Data Flashcards
Define the term interview
A self reporting method that can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured depending on the questions used. Interviews need an interview schedule, which is the set if questions or areas that need to be covered. They tend to be carried out when questions need to be explored, reassurance may be needed, access is difficult.
Define the term structured interview
A method that has pre-set questions, asked in the same order and leaving little room for the interviewer to follow up on answers of interest. Most likely to produce quantitative data through closed questions but can also produce qualitative data through the use of open questions.
Define the term semi-structured interview
A method where the questions are broadly set out at the beginning but the researcher has the freedom to change the order of questions, follow up on some answers and ask new questions. Most likely to produce qualitative data through open questions but can also produce quantitative data through the use of closed questions.
Define the term unstructured interview
A method where there is a broad agenda of areas to talk about but no pre-set questions. The questions are open and structure of the interview is flexible, rather like a guided conversation. Will produce qualitative data.
Define the term target population
The total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn and the people the researchers want the findings to represent.
Define the term sample
A subset of a target population that is used to represent the entire group as a whole.
Define the term representative
This means the people chosen as pps reflect the target population. Eg in terms of age and gender
Define the term sampling frame
A list of people from which the sample will be drawn.
Define questionnaire
A self report method designed to gather large amounts of data. They consist of series of pre-set questions for pps to answer about themselves or their ideas. They involve closed and/or open questions.
What is random sampling?
Every member of the target population has an quality chance of being selected.
State one strength and one weakness of using random sampling
👍Representative of the target population - as everyone has the opportunity to be hosed and no one is systematically excluded from the sample.
👎Requires a large sampling frame to be drawn from a large population to he unbiased. Eg may end up with all men being drawn from a hat.
What is stratified sampling?
The sample is proportional of the target population. The population is broken down into sub-groups eg males/females. Each member of the target population can then be randomly selected and has an equal chance of selection.
State one strength and one weakness of using stratified sampling
👍Representative as it is an efficient way of ensuring that all groups are represented in the sample.
👎Practical issues as it is likely to be very time-consuming and difficult to select appropriate categories to ensure all findings are generalisable.
What is opportunity sampling?
Pps are selected from whoever is available at the time of the study.
State one strength and one weakness of using opportunity sampling
👍Practical as it is an easy and quick way to gather large numbers of pps quickly and conveniently.compared with other methods such as stratified pps can be chosen at any opportune moment.
👎Low representativeness as it is drawn from a small section of the community who are easy to access and willing to participate.
