Research Methods

Question 1

What are the factors influencing the choice of research methods?

Answer 1

Practical, ethical, and theoretical issues

These factors help researchers evaluate the strengths and limitations of different methods.

Question 2

What practical considerations affect the choice of research methods?

Answer 2

Time and money

Different methods require varying amounts of time and financial resources.

Question 3

How can time impact the choice of research methods?

Answer 3

Large scale surveys may require more time and money, while small scale research can be cheaper but take longer

Time constraints can influence researchers’ method selection.

Question 4

Why might funding bodies influence research method choice?

Answer 4

They may require results in a particular form

For example, a government department may need quantitative data for educational research.

Question 5

What role do personal skills and characteristics play in selecting research methods?

Answer 5

Researchers’ skills impact the methods they choose

For instance, conducting in-depth interviews requires good communication skills.

Question 6

What is an example of a subject matter limitation in research methods?

Answer 6

A male sociologist cannot conduct participant observation in an all-female group

Subject matter can restrict the applicability of certain methods.

Question 7

What is a research opportunity?

Answer 7

Unexpected chances to conduct research that may not allow for structured methods

This can affect method selection based on the timing of the opportunity.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Different methods and sources of data have different strengths and _______.

Answer 8

weaknesses

Understanding these can guide researchers in method selection.