In Depth Research

• ETHNOGRAPHY:

  Definition

  The study of people in their own environment through the use of methods such as participant observation and face to face interviews

  Strengths

  Provides a better insight into a specific group of people, culture, or society without directly influencing that group

  Weaknesses

  Ethnography is time consuming and requires a well-trained researcher
• Longitudinal study


  Research conducted over a long period of time and involve returning to the sample at regular intervals
• Longitudinal study


  • Helps the researcher recognise patterns and trends over time
  • The researcher can often build a good rapport with participants as they may meet with them multiple times
• Longitudinal study


  • Sampling is often difficult as people may not want to commit to research over a long period of time
  • Sample attrition may occur – participants may move house, pass away, or may no longer wish to participate in the study
• Longitudinal study


  • The millennium cohort study, university college London
• CASE STUDY:

  Definition

  In – depth piece of research on one particular example of something

  Strengths

  ·       Provide detailed information

  ·       Provides insight for further research

  Weaknesses

  ·       Case study results can be difficult to replicate

  Example

  Paul Willis – Learning to labour