200 likes | 700 Views
Research Methods. Introduction. Research Methods are central to research.Methods through which we seek to meet the aims and objectives of the research.3 perspectives on Research MethodsData collection and analysisQuantitative and qualitative researchResearch strategies. Research Methods. Data Collection and Analysis.
E N D
1. Research Methods Data Collection
2. Research Methods Introduction Research Methods are central to research.
Methods through which we seek to meet the aims and objectives of the research.
3 perspectives on Research Methods
Data collection and analysis
Quantitative and qualitative research
Research strategies
3. Research Methods Data Collection and Analysis Determined by the nature of the problem
Collection and analysis can be closely intertwined
Consider sources and methods of collection
4. Research Methods Quantitative and Qualitative Research Natural science has traditionally concentrated on ‘hard’ quantitative (positive) analysis.
Subjective feelings and emotions are difficult to quantify as a consequence qualitative (anti-positive) methods have evolved to take more account of ‘soft’ personal data.
A mixed approach is one option.
5. Research Methods Research Strategies Yin, R. K. (1994) Case study research: design and methods, London, Sage
6. Research Methods Links between Perspectives
7. Research Methods Collecting Secondary Data Existing literature
Issues of
Authentication
Interpretation
8. Research Methods Collecting Primary Data Survey Based
Questionnaires
Interviews
Observations
9. Research Methods Sampling A technique to reduce the scope of data collection.
Random sampling
eg selection of students as representative of that population
Non random sampling
eg exit polls
10. Research Methods Questionnaires and Diaries Flexible tool
Fixed questions
Anonymous
Economical in terms of cost and time
Survey a large number of people
Personal or postal
Postal response rate with reduce
Use of a Pilot Study
20-30 minutes maximum for completion
Diary - a self administering questionnaire
Substitute for observation
11. Research Methods Interviews: Structured, Semi-structured and open Particularly useful for gathering qualitative data
Face to face and telephone
Highly structured questions are good for eliciting quantitative data
Open or unstructured interviews allow access to unpredictable information
12. Research Methods Interviews: Structured, Semi-structured and open Semi-structured interviews provide a hybrid approach.
Good for dealing with domain experts.
Need for preparation.
13. Research Methods Standardised Scales and Tests Use of existing and verified tests
Usability tests
standard usability scale
Sense of presence tests
SOPI
14. Research Methods Observation Participant versus non-participant
Qualitative versus quantitative
Know what you are looking at
Method of recording
15. Research Methods Observation Direct observation
Be aware of the Hawthorne effect
Video recording
Software logging
Interactive observation
Wizard of Oz
Verbal protocols
16. Research Methods Interacting with Participants Approach people with courtesy
Identify yourself, your intent, and what you are looking for
Offer to compensate participants
Describe how you will use the information and why it is valuable
Get permission to use the information and any photographs of video recordings that you take
17. Research Methods Interacting with Participants Keep all the information that you gather confidential
Let people know that they can decline to answer questions or stop participating at any time
Maintain a non judgemental, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere
Finally, ensure that all studies are approved by the University’s Ethics Committee
18. Research Methods Some examples Talk aloud protocol used during the study of virtual environments (BENOGO)
19. Research Methods Some examples Study of the Jencks Landform - Scottish Gallery of Modern Art