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A summary

Chapter 3 discusses various research methods for data collection, including interviews (unstructured, semi-structured, and structured), focus groups, questionnaires (close-ended, open-ended, and a combination), and participant observation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the research goals. Understanding these tools is essential for effective research design.

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3 views

A summary

Chapter 3 discusses various research methods for data collection, including interviews (unstructured, semi-structured, and structured), focus groups, questionnaires (close-ended, open-ended, and a combination), and participant observation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the research goals. Understanding these tools is essential for effective research design.

Uploaded by

the.iran.beast
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Research,chapter 3

How to choose your research methods?

Research methods are the tools you use to collect your data. You need to know about the
tools before choosing your method.

Using interviews

There are three types interviews: unstructured, semi structured and structured interviews.

Unstructured: in depth, also called life history. The researcher tends to achieve a holistic
understanding of interviewees point of view or situation. Used for qualitative research. The
researcher stablishes rapport between himself and participant.

Semi_structures interviews: the most common type. Used in qualitative research. The
researcher gets some information that could be compared and contrasted to other
information. The same questions are asked in each interview.

Structural interviews:Pretty common. How is it done? Stop people on the street and ask
your questions from people. It's also done online or over the phone.

Conducting focus group

It's also called discussion group or group interviews. Focus group is the name of a group of
people gathered together and discuss on a topic. Led by a moderator or facilitator. This
person introduces the topic, asked questions and controles the group. Having a focus
group can have some advantages and disadvantages.

Questionnaires, it has 3 types

1_Close ended questionnaire: quantitative, ask participants to choose from a set of


responses, typically one word answers, "yes,no", "agree, disagree".
2_Open ended questionnaire: used in qualitative research. There is a blank to fill.

3_Combination of both: many researchers apply this type. It helps to know how many
people use a service and what they think of it. Many questionnaires begin with close ended
and finish with a section of open ended questionnaire.

Undertaking participant observation

Two ways for observing: direct observation and participant observation. Direct observation
is commonly used in health and psychology. Observing a subject through a one way mirror
or something like that. The subject doesn't know that he is being observed. In participant
observation the subject knows that he is being observed, there is no distance.

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