Methods In Social Approach Flashcards
Define quantitative data
- numerical data presented in forms of %, statistics and graphs
- represents how many /how often
- easy to compare data sets
Pros of quantitative data
- easy to analyse
- produces numerical data
- objectivity analysed
- uses operationalised variables
- quick method to conducted and analyse
Cons of quantitative data
- lacks validity = produce narrow information only focus on small fragments of behaviour, p.pants will reduce thoughts and feelings into numbers which only gives a superficial view of the aim of research
= t/f it only say how many but not why happened
Why is quantitative data easy to analyse ?
- average, percentages can be calculated so can represent in graphs and tables that can easily draw comparison = easier and more efficient to communicate = increase usefulness
How is quan. Data objectively analysed ?
- numerical data produced = no researcher bias as data can only be interpreted one way
= increase validity
How does quan data uses operationalised variables ?
- all Variables are clearly defined to make it clear what is being researched = easier to repeat the study = increase reliability
Definition of qualitative data
- give in-depth, opinions based, descriptive data
- present as texts and themes
Pros of qualitative data
- descriptive data
- ecologically valid
- can convert into quantitative data
Cons of qualitative data
- time consuming
- difficult to draw comparison
- researcher bias
How is qualitative data a descriptive data ?
- rich in-depth information that allow p.pants express views on the subject = so more meaningful conclusions about their views = increase validity
How is qualitative data ecologically valid ?
- conducted in a more natural setting compare to quan data = more realistic data can be produced to explain answers = can be generalised to everyday life
How is qualitative data difficult to draw comparison ?
- not easy to analyse, difficult to categorise so hard to summarise to reliable conclusion
= may be subjective and open to misinterpretation = reduce validity
How is qualitative data have researcher bias ?
- descriptive data - subjective when analysing it to support their hypothesis = reduce validity
What factors affect bias of surveys from participants ?
- social desirability = how acceptable it is seen in society and the manner that favourable by others = over reporting good / bad behaviours
- demand characteristics = may want to help researcher so give answers that they think what are wanted
= reduce validity
What factor affects survey’s validity from the researcher ?
- question construction = leading question, loaded questions = decrease validity
- researcher bias = way of asking question or how researcher acts towards p.pants, have different response to female or male researcher
- subjectivity
Evaluation of using open questions in questionnaires
+ qualitative data
- difficult to analyse
- low response rate
Evaluation of closed questions in questionnaires
+ standardised question
- quantitative data
- choice of answers could mean different things to different p.pants = may choose the one that doesn’t actually represent their thoughts
Evaluation of questionnaires
+ large sample size obtained
+ standardised
+ can be seen as valid
- biased sample
What is internal reliability ?
- consistency of measure itself
- split half method = split questions to halves and compare, if all questions are measuring the same concept, they should achieve same score, if not= different concepts
External reliability
- consistency of measure
- test retest method - same questions given to do in different occasions = same or similar results = have external validity
Ways of establishing validity
- face validity = see if questions make sense of what you want to measure
- predictive validity = if able to predict same construct in the future
- concurrent validity = compare evidence from several studies testing to see if they agree
How is questionnaires a biased sample ?
- use volunteer sample = results collected is based on ppl that have time to do it or a certain personality that is more motivated = not representative for general population
What is an interview ?
- a formal direct conversation between the researcher and individuals to gather information about their thoughts experience and behaviours
What is structured interviews ?
- presented with exactly the same questions in the same order = standardised
What is unstructured interviews ?
- a free flowing conversation between researcher and p.pants
- without pre-determined questions
What is semi- structured interviews ?
- some pre determined and some not pre determined questions
Evaluation of interviews
+ questions can be explained and explored
+ valid
- researcher bias
- subjectivity when interpreting data
Issues to consider with designs of surveys
- wording of the questions
- use large sample and representative for q but possibly not for interviews
- open/ closed questions + structured / unstructured + interviews/ Questionnaires
- ethics e.g. confidentiality, consent, RTW
