Unit 1 - Research methodology

Question 1

What is the acronym for purpose of research?
What does the acronym stand for?

Answer 1

AIEI
* Advance knowledge
* Increase understanding
* Educate others
* Inform practice

Question 2

What does advance knowledge mean in research?

Answer 2

• Helps a researcher to find out new information about a particular topic.
• Example - A researcher conducts a study to find out how the coronavirus started.

Question 3

What does increase understanding mean in research?

Answer 3

• Helps a researcher to gain a greater appreciation/awareness as to why something occurs.
• Example - A researcher conducts a study to understand why crime occurs in society.

Question 4

What does educate others mean in research?

Answer 4

• Helps a researcher to pass on knowledge/findings to others.
• Example - A researcher conducts a study to find out the causal factors of stress in the HSC and passes the information on to schools

Question 5

What does inform practice mean in research?

Answer 5

• A new recommendation/law/policy/strategy is introduced as a result of research findings.
• Example - A researcher found that too many accidents were occurring in suburban areas due to speeding. Therefore the NSW government implemented a new law and changed the suburban street speed from 60km/hr to 50km/hr.

Question 6

What are the three focus of research?

Answer 6

• Research Question
• Research statement
• Hypothesis

Question 7

What is a research question and provide an example

Answer 7

• A research question asks whether a relationship exists between variables in a particular population.
• Example: Will using entertainment technologies everyday have an impact on the social wellbeing of school-age children?
• The relationship in this research question is between ‘entertainment technologies’ and ‘school-aged children wellbeing’

Question 8

What is a research statement and provide an example

Answer 8

• Research problem statement presents the idea, issue or situation that the researcher intends to examine in their study.
• Example: Using entertainment technologies everyday has an impact on the social wellbeing of school-age children

Question 9

What is a hypothesis and provide an example

Answer 9

• A hypothesis stipulates or predicts that a relationship among or between at least two variables in a given population exists.
• Example: Using entertainment technologies everyday can have a negative impact on the social wellbeing of a school-age children

Question 10

What is the acronym for sampling?
What does the acronym stand for?

Answer 10

SMS
- Sample size
- Methods
- Sample group

Question 11

What is sampling?

Answer 11

• Sampling is the process of choosing the people, place and time to collect primary data.

Question 12

Why does a researcher use sampling?

Answer 12

• While it would be ideal to be able to choose a large group of people for research, this is often impossible due to constraints, such as limited time, money or even access to people.
• By choosing a smaller sample of people, we can hope that the findings can be extended to the entire group.
• Therefore, the most important characteristic of the chosen sample is that it covers a cross-section of the population and is representative of the group being considered.

Question 13

What is the acronym for sampling methods?
What does the acronym stand for

Answer 13

Rigney Stole Some Cotton Candy

• Random sampling
• Systematic sampling
• Stratified random sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Conveience sampling

Question 14

Explain how a researcher uses a random sampling method

Answer 14

• A random sampling method is when a researcher selects people so that everyone has an equal chance of being selected.
• Example - the weekly Oz Lotto draw is a random sample because every number has an equal chance of being selected.
• Example - A researcher wants to select a random sample of 100 employees of Company X. The researcher assigns a number to every employee in the company database from 1 to 1000 and uses a random number generator to select 100 numbers.

Question 15

Explain how a researcher uses a systematic sampling method

Answer 15

• Systematic sampling method is when a researcher chooses one number at random and then every nth unit after this random start.
• Example - by randomly selecting 2, and 3 as the n number, you could choose house number 2 and then select every 3rd house after that in your street to deliver your questionnaire to.
• Example - A researcher is investigating physical activity levels in a school. All students from the school are listed in alphabetical order. The researcher randomly selects a number to start from e.g. 6. From number 6 onwards, every 10th person on the list is selected (6, 16, 26, 36, and so on), until the researcher ends up with a sample of 100 people.

Question 16

Explain how a researcher uses a stratified random sampling method

Answer 16

• Stratified random sampling is when the researcher divides the population into strata (layers) groups and then random selection occurs within each strata.
• This means that the researcher can ensure that there is a more balanced representation in each of the strata groups, and that the groups can be compared with each other in similar proportions to the general population.
• This sampling method is appropriate when the population has mixed characteristics, and you want to ensure that every characteristic is proportionally represented in the sample. You divide the population into subgroups (stratas) based on the relevant characteristic (e.g. gender, age range, income bracket, job role).
• Example - A researcher is conducting a study on stress in the workplace. The company has 800 female employees and 200 male employees. The researcher wants to ensure that the sample reflects the gender balance of the company, so the researcher sorts the population into two strata based on gender. Then they use random sampling on each group, selecting 80 women and 20 men, which gives the researcher a representative sample of 100 people.

