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Choice of Method and the Research Process - Coggle Diagram
Choice of Method and the Research Process
Choice of research method
Practical factors
Personal factors
Research subjects
Sources of funding
Research opportunity
Finance
Personal danger
Time
Ethical factors
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Effects on research subjects
Vulnerable groups
Covert research
Methodological preference
Positivists - Prefer quantitative data e.g. closed questions, structured interviews, experiments.
Interpretivists - Prefer qualitative data e.g. unstructured interviews, observations and open questionnaires.
Which factor is most important?
Theoretical factors are a positive influence
Practical and ethical issues limit choice
These are interrelated
Triangulation
Sampling
Are all samples representative? - No
Samples of representativeness - The extent to which a sample mirrors a researcher's target population and reflects its characteristics
Sampling frames - Those who are taking part in your study
Types of sample
Systematic sampling - Picking every Nth person from the possible participants.
Stratified sampling - The sample reflects the proportions of different groups in the research population.
Random sampling - Random sampling involves everyone in the target group having the same chance of getting chosen.
Quota sampling - In this method researchers ensure the sample fits with certain quotas.
The process of research
Aims
Hypotheses
Operationalising concepts
The pilot study
Positivism V Interpretivism
Positivists
Questionnaires, structured interviews - give less opportunity for personal answers
Reliable and representative quantitative data - Results are less likely to contain margins of error due to limitations in variety.
An observable, measurable reality exists - uncover causes
Identifies patterns and trends in behaviour - Direct correlation in regards to Yes/No
Interpretivists
Participant observation, unstructured interviews - Gives more freedom in answers
Valid, qualitative data - Ensures there is detail and reasoning behind the data
No objective social reality, just subjective meanings that actors give to events
Uncover actors' meanings or worldviews
Key concepts
Representativeness
The characteristics of the sample must reflect the wider group
Generalisations can then be made. Positivists see this as important
Researchers study a sample of the target group
Validity
Howe authentic the data is - close to reality
Interpretivists see this as important
Reliability
Use standard forms of measurement
Positivists like a scientific approach - They see it as a science and that is should mimic the way in which science experiments are made with no bias to get the best achievable results.
Research must be replicable
Data
Primary data - Data done by yourself (your group, company)
Secondary data - Data acquired by other groups or organisations.
Choice of topic
Funding bodies
Society's values
Practical factors
The sociologist's theoretical perspective
Chance