Session 2 - Social research methods Flashcards
What is quantitative research?
the collection of numerical data which begins with an hypothesis or idea.
able to draw conclusions on causal relationships and relationships between variables
Examples of quantitative
Questionnaire
RCT
Cohort study
Case control
What two criteria should a questionnaire fulfil?
Reliable - they must measure things consistently (test retest score similar, difference in results of questionnaire due to different individuals rather that inconsistencies in questionnaire
Valid - measure what they are supposed to
List advantages of questionnaires
Good as measuring relationships between variables
comparisons
describing
List disadvantages of questionnaires
- May place people into inappropriate categories
- Awful at exploring reasons behind relationships (causality)
- no self expression
- may not access all info
What is qualitative research?
A method a research which places emphasis on meaning and feelings
which helps give an insight to behavior….super labour intensive
Advantages to qualitative research
- provides a deep insight in perspectives
- able to observe causality
- assess information not observed by quantitative methods
Disadvantages of qualitative research
- Difficult in finding CONSISTENT relationships
- Most types are labour intensive
List the different qualitative methods
Ethnography and observation
Interviews
Focus groups
Documentary/ media analysis
What is Ethnography and observation?
Name an advantage and disadvantage
observing human behaviour in a natural environment
can be participant observation when people do not know what you’re up to or non participant observation when they do.
Adv - valuable insight into behavior Dis - Labour intensive
What are focus groups?
A method of establishing parameters + collective understanding from a group of people. Not good for getting individual views
What may be some of the advantages of focus groups?
Many encourage people to participate
Gain a collect view from a group of people
What may be some of the disadvantages of focus groups?
Hard to organise
Overpowering figures making it hard for everyone to express themselves and get involved
A good facilitator is needed to make sure the conversation stays on tract
Deviant views may be inhibited
What are the two types of research methods (broadly)
Quantitative
Qualitative
