Research Methods Designed to Improve Research Flashcards
ways to improve research
- triangulation
- methodological pluralism
- reflexivity
- respondent validation
Triangulation
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.
practical strengths of triangulation
- triangulation helps to ELIMINATE BIASES as a range of methods used to cross-check data/findings – therefore increasing validity.
ethical strengths of triangulation
- Participants are fully represented by different methods, reducing emotional HARM so increasing validity.
theoretical strengths of triangulation
Is supported by both POSITIVISTS and INTERPRETIVISTS.
practical weakness of triangulation
- 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.
ethical weakness of triangulation
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.
reflexivity
- 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.
practical strengths of reflexivity
- 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.
theoretical strengths of reflexivity
- 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.
practical weaknesses of reflexivity
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.
theoretical weaknesses of reflexivity
- §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.
respondent validation
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
practical strengths of respondent validation
- 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.
ethical strengths of respondent validation
- 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.
theoretical strengths of respondent validation
- 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.
methodological pluralism
- 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.
theoretical strengths of methodological pluralism
- 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.
ethical strengths of methodological pluralism
- As participants will be reflected more accurately, validity is increased reducing the risk of emotional harm caused by misrepresentation.
practical strengths of methodological pluralism
- Methodological Pluralism helps to ELIMINATE BIASES as a range of methods used to get a holistic understanding therefore increasing validity.
theoretical weaknesses of methodological pluralism
- 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.
ethical weaknesses of methodological pluralism
- 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.
practical weaknesses of methodological pluralism
- 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.