Question 17

Explain how a researcher uses a cluster sampling method

Answer 17

• Cluster sampling method is when the researcher divides the population into clusters (subgroups) but each cluster should have similar characteristics to the whole sample and random selection is made within the clusters.
• Example - if the clusters are to be school roll-call groups, four roll call groups are selected at random and then the researcher chooses five students from each of these groups. A researcher using this method doesn’t need to choose a specific part of the population to take their sample from.
• Example - A researcher is conducting a study on Joey’s pizza restaurants. Joey’s Pizza has restaurants in 10 cities across the country (all with roughly the same number of employees in similar roles). The researcher doesn’t have the capacity to travel to every office to collect data, so the researcher uses random sampling to select 3 offices – these are the clusters.

Question 18

Explain how a researcher uses a conveience sampling method

Answer 18

• Conveience sampling method is when a researcher selects people because they are easily located, such as friends in a Year 12 peer group, or family members. These results tend to have the lowest credibility, as they can be biased and are not representative of the population.
• Example - A researcher is conducting a study on people’s favourite pizza. The researcher decides to ask the first 10 people that walk through Mc Donald’s

Question 19

What is a sample group?

Answer 19

• Is the specific group of individuals that you will collect data from.You can identify or decide where the sample group is to be chosen from, or where there is a list to draw from.
• For example, people from your neighbourhood or a specific community organisation, such as a child care centre.

Question 20

What is a sample size?

Answer 20

• The sample size refers to the number of participants that are actually selected for the research study.
• The nature of your research proposal will indicate what is appropriate; however, a suitable sample size for an IRP questionnaire would be about 20–30 people.
• This may be complemented by two interviews, a case study or two to three observations.

Question 21

What is the acronym for types of data?
What does the acronym stand for

Answer 21

PSQQ
* Primary
* Secondary
* Qualitative
* Quantitative

Question 22

What is primary data?

Answer 22

• Primary data are original, and the questions that the researchers ask are tailored to elicit the data that will help them with the specific purpose of their research study.
• Primary data are collected firsthand from individuals or groups who have been questioned, surveyed, interviewed or observed. It tends to be expensive to conduct and takes a long time to process.

Question 23

What are examples of primary data?

Answer 23

• Questionnaires
• Case studies
• Observations
• Interviews

Question 24

What are advantages and disadvantages of using primary data in research?

Answer 24

Advantages
* Resolve specific research issues - information collected is exactly what the research wants to find out
* Better accuracy - data collected from targeted population
* Higher level of control over how the information is collected
* Up to date information

Disadvantages
* Not always possible - research can be too large to conduct
* Time consuming - collecting and analysing data
* Can have a lot of limits e.g. specific time, place, number of participants
* More expensive

Question 25

What is secondary data?

Answer 25

• Secondary data are based on the findings of other people’s research and found in reports, records or statistical information that were gathered and recorded by someone else.
• Secondary data tend to be readily available, are usually less expensive to obtain and can be analyzed in less time.
• However, because such data were collected for a different purpose, they must be scrutinized well to find the relevant information.

Question 26

What are examples of secondary data?

Answer 26

• Journal articles
• Books
• Case studies
• Articles

Question 27

What are advantages and disadvantages of using secondary data in research?

Answer 27

Advantages
* Ease of access - information is readily available e.g. internet
* Low cost or free
* Time-saving - e.g. google search
* Large sample size

Disadvantages
* Not specific to your needs - information was collected in the past for another reason
* Lack of control over data quality - reliability and validity of data
* Biasness - data collected by someone else than you, typically the data is biased in favour of the person who gathered it
* Out of date

Question 28

What is qualitative data?

Answer 28

• Qualitative data is subjective data that comes from research that collects facts and information regarding people’s beliefs, feelings, attitudes and opinions to gain insight into the area.

Question 29

What are common research methods that use qualitative data?

