LECTURE 3 - overview of research methodology Flashcards
Criticisms of quantitative research (2)
- Items may not be understood, or interpreted differently by respondents
- Difficult to measure some concepts (satisfaction, happiness)
Characteristics of qualitative research (4)
- regarded by some as less valid and reliable
- open to multiple interpretations
- Themes that emerge from data are often reviewed with informants for verification
- Focusses on how people act and why
Quantitative sampling (2)
- goal is to generalize the population
- Uses large, random samples
Qualitative sampling (3)
- goal is to generate deep understanding
- Uses smaller, purpose full samples
- Data saturation (sample should not be too small)
Data saturation
the point in the research process when no new information is discovered in data analysis
Probability sampling
Involves selecting random samples of subjects from a given population. Each member has an equal chance to be selected for the sample
Probability sampling methods (4)
- Random sampling
- Stratified sampling
- Cluster sampling
- Stage sampling
Random sampling
Completely random sampling of the population, used when it is believed that the population is relatively homogeneous
Systematic sampling
Every Xth element of a sampling frame is chosen
Stratified random sampling
Modification of simple random sampling and systematic sampling. Taking a random sampling from smaller sub groups
Cluster sampling
Population is separated into clusters to create a sample. Common in many large-scale surveys
Non-probability sampling
sampling technique in which the researcher selects samples based on the subjective judgement of the researcher rather than random selection
Non-probability sampling methods (4)
- Quota sampling
- Purposive sampling
- Snowball sampling
- Convenience sampling
