Research Methodologies

1. Research Methodologies

2. Primary Research Is research you conduct yourself to gain first-hand information or data. It is gathered directly by you as the researcher in the field.

3. Secondary Research Is research that has been previously conducted by others that we then read, interpret and analyse.

4. Quantitative Research Involves methodologies that can be expressed numerically and easily quantified where data is collected, measured and compared. Quantitative research is research that produces measurable data (numbers/statistics) that can be analysed to identify amounts, trends, draw conclusions etc. Examples of quantitative mythologies are closed surveys, structured interviews and statistical analysis.

5. Qualitative Research Involves gathering in depth but subjective information from individuals or groups that is based on perceptions and understandings about a particular topic. The focus of qualitative methodologies is the way in which participants (rather than the researcher) interpret their experience and construct reality. Some examples are, an unstructured interview, focus group, open ended questionnarie and participant observation.

6. Personal Reflection Definition – researcher reflection and evaluation of personal experience, values and opinions. Type – Qualitative Advantages • relevant to topic • researcher honesty Disadvantages • Needed to address own strengths and weaknesses • Need to address personal bias and prejudice • Information too subjective

7. Interview (Unstructured, in-depth, conversational) Definition – researcher and interviewee on a one to one basis Type – Qualitative Advantages • Excellent source of detailed information • Flexible approach allows responsiveness between interviewee and interviewer. • Can trial questions • Keep focus • Unique and insightful responses

8. Interview cont. Disadvantages • Time consuming • Need to be prepared and well researched • Recording information • Time required to transcribe interview • Need to be an active listner

9. Focus Group Definition – informal discussions with selected interviewees; an organised group discussion on a single theme. Type – qualitative Advantages • Can verify data • Variety and versatility and direct contact with subjects • Easier data collection • Group format encourages openness • Interaction encourages debate • Time efficient Disadvantages • Need good leader for discussion • Information subjective • Discussion can get out of control • Need good questions

10. Observation – non-participant Definition – observing the way people act, live, learn, play and work Type – non - quantitative, Advantages - non-participant • Observation can be non-intrusive • Results can be easily converted into graphs and tables Disadvantages • Observer may influence behaviour by their presence • Need to be organised and systematic in data collection • Must not dominate observation

11. Participant Observation Definition – observing the way people act, live, learn, play, work as part of the group. Type – qualitative Advantages • in depth first hand knowledge of group you are studying • Gain real access to people’s lives • Unique and insightful reflections from actual observations are possible Disadvantages • Must not dominate observation • Can be too familiar to maintain objectivity • Observations must be ethical – permission and privacy

12. Ethnographic Study Definition – systematic data collection from direct observations gained by immersing yourself in the culture/subculture you are researching Type – qualitative Advantages • In depth first hand knowledge of group you are studying • Gain real access to people’s lives • Unique and insightful reflections from actual observations are possible Disadvantages • Longer term study involves time • Observer may influence behaviour by their presence • Can be too familiar to maintain objectivity • Observations must be ethical – permission, privacy

13. Survey Definition – process of conducting a study from a representative sample of specific groups eg migrant women. A questionnaire can be used. Type • Closed questions – quantitative • Open ended questions – qualitative Advantages • Can be designed to be quick and easy to answer • Useful for a large sample of responses • Info can be easily converted to graphs • Gains useful factual info. Disadvantages • Low response rate • Questions must be well understood by recipient • Limited interaction between survey respondent and researcher

14. Content Analysis Definition – systematic study of written and visual material. Type – quantitative Advantages • Can gain information that effectively allows comparison with other info • Info can be easily converted into graphs etc • Gains useful factual info Disadvantages • Need to establish effective categories for analysis eg keywords, images • Occurrence of categories (above) need to be recorded and measured.

15. Ethical Research Social and cultural research need to consider ethics: • Gaining consent from participants and maintaining confidentiality and where appropriate their anonymity • Whether the research prejudices or poses a threat to the researcher or others in the school or wider community • Whether the research places the participants at risk. The researcher needs to be consciously aware of any assumptions that may underlie the research,

16. Activity • Give an example of an activity that would be suitable for of each of the methodologies in this presentation. • Give an example of an activity that would not be suitable for each methodology.