Research Design Flashcards
Hypothesis
A hunch or an informed guess.
A testable statement either proved by the evidence found or proved wrong.
Positivism
Positivists favour a scientific approach.
They prefer quantitative methods.
Interactionism
Interactionists favour a human understanding of behaviour approach.
They prefer qualitative methods.
Pilot Study
A small-scale study carried out before the main research. Allows the researcher to test the chosen methods and ensure they are appropriate.
Case Study
A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, event, or phenomenon.
It involves collecting detailed information from various sources, such as interviews, observations, documents, or archival records, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case being studied.
Sample
Samples are essential in sociological research as they allow researchers to draw inferences about a population based on the characteristics of the sample, without having to study every member of the population.
Random Sampling
Names out of a hat.
A way of selecting individuals or items from a population so that each member has an equal chance of being chosen.
It’s like picking names out of a hat — everyone’s name has the same chance of being picked. This helps make sure that the sample represents the population fairly and reduces bias in research.
Systematic Sampling
Every ‘nth’ person.
A method of selecting individuals or items from a population by choosing every nth member from a list or sequence.
It’s like selecting every 5th person from a line. This method ensures that the sample is spread out evenly across the population, making it easier to gather representative data without needing to randomly select each individual.
Snowball Sampling
Researchers start with a small group of participants who meet certain criteria, then ask them to refer others who also meet the criteria, and so on.
This method is often used when the population being studied is hard to reach or identify, such as marginalised communities or rare populations.
Quota Sampling
Researchers divide the population into groups based on certain characteristics (such as age, gender, or ethnicity) and then select participants from each group in proportion to their representation in the population. It’s not random.
Representative Sampling
A method used in research to select a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population from which it is drawn. It’s like taking a small slice of cake that looks just like the whole cake.
Sampling Frame
A big list of everyone or everything you might want to study. It’s the starting point for selecting who or what will be included in your research sample.
Primary Data
Refers to information that is collected firsthand by the researcher specifically for the purpose of their study.
It’s like doing your own investigation to gather new information rather than relying on what others have already collected. Primary data can be gathered through methods like surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. It’s valuable because it’s fresh and directly relevant to the research question, allowing researchers to tailor their data collection to meet their specific needs.
Secondary Data
Refers to information that has been collected by someone else for a different purpose but is used by researchers in their own studies.
It’s like borrowing a book from the library instead of writing it yourself. Secondary data can include sources like books, articles, government reports, and datasets. Researchers analyse and interpret secondary data to answer their research questions or test hypotheses without collecting new information themselves.
Quantitative Data
Refers to numerical information or data that can be measured and expressed using numbers.
It’s like counting how many apples are in a basket or measuring the temperature outside.
Quantitative data can include things like measurements, counts, percentages, or ratings, and graphs. It allows for statistical analysis to identify patterns, relationships, or trends.
Qualitative Data
Refers to non-numerical information that describes qualities or characteristics.
It’s like describing the colour, texture, and taste of an apple rather than counting how many apples there are.
Qualitative data can include descriptions, observations, interviews, and narratives, and it provides rich insights into people’s experiences, behaviours, and perceptions. It’s often used to explore complex phenomena and understand the meaning behind numerical findings.
Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods research is like using both a ruler and a magnifying glass to understand something. It’s an approach where researchers combine both numbers and descriptions in their study.
This way, they can get a more complete picture of their topic by gathering and analysing both quantitative data (like numbers and statistics) and qualitative data (like descriptions and stories) at the same time.
Triangulation
The use of multiple sources, methods, or perspectives to corroborate findings and enhance the validity and reliability of the research results.
It’s like looking at a target from different angles to pinpoint the exact centre. Triangulation can involve comparing data from different sources, using multiple data collection methods, or involving multiple researchers to cross-check findings.
Informed Consent
Informed consent is when someone agrees to participate in a study or activity after being given clear and understandable information about what it involves.
It’s like signing a permission slip after knowing all the details of a field trip. In research, informed consent means that participants are aware of things like the purpose of the study, potential risks and benefits, and their rights, and they agree to take part voluntarily without feeling pressured or misled.
Closed Questions
Closed questions are questions that can typically be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” or by choosing from a limited set of predetermined options.
Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” and require more detailed responses.
It’s like asking someone to explain their thoughts or feelings rather than just giving a one-word answer. Open-ended questions typically start with words like “how,” “why,” or “what,” and they encourage people to share their opinions, experiences, or ideas in their own words. These questions are often used in interviews, surveys, or discussions to gather rich and diverse data.
Difference Between Structured and Unstructured Interviews?
Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions asked in the same order and format to all participants, focusing on collecting quantitative data efficiently.
Unstructured interviews start with a general topic and allow for open-ended exploration of participants’ experiences and perspectives, providing rich qualitative insights.
Bias
Bias refers to systematic and unfair preferences, prejudices, or influences that can affect research, decision-making, or social interactions.
Longitudinal Study
A longitudinal study is a research method where data is collected from the same individuals or groups over an extended period of time, often months or years.
It’s like taking snapshots of people’s lives at different points in time to see how they change over time.
Longitudinal studies allow researchers to track developments, trends, or patterns over time and examine how factors such as ageing, life events, or interventions influence individuals or groups. This method provides insights into long-term processes and relationships, helping researchers understand continuity, change, and causality in various aspects of human behaviour and society.
