Research Methods Flashcards
What are the 2 types of observation?
Participant and non-participant
What are 2 ways to conduct observation?
Covert - closed (they don’t know they are being observed)
Overt - open (they know they are being observed)
What does P.E.T stand for?
P - Practical
E - Ethical
T - Theoretical
What is qualitative data?
Information that is gathered in words or from understanding meanings
What is quantitative data?
Information gathered from numerical data e.g. tables, graphs , statistics
What is practical consideration?
Using the method which is least time consuming/best fitting
What is primary data?
Data which the researcher has found from their Own research
What is secondary data?
Data that has been found by other people which the researcher uses to support their own research
Examples of primary research
- surveys
- questionnaires (open and closed)
- participant observation
- experiments
Examples of secondary research
- official statistics
- birth + death rates
- exam results
- documents
- personal letters + diaries
- photographs
- media
What are some key practical factors determining a research method?
- time and money
- requirement of funding bodies
- personal skills and characteristics
- subject matter
- research opportunities
What are some key ethical factors when determining a research method?
- informed consent
- vulnerable groups
- confidentiality
- covert research
- harm to participants
What are the advantages of group interviews?
- ideas can flow
- if group of familiar with each other they will be more likely to open up
- speak freely
- people can be prompted to mention something during the discussion
What are the disadvantages of group interviews?
- may be intimidated by others
- people may not want to open up if not familiar with group
- certain people may dominate discussion
- people may exaggerate or lie to impress the others in the group
