Research Methods Designed to Improve Research

Question 1

ways to improve research

Answer 1

• triangulation
• methodological pluralism
• reflexivity
• respondent validation

Question 2

Triangulation

Answer 2

the use of more than one method, usually one or more that collects quantitative data and one or more that collects qualitative data to cross check the data being collected, to counter the bias of using a single method or to increase confidence in the findings.

Question 3

practical strengths of triangulation

Answer 3

• triangulation helps to ELIMINATE BIASES as a range of methods used to cross-check data/findings – therefore increasing validity.

Question 4

ethical strengths of triangulation

Answer 4

• Participants are fully represented by different methods, reducing emotional HARM so increasing validity.

Question 5

theoretical strengths of triangulation

Answer 5

Is supported by both POSITIVISTS and INTERPRETIVISTS.

Question 6

practical weakness of triangulation

Answer 6

• Time consuming: will take a long time to carry out the variety of different methods which will potentially reduce the sample size, reducing representativeness and generalisability.

Question 7

ethical weakness of triangulation

Answer 7

Depending on the methods used (will need to read source material carefully) it may difficult to uphold some of the ethical guidelines which could impact the validity of the results.

Question 8

reflexivity

Answer 8

• used by Interpretivists where they keep track of the strengths and weaknesses of the research.
• This is to evaluate their work whilst in progress with the aim of improving its validity.

Question 9

practical strengths of reflexivity

Answer 9

• When the researcher is reflexive they will THINK CRITICALLY about their research methods.
• This means that they should review the strengths and weaknesses of the data collection with the aim of improving their methods.
• This ensures that groups are examined effectively and a true picture of them is given which increases the validity of the data.
• if a researcher is being reflexive they are reviewing how their role can impact on the validity of the data.
• For example, they would look out for issues surrounding INTERVIEWER EFFECT which could mean that the respondents change their responses and give socially desirable ones.

Question 10

theoretical strengths of reflexivity

Answer 10

• INTERPRETIVISTS would favour this method as it aims to ensure a true insight into the social reality is gained meaning that the validity is increased and verstehen about a group is gained.

Question 11

practical weaknesses of reflexivity

Answer 11

time consuming - this will need to be done on regular basis and notes will need to made each time to ensure it is done effectively.

Question 12

theoretical weaknesses of reflexivity

Answer 12

• §Positivists may not be interested in reflexivity as the methods they use tend to be objective so there is less likelihood of there being biases to influence the results.

Question 13

respondent validation

Answer 13

technique used to check the results from the participants’ viewpoint. Results are returned to the participants to check that it accurately reflects their experiences and views

Question 14

practical strengths of respondent validation

Answer 14

• The researcher can gain feedback from the participants who were involved in the event or situation that was researched in order to check how their behaviour was interpreted.
• This can avoid bias and improve the validity of the research as it ensures that a group and social situation is presented ACCURATELY.

Question 15

ethical strengths of respondent validation

Answer 15

• It reduces emotional HARM as the participants are able to check that they have been portrayed fairly and accurately.
• This increases the validity as it ensures an accurate and fair reflection of the group being researched.

Question 16

theoretical strengths of respondent validation

Answer 16

• INTERPRETIVISTS would like this method due to it allowing the researchers to develop rapport and verstehen with the participants.
• This increases the validity of the research as participants are more likely to be honest and clarify any mistakes they may have made initially.
• This means a deeper insight into their lives can be gained.

Question 17

methodological pluralism

Answer 17

• A mixed method approach where methods are combined to provide a fuller and detailed, comprehensive picture of the topic.
• Combines both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Question 18

theoretical strengths of methodological pluralism

Answer 18

• Provides a detailed and in-depth examination of one particular case. - Interpretivists would prefer this method as it gives a comprehensive insight into the study area.

Question 19

ethical strengths of methodological pluralism

Answer 19

• As participants will be reflected more accurately, validity is increased reducing the risk of emotional harm caused by misrepresentation.

Question 20

practical strengths of methodological pluralism

Answer 20

• Methodological Pluralism helps to ELIMINATE BIASES as a range of methods used to get a holistic understanding therefore increasing validity.

Question 21

theoretical weaknesses of methodological pluralism

Answer 21

• Positivists may not be as interested in using a mixed method approach as not focused on getting a comprehensive understanding.
• Likely to produce lots of qualitative data which cannot be analysed objectively and it will be difficult to replicate - reducing reliability.

Question 22

ethical weaknesses of methodological pluralism

Answer 22

• Depending on the methods used (will need to read source material carefully) it may difficult to uphold some of the ethical guidelines which could impact the validity of the results.

Question 23

practical weaknesses of methodological pluralism

Answer 23

• time consuming: will take a long time to carry out the variety of different methods which will potentially reduce the sample size reducing representativeness and generalisability.