Research methods Flashcards
survey
What is it:
A quantitative method involving a set of standardized questions distributed to a large group of people to gather statistical data.
Questions it asks:
How often do you ___?
Do you agree or disagree with ___?
What is your opinion on ___?
Pros:
Can reach large populations quickly.
Easy to analyze statistically.
Useful for generalizing results.
Cons:
− Limited depth of responses.
− Risk of low response rates.
− Can miss context and nuance.
When is it used:
To measure trends, opinions, or behaviors across large samples.
In public opinion research, market studies, or policy feedback.
Interview
What is it:
A qualitative method involving one-on-one or group conversations to gather detailed personal narratives or insights.
Questions it asks:
What was your experience with ___?
How did you feel about ___?
Can you walk me through ___?
Pros:
In-depth and flexible.
Captures emotions and personal meaning.
Allows for follow-up and clarification.
Cons:
− Time-consuming and labour-intensive.
− Interviewer bias possible.
− May not be representative.
When is it used:
To explore subjective experiences, identity, and decision-making.
In ethnographic, case study, or phenomenological research.
Examples from the readings: Wolford (MST), Viterna (FMLN women)
Autoethnography
What is it:
A self-reflective method where the researcher uses personal experience to explore broader cultural or social phenomena.
Questions it asks:
How does my own story reveal something about ___?
What cultural patterns are visible in my experience?
How does identity intersect with ___?
Pros:
A rich, intimate insight into lived experience.
Links the personal to the political or cultural.
Encourages emotional engagement and reflexivity.
Cons:
− Risk of being overly subjective.
− May lack broader generalizability.
− Requires vulnerability and ethical care.
When is it used:
In cultural studies, anthropology, and arts-based research.
To explore marginalization, trauma, identity, or memory.
Archival Research
What is it:
A method that uses existing records, documents, and archives (e.g., newspapers, letters, official reports) to analyze past events, discourses, or trends.
What kind of questions it asks:
What was said/written about ___ during this time?
How has the framing of ___ changed over time?
What patterns or themes emerge in historical records?
Pros:
Access to rich historical and contextual data.
Cost-effective (no need for fieldwork).
Useful for longitudinal or retrospective studies.
Cons:
− Limited by the availability and completeness of records.
− Can be difficult to interpret documents without context.
− No control over how data was originally produced.
When is it used:
For historical or longitudinal analysis.
When studying institutional practices, discourse, or policy development over time.
Examples from the readings: OSPAAAL art, Amnesty posters on Chile
Discourse Analysis
What is it:
A method that analyzes language use to understand how knowledge, power, and meaning are constructed.
Questions it asks:
How is language being used in this context?
What assumptions are embedded in this discourse?
What identities or norms are being reinforced?
Pros:
Powerful for deconstructing meaning and ideology.
Highlights the role of language in social life.
Can reveal marginalization or bias.
Cons:
− Interpretation can be highly subjective.
− Requires strong theoretical grounding.
− May lack “practical” recommendations.
When is it used:
In linguistics, cultural studies, sociology, and political analysis.
To explore identity, power, representation, or media.
Examples from the readings: Hooker (Afro-Latin rights framing)
