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

• researcher directly asking a series of questions to one or more interviewees

Question 3

What is a structured interview?

Answer 3

• where the interviewer sticks rigidly to pre-written set of questions in order

Question 4

What is a semi-structured interview?

Answer 4

• combines structured and unstructured interviewing styles

Question 5

What is are unstructured interviews?

Answer 5

• interviewer uses informal, conversational approach with open-ended questions, allows interviewees freedom to express themselves

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

• research methods that uses controlled elements of traditional lab experiments but takes place in natural real-world settings

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