9.1 - Research methodology: Research Methods

Question 1

Research method

Answer 1

Interviews
Questionnaires
Case studies
literature reviews
Observations

Question 2

Questionnaires

Answer 2

Can be identified as being both QUALITATIVE (open ended) and QUANTITATIVE (closed ended) research methods.

When putting together a Questionnaire:

1. Make the questions clear and concise
2. Do not use leading questions

Question 3

Questionnaire advantages and disadvantages

Answer 3

Advantages:

• Can be completed in a short time
• Minimal cost
• Results are easy to record
• qualitative and quantitative data can be collected

Disadvantages:

• Not all participants will respond
• Questions cannot be explained
• Length of questionnaires might determine detail of answers

Question 4

Interviews

Answer 4

Interviews are a qualitative research method that is used for obtaining information.

Usually QUALITATIVE (open ended)

Question 5

Interview advantages and disadvantages

Answer 5

Advantages:
- In-depth information can be gained.
- They can be flexible in order to suit the
direction of the interview.

Disadvantages:
- Time consuming
- The results are difficult to compare
- They can be nerve racking and stressful
for both the interviewer and the
interviewee.

Question 6

Case studies

Answer 6

The case study is a qualitative research method that researchers use to gain
a deep understanding of a complex issue.

When putting together a Case study:

1. Define the research question
2. Choose the ‘cases’ you will be studying: Select the ‘cases’ for examination and how you intend to examine them.
3. Collect the data
4. Evaluate and analyse your data
5. Present your results

Question 7

Case studies advantages and disadvantages

Answer 7

Advantages:

• In-depth information can be gained.
• Can aid the understanding of the topic E.g. completing a LR before completing an Q and I
• Can reinforce various arguments

Disadvantages:
- Time consuming
- The results are difficult to compare
- The end report can be hard to break up
into the different trends (patterns)

Question 8

Observations

Answer 8

Write a report on your findings including quantitative and qualitative information.

Observational research is divided into two approaches:
- PARTICIPANT observation occurs when the researcher immerses himself or herself in the environment he or she is researching in.

• NON-PARTICIPANT observation occurs when the researcher observes the functioning of a group from a distance without interacting with his or her subjects.

Question 9

Observation advantages and disadvantages

Answer 9

Advantages:

• In-depth information can be gained.
• Focused on behaviours and interactions
• Limited amount of translation errors
• Data is rich – that is it includes verbal and non verbal communication

Disadvantages:

• Time consuming
• The results can be subjects (researcher draws conclusions which can hold bias)
• The privacy may be invaded
• Actions and behaviours can be miss interpreted

Question 10

Literature review

Answer 10

A piece of writing that is aimed at comparing and contrasting other people’s work, and should be a critical review of a specific area of study.

The researcher will group other authors who focus on similar subjects, note where the authors’ arguments overlap and stand alone, highlight the gaps in research, and SUMMARIES what is stated in the literature.

Question 11

Literature review advantages and disadvantages

Answer 11

Advantages:

• In-depth information can be gained.
• Research has been done for you
• Can help the researcher gain information about the topic BEFORE conducting primary research
• Can highlight any gaps in research

Disadvantages:

• Time consuming
• A LOT of reading
• Information found may not be valid anymore