C3(2): Techniques of Data Collection

Question 1

What are the techniques of primary data collection?

Answer 1

1. Case Studies
2. Life Histories
3. Pilot Studies
4. Social Survey (Questionnaire)
5. Interviews
6. Ethnography (Participant Observation)

Question 2

Define Case Study
Prominent thinkers who used case study

Answer 2

1. Howard Becker: Aim is to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the group under study
2. Prominent Thinkers are:
   2.1. Max Weber - Case Study on PESC
   2.2. Malinowski - Case Study on Trobriand Islanders

Question 3

Define Ethnography
Define Overt & Covert Studies of Participant Observation

Answer 3

1. Long-term observation of a group
2. Participant observation:
   2.1. [WILLIAM WHYTE] Overt Studies - Take Consent - Change in behavior (Hawthorne Effect) - High security of researcher (Life safe)
   2.2. Covert Studies - Do not take consent - Ethical issues - Low security of researcher (Life unsafe)

Question 4

Critical Ethnography is used to develop and test theories simultaneously
[Phil Carspecken] Concerned about social inequalities and bringing social change

What is the Criticism?

Answer 4

Martyn Hammersly: How can a theory check its own validity?

Question 5

What are the techniques of secondary data collection?

Answer 5

1. Life Documents
2. Visual Analysis
3. Content Analysis

Question 6

What are the 4 approaches of Ray Pawson in Content Analysis?

Answer 6

1. Formal Content Analysis - Emphasis on reliability and objectivity
2. Thematic Content Analysis
3. Textual Content Analysis
4. Audience - Focus on the responses