Methods In Social Approach

Question 1

Define quantitative data

Answer 1

• numerical data presented in forms of %, statistics and graphs
• represents how many /how often
• easy to compare data sets

Question 2

Pros of quantitative data

Answer 2

• easy to analyse
• produces numerical data
• objectivity analysed
• uses operationalised variables
• quick method to conducted and analyse

Question 3

Cons of quantitative data

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Why is quantitative data easy to analyse ?

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

How is quan. Data objectively analysed ?

Answer 5

• numerical data produced = no researcher bias as data can only be interpreted one way
  = increase validity

Question 6

How does quan data uses operationalised variables ?

Answer 6

• all Variables are clearly defined to make it clear what is being researched = easier to repeat the study = increase reliability

Question 7

Definition of qualitative data

Answer 7

• give in-depth, opinions based, descriptive data
• present as texts and themes

Question 8

Pros of qualitative data

Answer 8

• descriptive data
• ecologically valid
• can convert into quantitative data

Question 9

Cons of qualitative data

Answer 9

• time consuming
• difficult to draw comparison
• researcher bias

Question 10

How is qualitative data a descriptive data ?

Answer 10

• rich in-depth information that allow p.pants express views on the subject = so more meaningful conclusions about their views = increase validity

Question 11

How is qualitative data ecologically valid ?

Answer 11

• 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

Question 12

How is qualitative data difficult to draw comparison ?

Answer 12

• not easy to analyse, difficult to categorise so hard to summarise to reliable conclusion
  = may be subjective and open to misinterpretation = reduce validity

Question 13

How is qualitative data have researcher bias ?

Answer 13

• descriptive data - subjective when analysing it to support their hypothesis = reduce validity

Question 14

What factors affect bias of surveys from participants ?

Answer 14

• 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

Question 15

What factor affects survey’s validity from the researcher ?

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

Evaluation of using open questions in questionnaires

Answer 16

+ qualitative data
- difficult to analyse
- low response rate

Question 17

Evaluation of closed questions in questionnaires

Answer 17

+ 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

Question 18

Evaluation of questionnaires

Answer 18

+ large sample size obtained
+ standardised
+ can be seen as valid
- biased sample

Question 19

What is internal reliability ?

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

External reliability

Answer 20

• consistency of measure
• test retest method - same questions given to do in different occasions = same or similar results = have external validity

Question 21

Ways of establishing validity

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

How is questionnaires a biased sample ?

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

What is an interview ?

Answer 23

• a formal direct conversation between the researcher and individuals to gather information about their thoughts experience and behaviours

Question 24

What is structured interviews ?

Answer 24

• presented with exactly the same questions in the same order = standardised

Question 25

What is unstructured interviews ?

Answer 25

• a free flowing conversation between researcher and p.pants
• without pre-determined questions

Question 26

What is semi- structured interviews ?

Answer 26

• some pre determined and some not pre determined questions

Question 27

Evaluation of interviews

Answer 27

+ questions can be explained and explored
+ valid
- researcher bias
- subjectivity when interpreting data

Question 28

Issues to consider with designs of surveys

Answer 28

• 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