Methods

Question 1

Questionnaire

Answer 1

A list of questions requiring a response from the participants. Usually written and distributed by post/ online

Question 2

Interviews

Answer 2

A conversation between the researcher and the participants in which the participants answer questions about the research topic.

Question 3

Postal questionnaires

Answer 3

Questionnaires sent via the post

Question 4

Self-completion questionnaires

Answer 4

Questionnaires completed independently by the participants in their own time

Question 5

Online questionnaires

Answer 5

Due to the improvements in technology, questionnaires can now be completed online.

Question 6

Structured interviews

Answer 6

A set of pre-prepared Qs are asked by the interviewer, usually closed Qs.

Question 7

Unstructured interviews

Answer 7

The interviewer has complete freedom to vary the interview, it is more like a guided conversation.

Question 8

Semi-structured interviews

Answer 8

The interviewer has some set Qs/ basic topics that they want to cover, but they can probe for more information or go off on a slight tangent.

Question 9

Group interviews

Answer 9

An interview that involves a group of people, not one-on-one.

Question 10

Focus interviews

Answer 10

Aim to find out about one particular topic

Question 11

Participant observation

Answer 11

The researcher watches people in their natural environment and joins in with the activities.