Research Methods Flashcards
What does validity mean?
Data is detailed
Qualitative data
True insight
What does reliability mean?
How easy it is to repeat the research and achieve the same results.
What does representativeness mean?
A sample is representative and ir reflects a cross section of the population.
Characteristics
What does generalisability mean?
If the same size is big enough to make wider claims.
Statements about the sample can be made
What are the practicalities of the research?
Time - strength
Research methods - strength
Money - weakness
Personal interest - weakness
What are the ethical guidelines?
Deception - strength
Right to withdraw - strength
Informed consent - weakness
Protection from harm - weakness
How do positivists view research methods?
Society should be studied using research methods which are similar to the natural sciences
Theoretical perspective
Quantitative data, closed questionnaires, objective
How do interpretivists view research methods?
Society should be studied using research methods which give a detailed insight into social reality.
Developing verstehen
Qualitative data, unstructured interviews, covert observation
What is the Hawthorne effect?
When a person changes their behaviour because they know they’re being watched.
What is snowball sampling?
One contact will recruit other participants to get involved in the research.
What is random stratified sampling?
Different subgroups in the target population are identified, then people are randomly selected from these subgroups.
