Overview of Research Methods

Overview of Research Methods

1. Types of data

   • Primary Data- collected by researcher themselves.
   • Secondary Data- Collected by someone else, used by researcher.
   • Quantitative Data- Numerical.
   • Qualitative Data- Written/ Spoken, other forms (e.g. photos)

2. Practical Issues

   • Time and money- Some methods are more costly or time consuming.
   • Requirements of funding bodies- those funding research may select the topic + type of data and the presentation
   • Personal skills & characteristics- May affect the choice of method. E.g. May struggle to establish the rapport with interviewees.
   • Subject matter- Some topics/groups may be harder to study than others.
   • Research opportunity- If there is an unexpected opportunity for research, time consuming methods (e.g. Questionnaires) won't be able to be used.

3. Ethical issues

   • Informed consent- All participants have to agree to take part, being fully aware of what the research is about.
   • Confidentiality & Privacy- Mustn't reveal names or personal details of participants.
   • Effects on research participants- Must avoid physical or mental harm on participants.
   • Vulnerable groups- Extra care when working with certain groups i.e. children, elderly, victims of crime or mentally ill.
   • Covert research- Some argue it's unethical as people are unaware they're being studied, however can be the only way.

4. Theoretical issues

   • Validity- Method which produces a true picture.
   • Reliability- Consistent results when repeated.
   • Representativeness- Sample is cross-section of the wider group the researched is based on.
   • Methodological perspective- Positivists prefer quantitative data; Interpretivists prefer qualitative data.
   • Theoretical perspective- Social action (Micro) perspectives prefer qual. methods for meaning; Structural (Macro) perspective prefer quant. methods for society shaping behaviour.

5. Quantitative or Qualitative

   • Positives- Quantitative: High reliability, Bigger samples, Generalisation, and Predictions of behaviour.
   • Interpretivists- Qualitative: High validity, More detailed; However smalls samples so hard to generalise.
   • Triangulation- Combing different methods (e.g. Quant. + Qual.)