P1/3 Research Methods Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are PET issues?
Practical, Ethical and Theoretical issues
Define practical issues
The ease with which research can be conducted
Define ethical issues
Morality. Whether something is right or wrong. Research should pose no risks to participants
Define theoretical issues
How the perspective of the researcher influences the quality of the data?
What does VVRRG stand for, what kind of issue does it pertain to and what is a mnemonic to remember it with?
Validity, Verstehen, Reliability, Representativeness, Generalisation
Theoretical issues
Very Very Really Really Good
Give examples of practical issues
Accessing respondents
Logistics
Funding/Cost
Researcher skills
Time
Give examples of ethical issues
Confidentiality
Right to withdraw
Protection from harm
Deception
When can ethical issues be ignored?
In extenuating circumstances when the data is ESSENTIAL and in the PUBLIC INTEREST
What methods are preferred by positivists?
Quantitative
Reliable data
Representative data
Generalisable
(Often less valid)
What methods to interpretivists prefer?
Qualitative
Verstehen obtainable
Less reliable
Less representative
Difficult to generalise
(Often more valid)
What are sampling methods?
The way in which a researcher studies a smaller group of a target population, ideally representative of a population being studied
What are the two major types of sampling method?
Random and Non random
Name the three types of random samples. Give a brief description
Pure = RNG/Out of hat. Equal chance of selection.
Systematic = Every Nth person
Stratified random = Split sample into relevant subgroups and use random sampling to select members
Name the 5 types of non-random sampling methods
Quota
Snowball
Volunteer
Opportunity
Purposive
Describe quota, snowball, volunteer sampling
Quota = Set number of respondents from dif categories (uses other non random techniques), e.g., 40 women
Snowball = Ptpnt refers researcher to another ptpnt until enough data is gained
Volunteer = Ads for people who want to take part
Describe opportunity and purposive sampling.
Opportunity = Choosing respondents who are easy to access (passersby)
Purposive = Chosen deliberately because they are the best fit for a study
Why are random samples chosen?
Used by positivists to achieve a more representative sample
Limitations of random samples.
Pure = Subgroups, practicality, objection to being part of sample frame (e.g., electoral roll)
Systematic = List assembly
Stratified = Time consuming
Why are non random methods (bar purposive) chosen?
Due to practical issues such as time, lack of sampling frame, access
Why is purposive sampling chosen?
Used by interpretivists to study particular people or groups
What are limitations of non-random sampling?
Lack of representativeness
Lack of generalisability
What type of method is an experiment?
Quantitative
What are the two types of experiment?
Laboratory and field
What is a lab experiment?
Artificial and highly controlled environment where (I) variables are manipulated to establish a causal relationship
