Core 1: Research Methodology

Question 1

What is the purpose of research?

Answer 1

• To advance knowledge
• To increase understanding
• To educate others
• To inform practice

Question 2

What is the difference between a research question and a research hypothesis?

Answer 2

Research Question
A problem which has the intention of being solved through the research conducted, posed as a question or statement

Research Hypothesis
A prediction statement that will be either proven or disproven through conducting research

Question 3

What is sampling?

Answer 3

This is a process used to select individuals or groups in order to conduct primary research. Researchers intend to use the sample to represent ideas or characteristics of the whole population.

Question 4

What are the different sampling methods?

Answer 4

• Simple random sampling
• Systematic sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Convenience sampling

Question 5

What is a sample?

Answer 5

A subset of the population selected for measurement, observing or questioning so as to provide statistical information about the population

Question 6

What is primary data?

Answer 6

Data that are collected firsthand by the researcher; the information is obtained directly by observing behaviour or asking people questions through interviews or questionnaires

Question 7

What is secondary data?

Answer 7

Data that have been gathered and recorded by someone else; for instance, information acquired from the internet, videos, databases, reference and textbooks, pamphlets and statistical reports of other people’s research

Question 8

Types of data

Answer 8

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Primary
• Secondary

Question 9

Sources of data

Answer 9

• Individuals and groups (organisations, govt agencies, specialist groups)
• Print (books, newspapers, journals) and digital media (internet, tv, radio)

Question 10

Reliability

Answer 10

refers to the consistency of the measurement

(If ‘reliable’ a research method could be able to be used again under the same conditions with the same subjects and you would expect similar results)

Question 11

Validity

Answer 11

refers to measurement that accurately reflects what it is intended to measure

(if ‘valid’ a research study should be based on a suitable methodology and be undertaken so that the results can be interpreted with a degree of certainty)

Question 12

Identify the different research methods

Answer 12

• questionnaires
• interviews
• case studies
• observations
• literature reviews

Question 13

Outline the research process

Answer 13

1. Planning for research
2. Conducting research
3. Interpreting research
4. Presenting research

Question 14

Strategies a researcher might us to protect privacy of participants in a study

Answer 14

• ask permission to record responses
• ensure all results remain confidential by changing names or any identifying object on results
• secure storage of data
• maintain anonymity of participants
• dispose of private information carefully

(particularly when researching sensitive topics)

Question 15

Strategies a researcher might us to show respect subjects of research

Answer 15

• seeking informed consent
• analysing body language and ceasing interview if participant is uncomfortable
• providing an avenue of follow up support/ counselling if researching a sensitive topic
• respecting religious, cultural, physical differences
• maintaining privacy
• reporting results free of bias
• remind them that participation is voluntary and they can cease at any time

Question 16

Case Studies

Answer 16

An in-depth investigation on a particular focus, issue, group or organisation. They often use a number of primary research methods to provide a detailed understanding of the case.

Advantages: A lot of detail, allows for general predictions, behaviour described as it occurs

Disadvantages: Time consuming, difficult to analyse, danger of bias

Question 17

Observations

Answer 17

Observation of individuals or groups in a certain environment and recording how they behaviour/respond. Can be either participant observation of non participant observation

Advantages: Rich detail and description, provides opportunity to view in natural environment

Disadvantages: Bias in recording, trust of those being observed, can be time consuming, presence of observer may change behaviours

Question 18

Interviews

Answer 18

Conversation or discussion between two or more people to collect information or opinions; it is often concerned with their understanding or knowledge of the topic of research.May be face to face, on phone or via other technology. Can be formally structured or unstructured. May use open or closed questions.

Advantages: Rich in detail, can reword questions or follow up on responses, generates both qualitative and quantitative data

Disadvantages: Recording and interpreting may be difficult, relies on honesty of participant response, can be difficult to analyse

Question 19

Questionnaires

Answer 19

A set of formally prepared questions that seek information on a person’s knowledge, beliefs, feelings, opinions etc that is completed by the respondent.

Advantages: Can be designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data, easy to distribute, avoids researcher bias, can collect data from a large sample

Disadvantages: questions rely on literacy of respondent and may be misinterpreted, amount of detail that can be collected might be limited, have to wait for responses to be returned

Question 20

Literature Reviews

Answer 20

A secondary research method involving search and evaluation of existing knowledge on a particular topic.

Advantages: Can be conducted for almost any topic, demonstrate researcher has carried out background reading, provides a historical context, provides clarity and direction for research

Disadvantages: Requires high level literacy skills to analyse sources and write a meaningful summary, time consuming, data available may not be current

Question 21

What is stratified sampling?

Answer 21

Dividing the population into groups called strata then using simple random sampling or systematic sampling within each stratum (choosing all the red roofed houses then selecting some at random)

Question 22

What is systematic sampling?

Answer 22

Means that there is a gap made between each selection of the population (choose every 3rd house in the street)

Question 23

What is simple random sampling?

Answer 23

Each individual within the population has an equal chance of inclusion in the sample (choosing houses at random)

Question 24

Qualitative and quantitative data

Answer 24

Qualitative data - Non-numerical, subjective data that collects information on people’s opinion/feelings/beliefs/attitudes

Quantitative data – Numerical, objective data that can be analysed in graph form

Question 25

Ethical behaviour

Answer 25

• Respect
• Integrity
• Privacy
• Bias

Question 26

What is plagiarism

Answer 26

The taking and passing off someone else’s thoughts, writing or findings as one’s own

Question 27

Appendices are…

Answer 27

Included at the end of a report and contains material that is relevant to research project

Question 28

Bias

Answer 28

A term used to describe a one-sided point of view on a topic or issue that does not take into account other ideas or opposing views. For example, if a result or data analysis is biased, it is influenced by a particular point of view or attitude.

Question 29

Research ethics

Answer 29

Refers to the moral principles and standards that help individuals understand what is considered to be right or wrong. They are to protect the rights, physical and emotional welfare of the subjects. The researcher must behave in a manner considered acceptable by society.

Question 30

Statistical analysis

Answer 30

Refers to the study of the collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data (statistics, percentages, numbers, trends, ratios).