Chapter 1 - Why Methods Matter

Question 1

Research question

Answer 1

A research question is a carefully worded question stating precisely what a researcher is trying to find out in a study

Question 2

Rigour

Answer 2

A careful and thorough approach to methods and argument; to work rigorously is to work with systematic integrity

Question 3

Quantitive methods

Answer 3

Methods which generate data that can be measured, counted or expressed in numerical terms; for example, scores, ratings or percentages

Question 4

Cognitive psychology

Answer 4

The study of internal mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, thinking and learning

Question 5

Measurement

Answer 5

To apply a numerical measure according to a fixed, defined rule

Question 6

Standardisation

Answer 6

The process of ensuring that all participants undergo the same treatment and that all data are recorded in the same way

Question 7

Objectivity

Answer 7

Judgement based on observable phenomena and without the influence of personal opinion, emotion or bias

Question 8

Qualitative methods

Answer 8

Methods which generate data that are not in numerical form, for instance interviews, written text such as newspaper articles or diaries, visual materials such as photographic records, or detailed observations of behaviour and practices

Question 9

Structured interviews

Answer 9

These entail asking the same question of all the participants, in the same order

Question 10

Semi structured interviews

Answer 10

Questions are prepared in advance but the interviewer may ask additional questions during the interview in response to the interviewee’s comments

Question 11

Unstructured interviews

Answer 11

These are the most flexible interviews, beginning with a provisional list of questions which will be adapted to suit the details that unfold in the interview

Question 12

Ethnography

Answer 12

A research approach where the researcher carries out extensive observations of a group through being involved in its activities over a period of time

Question 13

Subjectivity

Answer 13

Knowledge and understanding arising from personal involvement and experience

Question 14

Hypothesis

Answer 14

A hypothesis is a researchers prediction about what will happen when a quantitative study, such as an experiment, is conducted. The researcher then tests this production

Question 15

Pseudo sciences

Answer 15

The appearance of scientific methods but lacking in proper applications those methods

Question 16

Self report

Answer 16

Any method of collecting data that asks participants to supply information about themselves, such as their beliefs, attitudes or feelings. Common examples are questionnaires and interviews

Question 17

Demand effects

Answer 17

The effects on behaviour when participants are aware of taking part in research and adapt their behaviour as a consequence