1.2 Research methods Flashcards
Quantitative research
An approach to research aimed at studying the relationship between variables. Variables are expressed numerically and their relationships are explored through statistical analysis. Universal =(“big T” truth - applies to everyone).
“big T” truth
Universal, applies to everyone.
Qualitative
An approach to research based on the interpretation of qualitative data, not statistical analysis of numerical data. Local (“little T” truth - applies to specific cases).
“little T” truth
Local, applies to specific cases.
Research question
A broad or narrow question to be addressed by the research.
Theory
A set of interrelated assumptions and propositions used to define and/or explain a specific phenomenon or a set of phenomena.
Hypothesis
A testable proposition.
Method
A specific research procedure used to test the hypothesis.
Primary quantitative research methods
- Correlational
- Experimental
Correlational research
The study of naturally occurring relationships among variables. Associations indicate a relationship. They cannot necessarily tell us whether changing one variable will caused changes in the other.
Positive correlation
As one variable increases so does the other.
Negative correlation
As one variable increases the other decreases.
Considerations for questionnaire design
Nature of sample, order of questions, response options, wording of questions, validity and reliability measures.
Random sampling
Where everyone in the population of the study has an equal chance of being represented in the sample.
Systematic sampling
Where members are drawn from a population at fixed intervals.
Stratified sampling
Aims to ensure all features of the population are represented in the sample.
Cluster sampling
When the population is sorted into groups and some ‘clusters’ feature in the sample.
Opportunity sampling
A pragmatic form of sampling, where those who form the sample are those we have the best access to or are the most convenient.
Snowball sampling
When the researcher ‘snowballs’ further participants from one respondent.
Principled sampling
When participants are chosen for inclusion in research on ‘principled’ reasons for inclusion. Does not seek representativeness.
Experimental research
Studies that seek to understand cause-effect relationships by manipulating one or more factors (independent variables) while controlling others (holding them constant). Each social psychological experiment have control and random assignment.
Control
Manipulating variables
Independent variable
The experimental factors that a researcher manipulates.
Dependent variable
The variable expected to be dependent on the manipulation or change in the independent variable.
Random assignment
The process of assigning participants to the conditions of an experiment such that all persons have the same chance of being in a given chance.
Collecting data in qualitative research
Interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured), focus groups, observation, naturally occurring conversation, text (newspapers, diaries, transcripts), the internet (support groups, dating sites, etc).
Structured interviews
Fixed questions asked in the same order. These are typically answered using a predefined set of response options. Because response options tend to correspond quantities, this type of interview is more commonly used in a quantitative approach.
Limitations of structured interviews
Can lack validity as the questions may not reflect participants’ experiences or understanding.
Semi-structured interviews
Contains key questions to maintain relevance. Flexible order in which questions are phrased and presented during interview to suit the experiences of the participant. Can build good rapport with the interviewee. Useful for studying sensitive topics and issues.
Limitations of semi-structured interview
Lacks reliability. Poor researcher control for directing what is discussed in the interview and how it is discussed.
Unstructured interviews
Contains key topics. Very flexible wording and presentation of questions. Participant-driven to capture their experience and understanding of the phenomena under investigation. Can build good rapport with the interviewee. Useful for studying sensitive topics and issues.
Limitations of unstructured interviews
Very poor reliability. Researcher has very little control over the interview. Interview may not reflect interests or concerns of the researcher.
Research ethics concerns
Informed consent, use deception only if it is necessary and justified, protect participants, confidentiality, debriefing, ethics in online researcher.
Key aspects of quantitative approach
Statistics, relations between variables, larger sample sizes, claims of universality.
Key aspects of qualitative approach
Thematic/content analysis, interpretation of experiences, smaller sample sizes, local claims.
