Research Flashcards
What is research?
Research is the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to increase knowledge about a topic
What is the research process?
- Identifying general questions to be explored
- Determine the specific topic of research
- Collect information from identified sources
- Evaluate sources
- Cite sources
What are the 2 types of research?
Primary and secondary research
What is primary research?
These are first-hand accounts, evidence, or objects that were created during the period under investigation.
These sources can come form: interviews, drawings, photos, etc.
What are the 2 types of primary research?
Qualitative research
Quantitative research
Explain Qualitative research
This type of research is based on information taken from observation, interviews and tracing patterns of behaviour. Samples tend to be smaller and the duration of the research is often longer than is the case of quantitative research.
Explain Quantitative research
Seeks numerical data. This type of research requires the use of surveys. Requires large sample therefore the researcher is not likely to have contact with the participants in the research process.
What is secondary research?
Depends on accessing information that has already been gathered.
Sources include:
Textbooks
Websites
Analysis essays/articles
Newspaper articles
What is reliability?
The extent to which a measure, procedure or study does what it is supposed to do.
any significant results must be more than a one-off finding and be inherently repeatable.
What is validity?
This is when an argument is free from logical flaws or based on valid reasoning.
What are data collection instruments
These are tools that we use to collect facts and figures which, when processed or analysed, become information.
List 4 data collection instruments
- Surveys and questionnaires
- Interviews
- Focus groups
- Observation
Explain surveys and questionnaires
A survey is the process of collecting, analysing and interpreting information from many individuals.
A questionnaire is an instrument consisting of a series of questions to gather information from respondents.
Advantages:
-Can cover a large number of people in a shorter period.
-Can be posted online.
-Relatively cheap
Disadvantages:
-Questions have to be relatively simple
-No control over who completes it
-Requires a return deadline
What is an interview and explain the types
These are verbal conversations between two or more people to collect relevant information for research.
There are 3 types of interviews:
1. Structured – based on a carefully worded interview schedule
2. Semi – structured – Asking certain questions but with room for the respondent to express himself/herself a little.
3. Unstructured – An interview which begins with general questions and allows respondent to talk freely.
What is a focus group?
This is an interview conducted by a trained moderator in a non-structured and natural manner with a small group of respondents.
