Research Methodologies

Research Methodologies

When undergoing research, researchers usually uses a range of methodologies to collect and explain their primary research carried out. It helps us understand and analyse the information obtained by the researcher. A few may include questionnaires, literature reviews, case studies, observations and interviews. It is important researchers also understand and are aware of any biases that may be present, whether it’s the recipient or giver.

Questionaries

A questionnaire is a form of survey that consists of a series of questions. This is a primary research methodology that provides both quantitative and qualitative data. They involve open ended questions such as “what do you like to do when at work?”, and close ended questions such as “do you like fish?”, with an answer of yes and no. questionaries can be completed in a variety of forms including face to face, over the phone, by email, or a third party survey provided i.e. survey monkey.

Advantages

Data can be collected from large quantities of individuals
This research method is inexpensive compared to the others
Most of time these questionnaires are anonymous and therefore, recipients maintain their anonymity and privacy, leading to more truthful answers
It’s very quick and easy to receive large amounts of data/results in a short period of time

Disadvantages

People make find it difficult to understand interpret what the question is actually asking. This is because there is no further explanation like there would be face to face and therefore reacting skewed results
People lie
Some people choose to not answer questions
Can struggle to answer the in-depth open-ended questions
They are only reliable and valid if the questions have been developed correctly and carefully

Questionaries are most suitable when trying to gather large quantities of data.

Literature Reviews

A literature review is an examination of existing research that has been conducted on a particular topic or issues, involving the researcher to summarise key views, opinions and findings of other research. This is a secondary research methodology where you use the work of others to compile your own. Literature reviews provide both qualitative and quantitative data through the means of the internet, books, magazines, newspapers and/or textbooks etc.

Advantages

Provides researchers with an in-depth understanding of the topic, which further allows them to compose their own thoughts and ideas
Exposes researcher to experts in the field and theories
Creates ease for complying questionnaires if needed

Disadvantages

Can be very time-consuming as you have to read through multiple papers to gather deep understanding and find exactly what you are looking for
Data may be bias or unreliable and it can be a little difficult to tell whether the data is unreliable, which is why it is important to look at many expert opinions and not heavily rely on a couple

If an individual is interested in researching about a specific topic i.e. why students are so sleep-deprived, a literature review would be most appropriate. This is because it provides large amounts of background information, allowing the individual to compare the ideas of what is already out there, and come up with their own conclusion.

Case Studies

A case study is a written summary of a real-life case that is based on data collected over a period of weeks, months or even years i.e. 7 up series. This is a primary research methodology that provides both qualitative and quantitative data. Case studies create an overall picture of the issue through the process of reflection and analysis.

Advantages

Provide rich in-depth information of a specific topic
Can make practical improvements from case study findings
Large amounts of descriptive information for rich understanding

Disadvantages

Relies heavily on real-life props i.e. the same people
Can be heavily subjective as it focuses on researchers’ point of view
Time-consuming
Can sometimes focus only on one aspect of a large issue

This type of research methodology is most suitable for conducting research on a specific social issue and understanding how and why.

Observations

Observations involve watching and recording what has been seen/done. It used to determine group interactions, behaviours and social structures. The research methodology allows researchers to obtain both qualitative and quantitative information through primary investigation. It observes group interactions with the researcher either taking part or not. Participant observation involves the researcher taking part in the actual experiment, while non-participant observation involves the researcher simply observing the group without interaction.

Advantages

Ability to gather rich understanding in group interactions and behaviour
Validates actual results

Disadvantages

Research bias and subjective
Group dynamics can be easily influenced if participants are aware of the observer
Time-consuming

Observations for most suitable for finding out how people react and interact in certain social situations.

Interviews

Interviews are a form of survey where the researcher asks one or more individuals a series of questions to gather information about a particular topic. Interviews provide primary qualitative sources of data. However, the interview must be planned effectively before it plans out. During the conducting section, the researcher introduced themselves and the purpose of the interview. It can take shape in three different forms including;

Written; taking notes
Audio; tape recorder
Video; video camera

There are two types of interviews; structured and unstructured;

Structured interviews are very brief and formal. The working of the questions is predetermined and are usually asked in the same manner and same order for all recipients. This creates easy interpretation and analysis of answers.

Unstructured interviews usually play out as a conversation, where questions are more general and there’s more flexibility of what is asked. This allows the interviewer to encourage greater detail and have rich discussions. However, unstructured interviews create difficultly when comparing information.

Advantages

In-depth information can be gained, providing both emotional and physical interpretations
Can be very convenient i.e. over the phone
Provides information on opinions, values and attitudes
Provides the opportunity for both researchers and participants to clarify what they mean

Disadvantages

Hard to compare qualitative data especially if unstructured interview is undertaken
Stressful and nerve-racking for both parties
Inconvenience of time, place and expense
May be subject to bias

Interviews are most suitable for finding in depth information on specific topics or people. It allows researchers to gather personal information and read body languages.

Ethical behaviour

Ethical behaviour is concerned with right and wrong way to behave. It is important when undergoing research, that researchers take into consideration ethical implications on their behalf, as well as their participants and data.

Privacy refers to where information about participants and their answers are kept confidential and anonymous. The privacy of participants can be kept by ensuring all documentation is in a secured place and free from access to anyone other than yourself. Ensuring documents are shredded after the conclusion of the research is another way to attain privacy. To ensure the validity and reliability of results, it is important to give participants to option to remain anonymous, or receive consent to use their names, ensuring privacy of the participant is respected and remained. Participants are more inclined to be honest if they remain anonymous creating valid and reliable results in your research project.

Respect refers to the safety and welfare of subjects involved in the research. Respect can be implemented into the research project by ensuring voluntary participation and informed consent. If participants are aware of the subject beforehand, they can get more comfortable with answering any questions you provide, leading to reliable and valid results. It is important participants are free from physical and emotional harm, this means ensuring careful wording to not offend anyone.

Bias refers to a one-sided point of view on a topic which is influenced by ones’ own beliefs and values. Bias can be easily avoided by using a variety of research methodologies and ensuring a large sample size. It is important the researcher and interviewee are not bias. To avoid this, researchers can ensure they avoid leading questions, and avoid convenience sampling, as this may alter results to a specific scene.

Integrity of data involves recording all the data used. This will ensure an appendix of questionnaires, interviews, observational notes or an extra information, as well as a reference list at the end, citing all used articles. It is also important that all data is entered correctly and there no mistakes when finalising the results. Making alternations to the data yourself is a breach of ethical concerns.

Integrity of researcher involves treating all participant with honesty and maintaining all final copies of research. Again, it is vital all data is entered accurately and truthfully. The researcher must maintain all documents and if any are disregarded, it must be noted within the research report. Eliminating data without acknowledging it or changing data results in invalid and unreliable results.

Reference List

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Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative case study methodology: Study design and implementation for novice researchers. The qualitative report, 13(4), 544-559.

Board of Studies NSW. (2013). Community and Family Studies. Retrieved from: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/e6637974-cd2e-4a77-8d88-47141d8cdbf6/cafs-st6-syllabus-january-2017.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID

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Research Methodologies[edit]

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