Answer 29

• Observations
• Interviews
• Case studies

Question 30

Why does a researcher use qualitative data?

Answer 30

• Subjective data can provide words and images to help us understand more about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of a situation and give examples to fill in the details.
• Qualitative methodologies are useful when you want to:
  * Compare people’s opinions or ideas
  * Illustrate the positive and negative effects of something
  * Present arguments for and against something
  * Support quantitative data studies

NOTE: Qualitative data is used to support quantitative data findings

Question 31

What is quantitative data?

Answer 31

• Quantitative data is objective data that come from research that collects facts in the form of numerical data, which can then be analyzed using counting, measuring and graphing.

Question 32

What are common research methods that use quantitative data?

Answer 32

• Questionnaires
• Surveys
• Experiments

Question 33

Why does a researcher use quantitative data?

Answer 33

• Objective data can provide a good outline of ‘what’ is happening in a situation. It is more objective and reliable, and subject to less bias than qualitative research.
• Quantitative methodologies are useful when you want to:
  * Show percentages or ratios
  * Compare numbers in text
  * Visually represent the amounts or levels of something in tables or graphs

NOTE: Qualitative data is used to support quantitative data findings

Question 34

What is the acronym for sources of data?
What does the acronym stand for?

Answer 34

DPIG or Digital PIG
* Digital
* Print
* Individual
* Group

Question 35

What does individuals and groups refer to as a source of data?

Answer 35

* Individuals and groups refer to the people and organizations from which researchers can obtain their primary data, but also gain background secondary data for their literature review.
* Individuals can be contacted through personal contacts or connections, industry contact, experts or specialists such as neighbors or doctors.
* Groups can be from government, non-government or community organisations such as Family and Community Services, Barnardos or the Lions Club. The types of data obtained from individuals and groups can vary.

Question 36

What does print and digital refer to as a source of data?

Answer 36

• Print sources such as journals, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets and resource sheets can support the findings of researchers.
• Digital sources such as computer programs, the internet, search engines, television programs, radio, films, documentaries, cd’s, dvd’s, podcasts, reliable blogs, webcasts, video clips and e-books, can be used to obtain key findings.

Question 37

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using individuals as a source of data?

Answer 37

Advantages
* Collect first hand data
* Networking possibilities
* Easy to collect both qualitative and quantitative data
* Specialised expert opinions
* Researcher is able to clarify issues or questions face to face
* Researcher has complete control over the data being collected

Disadvantages
* Depends on willingness to help and time available
* May be biased
* Misinterpreted responses
* Wrong sample group
* Time consuming
* Hard to get back distributed information
* Possible cost to access individuals

Note - Individual are a source of primary data and their information is collected through surveys, case studies, observations and interviews

Question 38

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using groups as a source of data?

Answer 38

Advantages
* Wide range of knowledge and skills
* Specialists in area or group
* Collect first hand
* Networking possibilities
* Can save time by investigating a large number of people e.g. Universities

Disadvantages
* Biased/subjective opinions
* Not a true reflection of entire population
* Difficult to access various organisation
* Time consuming collecting data
* Lack of willingness to help
* Possible cost to access group

Note - Groups can be primary data – through surveys, case studies, observations and interviews
Groups can be Secondary data – from pamphlets and brochures from the group

Question 39

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using print as a source of data?

Answer 39

Advantages
* Wide range of resources available on a range of subjects in a range of styles
* Easily accessible due to wide range of sources available
* Large quantity of the different types of sources (reproducibility)
* Sustainable source (use over and over again)

Disadvantages
* May be out-of-date
* Resources may not be specific (general)
* Need space to store and use
* Accuracy of information
* Can be difficult to find

Note - Print data is secondary data– all published information already researched

Question 40

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using digital as a source of data?

Answer 40

Advantages
* Up to date information
* Wide range of sources
* Easy access
* Overcomes problems of distance
* Large quantities of information can be obtained

Disadvantages
* Time and cost accessing technology
* Validating information source, unreliable (poor quality control and anonymous contributors)
* Requires skills to access technology

Note - Digital data is Primary data – through surveys, case studies, observations and interviews
Secondary data – from pamphlets and brochures from the group

Question 41

Why is it important for a researcher to collect data using a variety of sources of data?

