These two are not rivals: many studies use both (mixed methods), because numbers show "how much" and words show "what it means".
Limitations of psychological enquiry
- Lack of a true zero point: on a ruler, 0 cm means no length. On a psychological test, a score of 0 does not mean zero intelligence or zero anxiety. So we cannot say one person is "twice as intelligent" as another.
- Relative nature of psychological tools: tests are made for a certain culture and group. A test made in one country or city may not suit children from a different language or way of life; tools must be adapted.
- Subjective interpretation of qualitative data: the same words ("I am fine") may be read differently by different researchers, so conclusions may vary.
Ethical issues in psychological research
Research is done with people, so their rights and well-being come first.
- Voluntary participation: people join by free choice, with no pressure, and can leave at any time without penalty.
- Informed consent: before the study, participants are told what they will do and any risks, and they agree. For children, parents or guardians give consent.
- Debriefing: after the study, the researcher explains the real aim (especially if something was hidden) and makes sure no one leaves anxious or upset.
- Sharing results: participants have a right to know the findings in simple words.
- Confidentiality: names are replaced by codes; data are stored safely and never shown in a way that identifies anyone.
Try it: ethics checklist
Before any class project survey, write a 5-line checklist: (1) Did everyone agree freely? (2) Did they know what the survey was about? (3) Will I explain the purpose after? (4) Will I tell them the results? (5) Have I used codes, not names? Then test the six situations in the 3D free-play step.
Key formulas and definitions
- Mean = sum of scores ÷ number of scores
- Quantitative = numbers + statistics; Qualitative = words + themes
- Limits: no true zero; relative tools; subjective interpretation
- Ethics: voluntary participation, informed consent, debriefing, sharing results, confidentiality
Worked examples
1. Five students scored 12, 15, 10, 18 and 20 on a memory test. Find the mean.
Sum = 12 + 15 + 10 + 18 + 20 = 75. Mean = 75 ÷ 5 = 15.
2. A researcher reads 30 diaries of hostel students and finds that many talk about missing food from home and making new friends. What kind of analysis is this?
Qualitative analysis: words are coded and grouped into themes ("missing home", "new friendships").
3. Riya scored 60 and Aman 120 on an anxiety scale. Can we say Aman is twice as anxious?
No. Psychological scales have no true zero, so ratios like "twice" are not meaningful. We can only say Aman scored higher.
4. Which ethical rule is broken? A study hides its aim to avoid bias and ends without telling participants anything.
Debriefing: after such a study, the true aim must be explained and any worry removed.
Common mistakes
- Thinking qualitative analysis is "unscientific". It is systematic; it studies meanings.
- Saying a score of zero means no ability at all. Psychological tests have no true zero.
- Treating consent as just a signature. The person must truly understand the study first.
- Believing confidentiality means hiding the results. Results are shared; identities are hidden.