Explain the nature of psychological data.

(i) Psychologists collect a variety of information/data from different sources employing diverse methods. The information relate to the individuals covert or overt behaviour, their subjective experiences, and mental processes.

(ii) Data form an important input in psychological enquiry. They in fact approximate the reality to some extent and provide an opportunity to verify or falsify our ideas, hunches, notions, etc.

(iii) Data are not independent entities. They are located in a context and are tied to the method and theory that govern the process of data collection. In other words, data are not independent of the physical or social context, the persons involved, and the time when the behaviour occurs.

(iv) The method of data collection used and the characteristics of respondents also influence the nature and quality of data.

(v) Also, data does not in itself speak about reality. Inferences have to be made from data. A researcher attaches meaning to the data by placing it in its proper context.