Primary Methods Of Research - Quantitative Data

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

In sociological research, all methods have their strengths + weaknesses.
Quantitative methods, which involves numerical or statistical data, used to measure and analyse patterns in research, are no exception.
These methods are used to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and make generalisations about larger populations.

Question 2

First paragraph

Answer 2

good objectivity and reliability
The structured nature of surveys + questionnaires ensures that data collected is consistent, reducing the risk of researcher bias.
For example, the Welsh Health Survey 2014 used structured interviews + questionnaires to collect data from a representative sample of 15,000 adults. This consistency enhances the reliability of the findings.

However often lacks depth
The structured nature of surveys + questionnaires can limit the verstehen of the data collected as may not have the opportunity to elaborate on their answers, leading to a lack of context and understanding.
This can result in lower validity of the findings.

Question 3

Second paragraph

Answer 3

ability to produce findings that can be generalised to larger populations.
The representative sample used in the Welsh Health Survey, ensures that the results are reflective of the broader population in Wales.
This allows researchers to make informed decisions based on the survey’s findings.

can sometimes be misinterpreted if not analysed carefully.
For instance, the Welsh Health Survey’s findings on health + lifestyle may not fully capture the underlying social and cultural factors influencing these behaviours. Researchers must be cautious in drawing conclusions from quantitative data alone.
The formality of a structured interview stops the development of a rapport (relationship of trust and understanding) between the interviewee and the interviewer.

Question 4

Third paragraph

Answer 4

collect data from large numbers quickly + efficiently.
The Welsh Health Survey’s use of self-completion questionnaires allowed for the efficient collection of data
This large-scale data collection is essential for identifying trends and making comparisons

can raise practical concerns through challenges of large-scale surveys, such as ensuring high response rates and accurate data entry.
Shere Hite (1991) sent out 100,000 questionnaires during their study in America, but only 4.5 per cent of them were returned.

Question 5

Fourth paragraph

Answer 5

numerical data collected can be analysed, providing insights into relationships between variables
For instance, the Welsh Health Survey data can be analysed to explore connections between lifestyle factors + health outcomes.
This ability to perform complex statistical analyses is a significant advantage of quantitative research.

However, less flexible than qualitative approaches.
The predetermined questions and response options in surveys and questionnaires can restrict the scope of the research. For example, the Welsh Health Survey’s use of structured interviews may not allow for the exploration of unexpected topics or issues that arise during the research process.

Question 6

Outro

Answer 6

In conclusion, quantitative methods, as exemplified by the Welsh Health Survey, offer several strengths, including objectivity, reliability, generalisability, efficiency, and the ability to perform statistical analyses
However, they also have weaknesses, such as a lack of depth and validity, potential for misinterpretation, ethical and practical issues, and limited flexibility.