Research Methods - Key Terms

Question 1

Primary data

Answer 1

Collected directly by researcher themselves

Eg. Observations, questionnaires, interviews, statistical surveys

Question 2

Secondary data

Answer 2

Collected by other researchers

Documents, diaries, letters, tv programs

Question 3

Validity

Answer 3

Extent to which the research provides a true picture of the social reality of those being studied

Question 4

Covert participant observation

Answer 4

Observation where the researchers identity is undercover

Question 5

Overt participant observation

Answer 5

Researchers identity is known

Question 6

Reliability

Answer 6

The extent to which the data is consistent and capable of verification by another researcher

Question 7

Representiveness

Answer 7

Extent to which the sample used is a good cross section of the target population
Smae types of people in same proportion
High generalisability

Question 8

Generalisability

Answer 8

Apply findings to wider target group

Question 9

Positivism

Answer 9

Sees human behaviour as structured and predictable

Quantitative data

Scientific

Favour systematic and reliable research methods- if data can be repeated absolute truths and casual relationships can be created. Allows for bold statements

Government favours

Personal opinion and bias avoided

Representive data - findings can be applied to entire target population

Allows bold generalisations it be made

Objective research methods

Question 10

Interpretivism

Answer 10

Individuals have free will - human behaviour is not predictable

People react differently in different situations- humans actively construct their own lives through choices

To investigate human behaviour we must adopt verstehen

Society is socially constructed

Validity- data which clearly illustrates meaning - Reject positivists reliability

Ethnographic research

Primary research methods - produces qualitative data (covert observation, open survey; unstructured, semi structured, group interviews)

EV:

• Not systematic or structured (variables aren’t controlled)
• Ethnographic research could lead to change in behaviour - lead to individuality
• Data is not reliable (different attempts at the same research would not generate the same data)
• Ignores structural influences and only focuses upon immediate group

Reflexivity - attempted to counter criticism by keeping research diaries

Question 11

Verstehen

Answer 11

Putting ourselves in the shoes of those we are studying

Question 12

Hypotheticodeductive approach

Answer 12

Scientific approach where you test hypothesis

Question 13

Social facts

Answer 13

laws which shape and determine human behaviour

Question 14

Quantitative data

Answer 14

Numerical data. Allows for patterns and trends. Positivists

Question 15

Qualitative data

Answer 15

Non numerical data.
Can’t turn into stats or generalise
Interpretivists

Question 16

Ethnographic research

Answer 16

In order to understand behaviour we must observe and talk to human beings. Must be put into the environment of those being studied

Question 17

Theoretical

Answer 17

Interpretivism (valid)
Or
Positivism (reliable)

Question 18

Practical

Answer 18

Time, cost, etc

Question 19

Ethical

Answer 19

Informed Consent (fully aware of aims and give full consent)

Deception (must not hold information back)

Privacy and confidentiality

Harm (must not physically, emotionally or mentally harm respondents)

Researcher harm (must not put themselves or their team in harms way)

Illegal activity (must not be involved in or posess guilty knowledge)

Question 20

Hypothesis

Answer 20

Informed guess on what might be true

Question 21

Aims

Answer 21

Statement of intent

Question 22

Operationalisation

Answer 22

Breakdown hypothesis into easily measurable format

Allows research to be replicated (positivist)

Greater level of structure