Lecture 2: Research design & research questions Flashcards
Research design & Research questions
Vogt et al
What is the criteria for a RQ
The RQ has to be:
- Of interest to you
- Not common sense
- Need/relevance
- Theoretically motivated
- Based on gaps in existing knowledge
The RQ functions as a reference point for the research design and execution decisions.
What is a research design
The best way of answering the research question.
Combined choice of RQ; data; and method of analysis
Criteria for good design
- Replicability/validity/generalizability
- Alignment of RQ, data, theory, method, epistemology etc.
- Removal of biases
- Ability to determine causation
General options of data collection
- Surveys (both quan + qual)
- Interviews (qual)
- Experiments (quan)
- Observations (qual)
- Archives and databases
- Mixed/combined
Explain quantitative and qualitative methods
Quantitative
- Mostly numbers
- Objective
- Positivism
- Development and testing of hypothesis
Qualitative
- Mostly words
- Subjective
- Interpretation
- Using theory for analyzing/understanding data
Three basic approaches to time in survey research are
Three basic approaches to time in survey research are:
Panel studios/longitudinal: You survey the same group of respondents two or more times
Cohort studios: You take samples from the same populations two or more times. E.g. they could have the same age in common.
Cross-sectional studies: You survey a “slice” of the population at a single point in time.
Question formats in survey design
Structured questions:
- You follow a strict interview guide
Unstructured questions (open-ended questions) - The questions emerge from what the respondents are telling you
Semantic differential scaling
- Studying meanings of language
- Topics could be: product preferences, cultural variety
Likert Scale
- Employs a pattern of statements followed by a series of options e.g. strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree etc.
