Research Methods Flashcards
What is quantitative data
It is the data that is numerical. This is to measure, compare and draw statistical conclusions about social phenomena and it provides a way to study society through numbers and statistics. This includes postal questionnaires, structured interviews, surveys and official statistics
What is qualitative data
This is information without numbers, this type of data gives insight into the meanings and experiences of individuals, helping researchers understand social phenomena in a more detailed and content rich way.
It uses non-participant observation, participant observation, unstructured interviews, case studies and personal documents
What is the theory stage
This is where the researcher examines all existing theories and then can start to lead them to formulating a hypothesis
What is the hypothesis stage
This is when they cut down their general idea down to then formulate a statement that they wish to use when carrying out their research.
What is the operationalisation
This is when the research describes how they are going to put their research into practice. Such as defining concepts, choosing a method and choosing a sample
What is fieldwork?
This is when the research is carried out and they perform their survey or interview ect
What is processing of results
Once the research is complete, all the researchers come together and analyse the findings to see if they confirm or refute the original hypothesis. Then the results are presented in articles, journals or books
What is a survey? Strengths and weaknesses
It is quantitative data. Primary source. It is a pre-set of questions that respondents answer. Every respondent asked the same questions. Limited responses such as yes or no.
Strengths- efficient to collect all information from large number of people.
Very large samples made possible.
It is easy to administer and it allows the researcher to focus on directly relevant information.
Weaknesses- people may not respond accurately.
Not appropriate for studying complex social behaviours where academic understanding may be required.
Answers may lack depth.
Respondents tend to be selected which reduces reliability and validity.
What is postal questionnaires? Strengths and weaknesses
It is quantitative data. Primary source. Pre-set questions that respondent answers and returns to questionnaire. Closed question (yes or no)
Strengths- can be cheap, can cover a wide sample (selecting postal code areas). Low cost even though covering a large amount of people. It needs minimal involvement. Good at obtaining factual information. Everyone is anonymous, therefore may be more truthful.
Weaknesses- poor response rate as people forget to send back or can’t be bothered to complete. They are limited as if they are too long, people will not complete. No way of exploring issues. Respondents can’t clarify things they are unsure about. Relies on respondents ability to read and write. It relies on the respondents ability to understand the question.
What are structured interviews ? Strengths and weaknesses
Quantitative data. Primary source. Carried our face to face. Researcher asks pre-set questions. Questions tend to be closed.
Strengths- good response rate as questions asked there and then. Pre-set means results are easy to quantify. Good for gaining factual information. Respondents don’t need to have the ability to read or write. Respondents can ask for clarification.
Disadvantages- can be costly due to face to face contact. Need a researcher there. Can be time consuming for both. If pre-set they can’t be explored. People may not answer honestly due to embarrassment
What is official statistics? Strengths and weaknesses?
Quantitative data. Secondary source (it’s already existing data). Statistics would be gathered by government, police, health authorities. Analyse trends in social behaviour. Statistics must be treated with care and require interpretation.
Strengths- good for quantitative studies. Can save researcher time. Low cost. May be a good indicator of a general trend in social behaviour. Some statistics are gathered from a wide representation of the population.
Weaknesses- may be biased because of the way information was gathered. People may lie in official statistics. It may be difficult to use statistics for comparison between different time periods.
What is non-participant observation? Strengths and weaknesses?
Qualitative method. Primary source. Researcher observed the social behaviour of others. Records what they observe at time of the event. Researcher takes what they see at face value and interpret what is observed.
Strengths- good at describing natural behaviour (if the individual/ group being observed is unaware of the researchers presence.
It is good at gaining an in-depth picture of social behaviour.
Weaknesses- costs are high as researcher needs to be there all the time. Difficult to quantify behaviour. No way of checking details or exploring issues further. May be bias from the researcher due to what they see. It may be seen as not ethical due to them being observed without their knowledge
What is participant observation? Strengths and weaknesses?
Qualitative data. Primary source. Researcher becomes apart of the group they wish to observe. Researchers presence will probably be unknown to those being observed.
Strengths- gives an in-depth picture of social behaviour. Can give a realistic picture of social behaviours. Good for exploring issues of feelings; meanings, interactions and processes.
Disadvantages- high involvement of researcher. Costs are high due to a lot of involvement. Can be biased as they become part of the group: The presence of the researcher may change or influence the behaviour of the group. Can be dangerous. May be difficult to generalise findings. Results may depend on how well the researcher has integrated in the group
Unstructured interviews. Weaknesses and strengths?
Qualitative data. Primary source. Researcher has a broader general areas and topics to cover in the interview. Would be open questions. Respondent can elaborate on any of the areas.
Strengths- researcher can explore issues in an in-depth way. Researcher is not restricted to pre-set questions. Researcher can clarify points and explore particular points. Good for ascertaining meanings, feelings and motives.
Weaknesses- lose track of the purpose of interview. The interviewee may digress into irrelevant information. Can be difficult to quantify results as info to descriptive. Time consuming for both participants. High cost due to high researcher involvement. Difficult to compare answers by different individuals
What is personal documents? Strengths and weaknesses
Qualitative data. Secondary source. Existing data such as diaries, letters and personal accounts. May be found in museums and libraries. Provides evidence for in depth accounts, case studies or to give a historical perspective to a particular study.
Strengths- give good insight to a particular situation or period in time. Good at looking at society from an individuals point of view. May be the only source. May support other evidence.
Weaknesses- may be biased (the author would know someone would read their account). If the person isn’t alive there is no way of checking their account. Personal accounts may have things missed out. If accounts are in private collections, they may be hard to obtain for research. The authenticity of documents may be questioned.
