Methods Designed To Improve Research Flashcards
1
Q
What are the methods designed to improve research?
A
- triangulation
- reflexivity
- respondent validation
- methodological pluralism
2
Q
Triangulation
A
- The use of more than one method, usually one or more that collects quantitative data and one or more that collects qualitative data to cross check the data being collected, to counter the bias of using a single method or to increase confidence in the findings.
3
Q
What is the theoretical strength of triangulation?
A
- Is supported by both POSITIVISTS and INTERPRETIVISTS.
4
Q
What is the practical strength of triangulation?
A
- Triangulation helps to ELIMINATE BIASES as a range of methods used to cross-check data/findings – therefore increasing validity
5
Q
What are the ethical strengths of triangulation?
A
- Participants are fully represented by different methods reducing emotional HARM so increasing validity.
6
Q
What are the practical weaknesses of triangulation?
A
- Time consuming - will take a long time to carry out the variety of different methods which will potentially reduce the sample size reducing representativeness and generalisability
7
Q
What are the ethical weaknesses of triangulation?
A
- Depending on the methods used (will need to read source material carefully) it may difficult to uphold some of the ethical guidelines which could impact the validity of the results
8
Q
Reflexivity
A
- This is generally used by Interpretivists where they keep track of the strengths and weaknesses of the research. This is to evaluate their work with the aim of improving its validity.
9
Q
What are the theoretical strengths of reflexivity?
A
- INTERPRETIVISTS would favour this method as it aims to ensure a true insight into the social reality is gained meaning that the validity is increased and verstehen about a group is gained.
10
Q
What are the practical strengths of reflexivity?
A
- When the researcher is reflexive they will THINK CRITICALLY about their research methods. This ensures that groups are examined effectively and a true picture of them is given which increases the validity of the data.
11
Q
What are the ethical strengths of reflexivity?
A
- If a researcher is being reflexive they are reviewing how their role can impact on the validity of the data. For example they would look out for issues surrounding INTERVIEWER EFFECT which could mean that the respondents change their responses and give socially desirable ones.
12
Q
Respondent validation
A
- Data or results are returned to participants to check for accuracy and resonance with their experiences
13
Q
What are the theoretical strengths of respondent validation?
A
- INTERPRETIVISTS would like this method due to it allowing the researchers to develop rapport and verstehen with the participants. This increases the validity of the research as participants are more likely to be honest and clarify any mistakes they may have made initially. This means a deeper insight into their lives can be gained.
14
Q
What are the practical strengths of respondent validation?
A
- The researcher can gain feedback from the participants who were involved in the event or situation that was researched in order to check how their behaviour was interpreted. This can avoid bias and improve the validity of the research as it ensures that a group and social situation is presented ACCURATELY.
15
Q
What are the ethical strengths of respondent validation?
A
- It reduces emotional HARM as the participants are able to check that they have been portrayed fairly and accurately. This increases the validity as it ensures an accurate and fair reflection of the group being researched.
