Paper 3: Part 3 - Theoretical Understandings

Question 1

What are the 3 topics in part 3?

Answer 1

1. generalizability
2. credibility
3. bias

Question 2

Discuss generalizability with regard to quantitative research methods

Answer 2

• representative nature of the sample
• size of the sample
• the ecological validity of the experiment

Question 3

Discuss generalizability with regard to qualitative research methods

Answer 3

• to what extent could the findings be transferred to the population from which the sample was drawn?
• what variables are important to consider when transferring the findings to another population?
• how could this research be generalized to generate theory?

Question 4

What are ways to establish credibility? (qualitative question)

Answer 4

• triangulation (method, researcher, data)
• asking the participants to give feedback on the interpretations
• engaging in reflexivity
• using aggregate approaches (e.g. looking at several other similar case studies and drawing a conclusion based on trends)

Question 5

What are ways to avoid bias?

Answer 5

• experimental research can use blind controls
• consider how the sample is chosen
• consider the role of reflexivity
• consider how triangulation could be used