Research methods

Cards (50)

  • What does G.R.O.V.E.R stand for
    Generalisability
    Representative
    Objectivity
    Validity
    Ethics
    Reliability
  • Define Generalisability
    If a resource is representative it can be generalised to view a whole population
  • Define Representative
    The representation of diversity within the group based on the target population.
  • Define Objectivity
    The whole uninfluenced research data (not biased by a researcher)
  • Define Validity
    The true answers to a question
  • Define Ethics
    Unbiased, true, representative information which is retrieved ethically
  • Define Reliability
    Repeatability of a research method’s data
  • Definition of observations
    watching a group of people in their natural social setting and observing how they behave in their everyday activities
  • Definition of overt observations
    open about their identity as a researcher
  • Definition of covert observations
    secretive and hides identity as a researcher
  • Define Participant observations
    researcher joins behaviours of those being studied
  • Define Non-participant observations
    sit back and observe what the group does without getting involved in their behaviours
  • Definition of interviews
    asking participants questions and recording their answers in some way
  • Define structured Interviews
    interviews with a set, planned list of questions
  • Define an unstructured interview
    an interview with no planned questions but surrounds a set theme (go with the flow)
  • Define a semi-structured interview
    an interview with some planned questions but allows room to expand on answers and probe into topics discussed
  • Define a Focus group
    Conversational interviews within a group setting to discuss and debate different ideas
  • Definition of questionnaires
    a set list of questions on a topic that can be completed independently
  • Define open questions
    a question that does not restrict the possible range of answers and allows detailed responses
  • Define closed questions
    a question with a determined range of possible answers
  • Definition of surveys
    questionnaires based on a snapshot of time
  • Define longitudinal research
    data that is retrieved over a long period of time to measure changes over the period
  • Define a longitudinal panel study
    sample surveyed on two or more occasions
  • Define a longitudinal cohort study
    a sample containing similar characteristics or experiences to draw comparisons ]
  • Definition of multiple methods
    two or more research methods to back up results to gain a fuller understanding of a topic
  • Define Triangulation
    multiple methods used to check the validity of the research through similar or conflicting results
  • Define Methodological pluralism
    multiple methods used to build a fuller picture of a topic
  • Define secondary data
    already existing data that can be qualitative or quantitative and was not collected by the researcher
  • Define historical secondary data
    provides unattainable primary data to make comparisons over time
  • Define personal/life secondary data
    personally written documents that provide a greater insight into certain situations e.g. diaries
  • Define media secondary data
    talks about foreign/political issues but is often biased
  • Define Official Statistic Secondary data
    available on a wide range of subjects and is often valid and time saving
  • Definition of sampling
    small proportion of a target population to be studied aiming to be representative in order to generalise results
  • Define random sampling
    using a sampling frame, e.g. a list of names, to randomly select participants
  • Define Systematic sampling
    sampling using a sample frame in a pattern using nth term e.g. every 4th person
  • Define Stratified sampling
    target population divided into subgroups and selected based on the subgroups representation of the population
  • Define Opportunity sampling
    using respondents who are easily available to the researcher e.g. students in a classroom
  • Define Snowball sampling
    Using an initial contact to invite more people into the research
  • Define Quota sampling
    sample based on those who fit a certain demographic being stopped on the street and interviewed
  • What are the Practical Issues?
    Time
    Research Opportunities
    Access to participants
    Money
    Personal Characteristics