8.2 Social and cultural research methods Flashcards
Research methods
Quantitative research
type of data, from who, comparing to others & research skills needed
- Numerical: statistics, trends, tables, graphs & diagrams
- Objective data
- Close-ended questions > large populations
- Easy to compare w/ other studies
- Relies on researchers organisational skills & interpreting
Research methods
Qualitative research
type of data, from who, comparing to others & research skills needed
- Descriptive prose, quotations & summaries
- Subjective data
- Open-ended questions > small group
- Difficult to compare w/ other studies
- Rely on interpretive skills > complex data
Research methods
Quantitative methods
examples
- Questionnaire (closed-ended Q)
- Content analysis (detect and count)
- Statistical analysis (statistics and trends)
- Observation (detects and counts)
Research methods
Qualitative methods
examples
- Questionnaire
- Content analysis
- Interview
- Focus group
- Secondary research
- Personal reflection
- Participant observation
- Case study
Primary research methodologies
What is a questionnaire?
Survey of open/closed-ended questions > collect info & data (qualitative & quantitative) from wide range of participants
Primary research methodologies
Questionnaire
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Qual.+Quant. data
* Access to large amount of participants
* Easy to compose
Disadvantages
* Impersonal
* Can be misunderstood
* Analysis can be time consuming
* Bias
* Can cause offence to people
Primary research methodologies
What is an interview?
A one on one consultation between participant & researcher > structured, semi structured or unstructured method
Primary research methodologies
Interview
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Insight into thoughts
* Use of expert opinion
* Different types of interview allow for some flexibility
* Excellent qualitative information
Disadvantages
* Interviewee reluctanct to discuss some topics
* Recording details and quotes - potential to misinterpret
* You can influence the answer (bias)
* Skills require for unstructured interview
Primary research methodologies
What is observation?
The act of watching & recording behaviour within a clearly defined area to collect information & data of the observee’s. Researcher is not part of the activity being observed.
Primary research methodologies
Observation
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Achievable and accesible
* Both qualitative and quantitative
* Good for shyer researchers
Disadvantages
* Observer only records what is relevant
* Observer is removed from situation
* Can be time consuming
Primary research methodologies
What is participant observation?
When the researcher is immersed in the action which they are observing
Primary research methodologies
Participant observation
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Closer to situation for better understanding, knowledge and analysis
* Collection of different perspectives
* More engaging due to genuine involvement
Disadvantages
* Time consuming
* Ethical implications = to inform a group or to not inform a group
* Lead to bias, loses objectivity
* Possible safety issues
Primary research methodologies
What is content analysis?
The study and intrepretation of written and visual material
Primary research methodologies
Content analysis
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Representative sample of all content - generalisation
* Good coding system can be reused and adapted
* Quantitative and qualitative
* Provide historical insight
Disadvantages
* Content overload
* Time-consuming
* Too many variables (context of film)
* Often mistaken for a thematic study
* Disregards context
Primary research methodologies
What is a focus group?
A group of deliberately selected people who participate in a facilitated discussion to obtain consumer perceptions about a particular topic
Primary research methodologies
Focus group
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* It is used to understand opinions
* Can complement quantitative results
* Discussion allows for differing perspectives & comparisons
Disadvantages
* Hard to organise
* Can be costly
* Time-consuming
* May lead to group conflict affecting outcome
Primary research methodologies
What is statistical analysis?
Collecting, exploreing and presenting large amounts of data to discover underlying patterns and trends
Primary research methodologies
Statistical analysis
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Easy to present large amounts of info
* Provides background info for further research
* Provides answers to research questions
* You can interpret meaning, make generalisations and extrapolate trends
Disadvantages
* Tables can be difficult to understand
* Statistics are not always accurate
* They may be biased due to the interpretation of the researcher
Primary research methodologies
What is personal reflection?
A response to a particular stimulus, exploring personal experiences, feelings and events of the researcher
Primary research methodologies
Personal reflection
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Important starting point in reviewing subjectivity
* Allows understanding of personal knowledge
* Non-time consuming & easy
Disadvantages
* Involves bias through an individual’s attempt to understand their own strengths and weaknesses - difficult to be objective
Primary research methodologies
What is secondary research
Involves using already existing data
Primary research methodologies
Secondary research
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Allows for collection of large data (both quantitative and qualitative)
* Valid sources allow for genuine information or insights
* Readily available which is cost effective & saves time
Disadvantages
* Information standardised, allowing misinterpretation
* Can obtain broad results that are not specific to individual research
* Information might be outdated
Primary research methodologies
What is a case study?
An in-depth & up-close detailed examination of a particular case in the real world
Primary research methodologies
Case study
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
* Allows in depth understanding & data collection
* Develops analytical & problem-solving skills
* Accessible > able to be on the scale of resources that are available
* Gives you a range of research methods
Disadvantages
* Requires small sample sizes > results may not generalise to others
* Not necessarily factual/scientific
* Can be time-consuming
* Unrepresentative of wider context
Ethical research
7 dot points
- Promotes trust & comfortability (info = ^honest/genuine)
- Participants are fully informed, given consent/permission
- Must not be put in awkward situations
- Researcher is honest & open about topic
- Confidentiality/privacy is ensured
- Researcher prevents negative effects
- Awareness for vulnerable groups, eg children
The process of research
10 steps
- Decide a topic
- Develop focus question
- Gather background info
- Design the research (methods, questions, sampls of the population)
- Develop research methods to be used
- Apply research methods ethically
- Compile/organise collected info/data (so it is manageable)
- Analyse, synthesis and interpret findings
- Conclude in an appropriate format, considering the audience for the final product
- Edit final product, ensure all bibliographical info is included & correct
What is social & cultural literacy?
Possessing a body of knowledge and understanding skills that allows one to share, communicate effectively, and respect themselves and others
Characteristics of a socially and culturally literate individual:
6 dot points
- Sense of personal, social and cultural identity
- Understands culture underpins one’s behaviour, beliefs and values
- Interested in all levels of societal interactions
- Empathises & appreciates diversity
- Researches ethically & effectively
- Communicates effectively with diverse groups
