Primary research methods

Question 1

What are questionnaires/social surveys?

Answer 1

List of questions used to gather data from respondents about their attitudes, experiences or opinions; can be qualitative or quantitative

Question 2

What are interviews?

Answer 2

Meeting or discussion, interviewer ask questions of one or more people (interviewees) to extract information; qualitative

Question 3

What is a structured interview?

Answer 3

Set lists of questions, not a deviated form. Face-to-Face questionnaire

Question 4

What is a semi-structured interview?

Answer 4

Set list of questions, however interviewer is free to add additional questions and leave out or follow interesting lines of inquiry

Question 5

What is are unstructured interviews?

Answer 5

No pre-set questions, free- following conversation, researcher would have some topics he might touch on, but discussion could go anywhere

Question 6

What are experiments?

Answer 6

Form of observation where variables are controlled to test a hypothesis : quantitative

Question 7

Laboratory experiment

Answer 7

Takes place in a manufactured environment, most variables are controlled

Question 8

Field experiment

Answer 8

Scientific method takes place in a natural environment or in the real world, those involved dont know they are subjects

Question 9

Observation

Answer 9

Researcher watches/observes people in a particular situation and records what happens

Question 10

Participant observation

Answer 10

Researcher plays active part in what is observed; e.g. partaking in discussions and activities in school

Question 11

Non-participant observation

Answer 11

Observer simply watches without taking part

Question 12

Overt observation

Answer 12

Everybody is aware that the observation is taking place; observer might introduce themselves

Question 13

Covert observation

Answer 13

Researcher is undercover, people being observed are not aware observation is taking place, CCTV or other form of covert surveillance being used