1.2 Research methods

Question 1

Quantitative research

Answer 1

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).

Question 2

“big T” truth

Answer 2

Universal, applies to everyone.

Question 3

Qualitative

Answer 3

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).

Question 4

“little T” truth

Answer 4

Local, applies to specific cases.

Question 5

Research question

Answer 5

A broad or narrow question to be addressed by the research.

Question 6

Theory

Answer 6

A set of interrelated assumptions and propositions used to define and/or explain a specific phenomenon or a set of phenomena.

Question 7

Hypothesis

Answer 7

A testable proposition.

Question 8

Method

Answer 8

A specific research procedure used to test the hypothesis.

Question 9

Primary quantitative research methods

Answer 9

1. Correlational
2. Experimental

Question 10

Correlational research

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Positive correlation

Answer 11

As one variable increases so does the other.

Question 12

Negative correlation

Answer 12

As one variable increases the other decreases.

Question 13

Considerations for questionnaire design

Answer 13

Nature of sample, order of questions, response options, wording of questions, validity and reliability measures.

Question 14

Random sampling

Answer 14

Where everyone in the population of the study has an equal chance of being represented in the sample.

Question 15

Systematic sampling

Answer 15

Where members are drawn from a population at fixed intervals.

Question 16

Stratified sampling

Answer 16

Aims to ensure all features of the population are represented in the sample.

Question 17

Cluster sampling

Answer 17

When the population is sorted into groups and some ‘clusters’ feature in the sample.

Question 18

Opportunity sampling

Answer 18

A pragmatic form of sampling, where those who form the sample are those we have the best access to or are the most convenient.

Question 19

Snowball sampling

Answer 19

When the researcher ‘snowballs’ further participants from one respondent.

Question 20

Principled sampling

Answer 20

When participants are chosen for inclusion in research on ‘principled’ reasons for inclusion. Does not seek representativeness.

Question 21

Experimental research

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Control

Answer 22

Manipulating variables

Question 23

Independent variable

Answer 23

The experimental factors that a researcher manipulates.

Question 24

Dependent variable

Answer 24

The variable expected to be dependent on the manipulation or change in the independent variable.

Question 25

Random assignment

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Collecting data in qualitative research

Answer 26

Interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured), focus groups, observation, naturally occurring conversation, text (newspapers, diaries, transcripts), the internet (support groups, dating sites, etc).

Question 27

Structured interviews

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Limitations of structured interviews

Answer 28

Can lack validity as the questions may not reflect participants’ experiences or understanding.

Question 29

Semi-structured interviews

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Limitations of semi-structured interview

Answer 30

Lacks reliability. Poor researcher control for directing what is discussed in the interview and how it is discussed.

Question 31

Unstructured interviews

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

Limitations of unstructured interviews

Answer 32

Very poor reliability. Researcher has very little control over the interview. Interview may not reflect interests or concerns of the researcher.

Question 33

Research ethics concerns

Answer 33

Informed consent, use deception only if it is necessary and justified, protect participants, confidentiality, debriefing, ethics in online researcher.

Question 34

Key aspects of quantitative approach

Answer 34

Statistics, relations between variables, larger sample sizes, claims of universality.

Question 35

Key aspects of qualitative approach

Answer 35

Thematic/content analysis, interpretation of experiences, smaller sample sizes, local claims.