Research Methodologies Flashcards
What is qualitative research?
Qualitative research explores information and non-numerical data. Analysis of qualitative research can examine how people might connect meaning to their experiences or emotions.
Pros and cons of qualitative research
Pros: Explores attitudes and behaviours, encourages discussion, flexible, can explain something which numbers alone may not be able to
Cons: Sample sizes can be small (may not be a true reflection) and may have bias, lack of privacy, skilled moderator or not
What is quantitative research?
Quantitative research uses numbers to measure data. Analysis of statistics can help find connections and meaning in the data.
Pros and cons of quantitative research
Pros: Can use larger sample sizes, accurate and impartial, fast, based on scientific data in my instance which is verified
Cons: Research typically not in a participants normal environment, un-able to follow up or expand on points
What is a mixed method?
Mixed methods research integrates both qualitative and quantitative measures.
It is a holistic approach to combining statistical data with contextualised insights
Pros and cons of mixed method approach
Pros: Mixing data sets can give you a better view of the overall picture, it can strengthen findings (triangulation), helps researchers develop their skills
Triangulation is the confirmation of results by different methods
Cons: A lot of resource and skills required, not suitable for all areas
What is research design?
A research design is a high-level strategic plan which defines how you plan to answer your primary research question. It defines tools, techniques and methods to implement the plan.
What are research methods?
Research methods are processes used to collect data. Research method types include interviews, focus groups, surveys, observation
What are qualitative research methods?
Interviews, focus groups, observations, document analysis, oral history
What are quantitative research methods?
Surveys, questionnaires, observation, experiments, numerical screening
What is the Mental Capacity Act 2005?
Participants need a presumption of clarity to participate
What’s the ICO?
Independent Commissioner’s Office (ICO) exists to provide individuals and organisations with support and empowerment through information. They police the General Data Act and GDPR!
What is the Terrorism Act 2006?
I am aware that security-sensitive should be kept off personal laptops and on specifically designed servers supervised by ethics officers
Examples include research commissioned by the military, EU security call, concerns terrorist groups or involves the acquisition of security clearances
Who creates and monitors research ethics?
Faculty Ethics Committee (FEC) or the Subject Ethics Panel (SEP)
What is Innovate UK’s view on ethics?
Supports the UKRI ethics which include upholding the rights and dignity of participants, base partnerships on mutual respect, research conducted with integrity and transparency, participants should be informed
Who is responsible for ethics?
Ethics is a collective responsibility of the researchers. Researchers are encouraged to undertake self critical ethical reflection throughout duration of a project.
Tell us about a time when you made a methodology
Scope 3 example
Tell us how you choose which research method to use:
It depends on the result you are pursuing. If I wish to know gain statistical clarity or a quantified answer, I would choose a quantitative approach with metrics I can measure.
If I wished to know feelings or if the topic is intangible or something which could explain what numbers cannot, then I would use a qualitative approach.
For the carbon metrics for the Regenerative Twin, we wished to measure this against 4 ‘climate change mitigation’ numerical metrics. This meant the research type was quantitative as we wished to see if it were achieved.
Example of a sense check of data I’ve collected
Charred timber cladding for the regenerative twin – I might sense check this against a different EPD for charred timber cladding to triangulate the figures
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods? When is it best to use one?
Quantitative research involves numerical metrics to measure data whereas qualitative research methods involve gathering behavioural data and reasoning.
The use of each depends on the project type. If measuring or analysing numerical data to achieve something, then I’d use quantitative but if wishing to understand the meaning, then I’d use qualitative.
What is the difference between primary and secondary data? Which is more reliable?
Primary data is first-hand, raw collected data whereas secondary data has come from another source.
Primary data is more credible. The reliability of secondary data depends on the source. However, a good piece of research includes both primary and secondary.
Example of a time using qualitative methods
Gathering feedback from the champions in London (Forms)
Strengths of this approach: Time (and cost) efficient, quantitative and qualitative as it had room for text, can be translated into graphics to digest, provide actions, good for 45+ employees, uniformity with standardised responses, can be anonymous, can be replicated with ease
Limitations of this approach: Sometimes lost in translation/opinions needs explaining, susceptible to ‘response bias’ if not anonymous, people can ignore them, questions could be misinterpreted, cannot capture complex information
Example of a time using quantitative methods
Using CarboniCa on the Regenerative Twin project
Pros: Accurate data, presents data graphically for easy interpretation, does not need to be a consultant filling it out, easy optioneering
Cons: Sometimes the incorrect unit was provided and a calculation would be needed for m3, only 1 person filling it out
Example of a time where you have recommended improvements for a methodology/data collection:
EPD gate system OR champions survey
