Methods Flashcards
Quantitative
Numerical data, information that is or can be converted into numbers
Qualitative Data
Descriptive data
Types of questions
Closed questions
Open questions
Attitude scales
Open questions
Do not involve preset answers, allow respondents to answer freely
Strength of Open questions
• Greater, more accurate amswers
Weakness of Open questions
• require more time and effort
• degree of qualitative analysis
-> subjective interpretation from researcher
Ranked scale
Answering through the raking of options from high to low.
Example:
“Put the following list of animals in the order in which you fear them; place the most feared in position 1, and so on”
Horse, rat, spider, cat, rabbit, dog, cow
Types of Interviews
Structured
Semi- structured
Unstructured
Closed questions
Questions with preset fixed answers that respondant has to circle/tick
- quantitative data
- fixed choice
Semi- Structured Interview
More conversational and dynamic. A set of questions that they aim to be answered but do not follow a standardized format.
• quantitative and qualitative data
Unstructured Interview
Loose research aim with no standardized questions.
• qualitative data
Requirements when conducting Unstructured Interviews
Researcher:
- analytical
- skilled at achieving a good rapport
- good listening skills
- non-judgmental language
Ethical:
- details must be anonymized
- deal sensitively when asking personal information
- must not breech right to privacy
Sampling Techniques
Random sampling
Stratified sampling
Opportunity sampling
Volunteer sampling
Random sampling
Participants are recruited randomly.
Through:
• random sequences produced by computers
• place names in a hat
Random sampling strengths and weaknesses
+ representative of population
- unrepresentative by chance
- obtain consent from each participant
Stratified sampling
Recruiting participants with specific traits to fit the target population better.
Through:
• target population of an office, recruit office workers
• target population of a school, recruit students and teachers
Stratified sampling strengths and weaknesses
+ representative of target population
- time consuming finding participants
Opportunity sampling
Using participants who are available at the time.
Through:
• passers-by
Opportunity sample strengths and weaknesses
+ fast and simple
- limited control over recruitments
- not everyone has an equal chance
Volunteer sampling
Self-selected participants who volunteer to take part after having heard of the existence of this study.
Through:
• adverts (newspapers, tv, student common room)
•
Volunteer sampling strengths and weaknesses
- no control over recruitments
- certain type of participants might take part making it less representative
- sample bias
+ pretesting volunteers reduces sample bias
+ fast and simple
Structured interview
Standardized interviews consisting of the same question in the same order so that all respondents are asked the same questions in the same way
• closed questions
Attitude scales
Range of different options to answer
- likert scale
- ranked scale
Likert scale
Respondants rate their opinion
Example:
“Naughty children should be smacked”
5 4 3 2 1 S. agree | Agree | Neutral | Disagree | S. Disagree
