Social and Cultural research methods

Question 1

What is a primary research method?

Answer 1

Primary research is when original information or research data is collected first hand by the researcher. This means primary research can be both qualitative and quantitative, depending on what research method is selected.

Question 2

What is a secondary research method?

Answer 2

This is when the researcher collects existing information and synthesises the information. All researchers conduct secondary research.

Question 3

What are quantitative research methods?

Answer 3

It involves statistical data and the data collected can be analysed and used to answer questions.

Question 4

What are the main features of quantitative research methods? (4)

Answer 4

Large and randomly selected sample of respondents who represent the particular population of interest

Structured data collection instrument, with closed-ended or rating-scale questions

Quantities and trends can be identified; and thus comparisons can be made

Quantifies the findings in numerical data, tables, graphs, and diagrams

Question 5

What are the main features of qualitative research methods? (4)

Answer 5

Usually a small sample and not randomly selected

Narrative report with conceptual description of behaviour, values, attitudes and beliefs

Invaluable for the exploration of subjective experiences

Relies heavily on the researcher’s interpretive skills to understand the complexities of findings

Question 6

What are three examples of quantitative methods of research?

Answer 6

Questionnaire
Content analysis
Statistical analysis

Question 7

What are five examples of qualitative methods of research?

Answer 7

Personal reflection
Participant observation
Case Study 
Focus group
Interview

Question 8

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a case study?

Answer 8

Strength: Helps consolidate research, provides detailed information

Weaknesses: Time consuming, may be biased

Question 9

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a focus group?

Answer 9

Strength: Saves time, as they are people of same demographics they may be encouraged to share certain answers

Weaknesses: There is a certain group bias which may pressure people to say thing that they weren’t willing to say, bias from moderators

Question 10

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Observation?

Answer 10

Strength: In depth qualitative data, Natural behaviour can be observed

Weaknesses: Easy to break ethical codes, time-consuming, subjective

Question 11

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Personal reflection?

Answer 11

Strength: Non time-consuming, Allows usage of personal knowledge

Weaknesses: May have biases to the topic

Question 12

What are the strengths and weaknesses of an interview?

Answer 12

Strength: Enables detailed information to be received, can find the appropriate candidate for the research method

Weaknesses: Time consuming, personal bias

Question 13

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a participant observation?

Answer 13

Strengths: Allows for deep insight into meanings, view points, values and problems of certain societies,

Weaknesses: May be bias, time consuming, ethical issues

Question 14

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a questionnaire?

Answer 14

Strengths: Efficient form of collecting data (a lot of people can be tested quickly), convenient, allows for anonymity, can ask a variety of questions and get a variety of answers

Weaknesses: Anonymity may make people write ‘nonsense’ answers because there is no repercussion, difficulty in conveying emotions, some questions are hard to analyse

Question 15

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a statistical analysis

Answer 15

Strengths: Allows for the observation of patterns and correlations between statistics,

Weaknesses: Requires good skill to successfully analyse the information, statistics collected may not be valid

Question 16

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a content analysis?

Answer 16

Strengths: Cheap, Allows for statistical analysis, Quantifies the meaning of text and media,

Weaknesses: Time consuming, selection of texts/media will lead to bias, coding system may be developed wrongly

Question 17

What is a case study?

Answer 17

A case study involves the in-depth study of a cultural group, which can be any group of individuals who share a common social experience and/or location. It is typically considered a methodology when it combines two or more research methods.

Question 18

What is a focus group?

Answer 18

A focus group entails the collection of data from an in-depth planned discussion of a defined topic held by a small group of people (typically of the same demographic) brought together by a moderator.

Question 19

What is an observation?

Answer 19

It is a form of primary research which involves observing a group or people (s).

Question 20

What is a personal reflection?

Answer 20

Personal reflection is the reflection and evaluation of personal experiences and values to demonstrate analysis and interpretation of data in the context of the research focus.

Question 21

What is an interview?

Answer 21

It involves the questioning of others through the use of open-ended questions. It is a face to face, in-depth talk with one or more persons, in which they can reveal their personal experiences and knowledge.

Question 22

What is a participant observation?

Answer 22

It is where the researcher is immersed in the action being observed their role as a researcher is not obvious. Researcher draws meaning from what is being observed. Typically has ethical issues

Question 23

What is a questionnaire?

Answer 23

A questionnaire is a research instrument that consists of a set of questions for the purpose of gathering information from respondents through survey or statistical study. A research questionnaire is typically a mix of close-ended questions and open-ended questions.

Question 24

What is a statistical analysis?

Answer 24

Involves analysing a variety of statistics (quantitative research) and synthesising the information to make generalisations and predictions.

Question 25

What is a content analysis?

Answer 25

It involves analysing a variety of forms of media to interpret themes and ideas. After coding the responses, the researcher analyses, interprets and makes qualitative judgements about meanings of the content

Question 26

What is secondary research?

Answer 26

Involves accessing data already produced by other researchers.

Question 27

What are the strengths and weaknesses of secondary research?

Answer 27

Strengths: Data can be obtained quickly, data is free (or at least at a lesser cost), research has already been done for you

Weaknesses: Struggle finding information specific to needs, lack of accuracy

Question 28

What is necessary for someone to be considered culturally and socially literate. (4)

Answer 28

Avoids making judgments of other culture’s practices using the values of own culture

Empathises with and appreciates the diverse beliefs and values of different societies and cultures

Applies skills to improve social inclusion and is aware of the issues of discrimination and prejudice

Is aware of, and sensitive of major national and global issues such as poverty