Social and cultural research methodologies Flashcards
Overview of methods of research
Social and Cultural Research Methodologies
Ethical Research
social and cultural researchers are expected to conduct research ethically.
Process of Research
- Decide on the topic to research
- Develop a focus question or hypothesis
- Gather background info
- Design the research
- Develop the research methods to be used
- Applt the research methods ethically
- Compile and organise collected information so that it is manageable
- Analyse, synthesise, and interpret the findings
- Write up the conclusion in an appropriate format, considering the audience for the final product
- Check the final product for editing or typing mistakes and ensure that all bibliographical information is included and correct
Quantitative
Researchers collect data that can be measured, counted, or quantified, resulting in statistical reports. Focus on what and how many.
e.g. Questionare, content analysis, statistical analysis, observation
Qualitative
Researchers aim to gain an in-depth understanding of an issue through open-ended questioning, non-statistical research techniques, or value-based observations. Focuses on why and how.
e.g. Questionnaire, Interview, focus group, personal reflection
Quantitative (pros & cons)
Pros:
- swift and extensive data collection
- minimal subjectivity and bias
- consistency and applicability
- generalizability of findings
- clear, focused research aims
Cons:
- restricted depth in response
- the risk of oversimplification
- vulnerability to external influences
- intensive resource requirement
- elevated costs
Qualitative (pros & cons)
Pros:
- focuses on the subjective cultural aspects of organisations
- avoids research findings being artifacts of the method being used
- rich data
- allows for flexibility
Cons:
- not easily replicable
- researcher not detached from what is being studied
- access can be difficult
- can be difficult to analyze
Observation Methods
Involves watching and/or interacting whilst recording behaviors within a clearly defined area.
Observation Methods: Naturalistic
observing behaviours in their natural setting, without awareness or any manipulation or intervention.
Observation Methods: (pros & cons)
Pros:
- looks at relationships between variables
- patterns of relationship between variables
- uses naturally occurring groups
Cons:
- no research control
- has no independent variables
- attempt to understand cause and effect relationship
Observation Methods: Participant
Observing behaviours in a natural setting, through active participation in the situation and/or environment manipulation.
Content Analysis (qualitative & quantitative)
studies materials rather than people directly.
e.g. diary entries, Facebook updates, tweets, magazines, TV shows
Pros:
- few ethical issues as no direct manipulation of people
- can automate the process or perform it manually
-does not require high investment or sophisticated solutions
Cons:
- conducted manually can be time-consuming
- results usually subjective to interpretation
- Manual analysis can be subject to human error
Triangulation analysis
reference book or diagram
Interview: (qualitative)
a conversational interaction between a researcher and interviewee. A transcript should be made for quotes.
Advantages:
- Great for achieving information
- enables detailed assessment
- improves understanding
Disadvantages:
- possibility of personal bias
- hard to confirm the truth
- judgments made quickly
Focus group: (Quantitative & Qualitative)
performed by a planned discussion & interview with a small group of people conducted by an operator.
Advantages:
- speeds up data collection
- facilitate interaction
- provide stimulation
Disadvantages:
- unstructured/messy data
- moderation skills required
- no conclusive results
Personal Reflection: (Qualitative)
evaluation of personal experiences and values to demonstrate analysis & interpretation of data in the context of research focus.
Advantages:
- personal insights
- ethical (consent)
- rich information
Disadvantages:
- Bias
- time consuming
- subjectivity
Secondary Research: (Quantitative & Qualitative)
Accessing data from another researcher, and making a subjective judgment of the adequacy of the material for the research purpose.
e.g. newspapers, journals, formal reports, magazines
Advantages:
- easy to access
-low cost
- anyone can collect data
Disadvantages:
- data may be outdated
- no control over data quality
- not specific to your needs
Questionnaire: (Quantitative & Qualitative)
Set of clear, concise, and impersonal questions, designed to collate a large sample of information. Ensuring & maintaining specifications to research objective.
Advantages:
- cost-effective
- maintain Anoniminity
- easier data analysis
Disadvantages:
- low response rates
- bias and subjectivity
- no option to clarify doubts
Statistical Analysis: (quantitative)
interpreting meaning, making genrelizations, and extrapolating trends in graphical form, using mathematical or statistical procedures.
Advantages:
- cheaper
- less time consuming
- patterns are clear
Disadvantages:
- easily misinterpreted
- cannot check validity
- subject to fluctuation
