Chapter 1 - Introduction to Research

Question 1

What is Research?

Answer 1

Research is defined as the systematic process of collecting and analysing information (data) for the advancement of knowledge of a topic or issue.

Question 2

What is Social Research?

Answer 2

• Social research is defined as the scientific process of finding how individuals and groups in a social system interact and influence one another, or respond to life conditions and experiences.
• It explains human aggregates and not individuals as it examines a society’s attitudes, assumptions, beliefs, trends, stratifications and rules.

Question 3

What is Quantitative Research?

Answer 3

Quantitative Research focuses on gathering numerical data.

Question 4

What are the ADVANTAGES of Quantitative Research?

Answer 4

1. Can be used when large quantities of data need to be collected.
   
   2. The result is usually numerical (quantifiable) and hence considered more ‘objective’.
   3. The data is considered quantifiable and may be generalisable to a larger population. However, this is dependent on the sample size and sampling techniques.
   4. It allows the researcher to see changes overtime and help develop quantitative indicators.
   5. Quantitative research is usually more representative of the population, hence it is commonly used for grants and proposals.

Question 5

What is the DISADVANTAGE of Quantitative Research?

Answer 5

1. The quantitative data ignores a very important human element.

Question 6

WHEN TO USE Quantitative Research?

Answer 6

1. When trying to measure a trend such as ‘Do youth talk to their parents about issues important to them?’
   
   2. When data can be obtained in numerical forms such as ‘number of children under 15 who participate in volunteering activities’.
   3. When simple objective responses can be received such as ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
   4. Trying to collect data in ratios, percentages and averages.

Question 7

What are the Data Collection Methods for Quantitative Research?

Answer 7

1. Surveys
   
   2. Experiment
   3. Archival Records (Secondary data)
   4. Logs
   5. Journals

Question 8

What is Qualitative Research?

Answer 8

Qualitative Research focuses on behaviour and the reasons for the behaviour through communication with participants, direct observations or analysis of texts. Data is gathered from sampled individuals by means of direct and indirect observation or experience, open-ended questionnaires and interviews so that broad themes can be drawn from the data.

Question 9

What are the ADVANTAGES of Qualitative Research?

Answer 9

1. Useful for studying a limited number of cases in depth.
   
   2. Useful for describing complex phenomena such as understanding and describing people’s personal experiences of the phenomena.
   3. Qualitative researchers are especially responsive to changes that occur during data collection (especially during extended fieldwork).
   4. Qualitative data can be in form of words, text, and images.

Question 10

What are the DISADVANTAGES of Qualitative Research?

Answer 10

1. Knowledge produced might not be generalised to other people or other settings (that is the findings might be unique to the relatively few people included in the research study).
   
   2. It is difficult to make quantitative predictions.
   3. Qualitative research can be more time and resource intensive than quantitative research.
   4. The results are more easily influenced by the researcher’s personal biases and idiosyncrasies.

Question 11

WHEN TO USE Qualitative Research?

Answer 11

1. When there is a need to explore new meanings, definitions or phenomena that people are experiencing and feeling in a particular context.
   
   2. When there is a need to carry out in-depth study to describe the complexity of a situation, behaviour or phenomenon and break it down into more manageable parts.

Question 12

What are the Data Collection Methods for Qualitative Research?

Answer 12

1. Observations
   
   2. In-depth interviews
   3. Focus group discussions

Question 13

What is MIXED METHODS Research?

Answer 13

• Mixed Methods Research Design involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative research designs in a single study. The purpose is to provide a better understanding of a research problem or issue
  
  • Mixed Methods Research combines different measurements types (such as combining interviews/observations with questionnaire data) to understand the context of the issue or area of interest.

Question 14

What are the 3 PURPOSES of Research to facilitate social service practice?

Answer 14

Three of the most common and useful purposes are exploration, description and explanation. Most studies have more than one of these purposes.

Question 15

How does EXPLORATORY RESEARCH relate or help in social service practice?

Answer 15

1. Exploratory Research is undertaken to explore an area where little is known or to investigate the possibility of undertaking a particular research study.
   
   2. In relation to social service practice, the researcher aims to:
      
      • Achieve new insights into a new area of interest or concern such as understanding the impact of legislation and social policy on the clients and communities they serve.
      • Test the feasibility of undertaking a more extensive study on a subject that is relatively new or unknown to the sector. It lays the groundwork that will lead to future studies.

Question 16

How does DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH relate or help in social service practice?

Answer 16

1. Descriptive Research describes the situation, needs, and issues of the participants of interest.
   
   2. In relation to social service practice, the researcher aims to:
      
      • gain insight into the changing social and economic circumstances of a group or groups of people.
      • provide information systematically about a situation, problem, issue and programme.

Question 17

How does EXPLANATORY RESEARCH relate or help in social service practice?

Answer 17

1. Explanatory research attempts to clarify why there is a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon.
   
   2. In relation to social service practice, the researcher aims to:
      * Evaluate the effectiveness of social work services in meeting people’s needs or to demonstrate relative costs and benefits of social work services