Factors Influencing Method Choice

Question 1

How does access to participants influence method choice?

Answer 1

It affects which methods are feasible. Some groups are harder to reach or have limited time, e.g., working-class parents may not have time for interviews but could complete questionnaires.

Question 2

How do personal characteristics of the researcher influence method choice?

Answer 2

Different methods require different skills. For example, interviews require strong communication skills, while observations require good memory and observational ability.

Question 3

How does the subject matter influence method choice?

Answer 3

Some topics suit certain methods better. For example, male researchers may struggle to interview domestic-violence victims, and questionnaires may not suit participants with limited English.

Question 4

How does sample size affect method choice?

Answer 4

Large samples make interviews impractical, whereas small samples may require in-depth interviews to gather enough data.

Question 5

How does the type of data required influence method choice?

Answer 5

Methods differ in the type of data they produce (qualitative or quantitative), so the researcher chooses based on the data needed.

Question 6

How does time available affect method choice?

Answer 6

Some methods take longer than others. Unstructured interviews and observations are time-consuming, while web questionnaires are quicker.

Question 7

How do cost and funding influence method choice?

Answer 7

Funding bodies may have requirements, and researchers must stay within budget, which can limit method options.

Question 8

How do research opportunities affect method choice?

Answer 8

Sudden opportunities leave no time to prepare structured interviews or questionnaires, so faster methods may be required.

Question 9

What is informed consent?

Answer 9

Participants must be told what the research is about, what participation involves, and how data will be used before agreeing to take part.

Question 10

How does covert research affect consent?

Answer 10

In covert studies, consent may be obtained after data collection, or the researcher may gain pre-emptive consent from a similar group.

Question 11

What is pre-emptive consent?

Answer 11

Getting consent from a similar group to the intended sample so the researcher can assume the real sample would also consent.

Question 12

What is deception in research?

Answer 12

Deliberately misleading participants about the research purpose or data use, sometimes necessary to avoid researcher effects.

Question 13

What are gatekeepers?

Answer 13

Individuals whose permission is required to access certain participants.

Question 14

What is confidentiality?

Answer 14

Ensuring no identifying details of participants are revealed in publications or reports.

Question 15

What is privacy in research?

Answer 15

Researchers must avoid intruding into aspects of participants’ private lives that are irrelevant to the study.

Question 16

What is harm in research ethics?

Answer 16

Researchers must avoid causing physical, emotional, or psychological harm to participants or themselves.

Question 17

What is the legality requirement in research ethics?

Answer 17

Researchers must not break the law or engage in illegal activities during their research.