Quantitative Methods

Question 1

Surveys

Answer 1

Refers to large scale quantitative studies rather than small scale qualitative research. Data collected via questionnaires or structured interviews e.g Crime Survey for England and Wales.

Question 2

Questionnaires (Closed Question)

Answer 2

List of questions on paper or online. Can be distributed in person or through the post. There is no need for a researcher to be present e.g Sullivan testing Bordieu’s Theory of Cultural Capital. Use Tick Boxes, Numerical Scale and Likert Scale.

Question 3

Interviews (Structured)

Answer 3

Same as a questionnaire but the interviewer has to be there. There is a standardised approach. e.g Child of the New Century.

Question 4

Structured Interviews Pros & Cons

Answer 4

A standardised approach means more reliable data, and less time consuming. But, not anonymous, standardised means less valid.

Question 5

Questionnaire Pros & Cons

Answer 5

Reliable, representative, cheap, anonymous so more valid, but postal means poor response rate, not detailed (valid) and the respondents may not understand the question.