Research Methods

Question 1

Covert Observation

Answer 1

Advantages:
- Access: Gaining access, especially to closed groups, is much easier because the researcher does not have to seek permission.
- Reactions: If respondents are not aware research is taking place, they are less likely to act differently.

Limitations:
- Ethics: Deception and lack of informed consent
- Bias: Risk of researchers influencing behaviour due to involvement/actions

Question 2

Overt Observation

Answer 2

Advantages:
-Validity: Can make notes not rely on memory
- Accuracy: Detail

Limitations
- Hawthorne Effect: subjects change behaviours
- Not Generalisable: Groups unlikely to be representative

Question 3

Structured Interviews

Answer 3

Advantages:
- Type of Data: Standardisation of questions gives quantifiable data.
- Reliability: allows replication and repetition of questions

Limitations:
- Restrictive: responses often restricted

Question 4

Semi-Structured Interviews

Answer 4

Advantages:
- Reliability: Data is reasonably reliable.
- Rich data: Allows spontaneous questions to be asked and is sensitive to participants

Limitations:
- Type of Data: Results cannot be quantified
- Bias/Validity: Spontaneous questions asked of some and not others

Question 5

Unstructured Interviews

Answer 5

Advantages:
- Ease: Flexible, responsive and sensitive to participants.
- Data Rich: Highly detailed and valid qualitative data.

Limitations:
- Reliability: Difficult to replicate
- Bias: Possibility of selection bias in choice and application of questions

Question 6

Surveys

Answer 6

Advantages:
- Broader Reach: Surveys can gather data from a larger and more diverse sample, enhancing the generalizability of the findings.
- Anonymity: Respondents may feel more comfortable disclosing sensitive information anonymously.

Limitations:
- Superficial Responses: Surveys may not capture the depth of experiences related to racism.
- Low Response Rates: There is a risk of limited participation, which can skew results.

Question 7

Official Statistics

Answer 7

Advantages:
- Cost effective: free and readily available
- Data: Generates a large sample of data cost effectively.

Limitations
- Response Rates: Non-responses rates to questionnaires
- Type of Data: Surveys do not allow for in depth responses

Question 8

Focus Groups

Answer 8

Advantages:
-Data: Data rich in detail can be collected.
- Participation: Participants can be inspired and encouraged by the other group member’s ideas.

Limitations:
- Relevance: Discussions can veer off topic
- Ethics: Not fully confidential or anonymous, because information is shared with the others in the group.

Question 9

Case Studies

Answer 9

Advantages:
- Depth: Case studies allow a researcher to investigate a topic in far more detail than might be possible if they were trying to deal with a large number
- Data: Particularly useful in finding out the motivations of those who do not match a typical offender profile or unusual offences, white collar crime, serial killers.

Limitations:
- Biased: Lacks objectivity and rigour –too much opportunity for subjectivity in the implementation, presentation, and evaluation of case study research
- Validity: Difficult to test for validity

Question 10

Longitudinal Studies

Answer 10

Advantages:
- Data: It allows researchers to look at changes over time.
- Type of Issue: Longitudinal methods are particularly useful when studying development and lifespan issues.

Limitations:
- Validity: Risk of attrition – if same people cannot be found for a study update, research may cease - respondents may drop out or be lost from the research because of its long time scale – reducing validity
- Costs: - Method is expensive in terms of time and money.

Question 11

Ethical Issues:

Answer 11

• Informed Consent
• Confidentiality
• Anonymity