Answer 41

• It is extremely important to collect data from a variety of sources, in order to provide greater perspective on your research topic. If a researcher were to use data from only one source, it would be difficult for them to reflect the range of views and opinions that exist with regard to the topic.
• Example - Secondary data from print and electronic sources is easily accessible and can provide a range of opinions on a topic; however, these opinions might be out of date and might not reflect current views.
• Example - Primary data collected from people and/or organisations provides current information on a topic; however, it can also be biased, because the people or organisations surveyed might have one-sided views on the topic.
• Using both secondary and primary data sources will enable you to collect a range of views and opinions on your research topic and represent the overall picture rather than just one particular view

Question 42

What is reliability?

Answer 42

• Reliability is the consistency of measurement.
• The research is reliable, if it were to be repeated under similar conditions with the same subjects, the researcher would still obtain similar results.
• By achieving reliability an accurate true representation of the population being studied is achieved.

Question 43

Provide an example of reliability in research

Answer 43

• Example - A researcher is conducting a study on physical activity rates amongst teenagers in Australia. The researcher has found a similar research on this chosen topic. Once the researcher conducted their own study, they found that they had similar results to that of the secondary source. Therefore, reliability is achieved through the consistency of results.

Question 44

What is validity?

Answer 44

• Validity refers to the accuracy of measurement the research is valid if it accurately reflects what it was intended to measure.
• Often the validity or precision of research is increased when a combination of methods is used. It is very much dependent on the factual data and truths, reliability of data and the accuracy in the interpretation of the data collected.
• To achieve validity the researcher must have background knowledge of the topic in order to show an accurate representation of the population being studied.

Question 45

Provide an example of validity in research

Answer 45

• Example - A researcher is conducting a study on unemployment rates in Australia. The researcher is assuming to find high unemployment rates will increase the economy (incorrect background knowledge). Because the researcher is not accurately reflecting what is intended to measure (high unemployment rates results in a decrease in the economy). Therefore, this assumption will lead to invalid data collected. However, if the researcher assumed to find out that unemployment rates decreases the economy (correct background knowledge) this will lead to valid data collected

Question 46

How can sampling contribute to reliable and valid research?

Answer 46

• Sampling can effectively contribute to valid and reliable research through sampling methods used, the sample group, the sample size and the research method used.
• Research is valid if it accurately reflects what it was intended to measure. By choosing samples that are representative of the population, data will consequently be enhanced and accurate as it uses samples that are specific to the research. For example, to accurately measure a research that is studying the youth, the sample group must only contain people aged 15-24 years.
• Reliability can be enhanced by using appropriate research methods, choosing an appropriate sample group by using a method such as random sampling, and selecting a large sample size to be representative of the population. For example, when a large group is sampled, such as from all SES, both genders, all ages, a variety of cultural groups, in comparison to only using family and friends, there will be a larger variety of views, opinions and thoughts. For example, using a random sampling for sensitive topics is essential for reliable research, otherwise participants may not openly discuss their opinions or feelings. Thus, increasing the likelihood if the methodology tool were to be used under similar conditions similar results would present.

Question 47

What is the acronym for ethical behaviours?
What does the acronym stand for?

Answer 47

BIRP
* Bias
* Integrity
* Respect
* Privacy

Question 48

What does bias in research mean?

Answer 48

• Bias in research involves the research using their personal influence or opinion to affect the data collected.
• This may include using individuals or groups that they personally know as their subjects (convenience sampling), asking leading questions in questionnaires or interviews, favouring a preconceived position on a topic, avoiding certain questions, altering the answers or observations made in primary research and using samples that do not reflect the intended sample population.

Question 49

What does integrity in research mean?

Answer 49

• Integrity refers to honesty and the display of strong moral principles shown by the researcher. It can be used to describe behaviour towards the subjects being used in the research, or it can refer to the quality of the data, resources being used to support the findings.
• Researchers should avoid any sort of bias in their research and be upfront and honest with subjects.
• They should present the findings that were uncovered, maintain reliability and validity, use reliable research methods, adhere to the rules and guidelines stipulated, display professional conduct, and document data accurately and truthfully.
• Integrity of data must also be displayed through correct referencing of sources and acknowledgement of individuals and groups, as well as accurate record keeping.

Question 50

What does respect mean in research?

Answer 50

• Respect can be used alongside integrity, as the subjects being used in the research must be respected and valued. Their opinions, thoughts, feelings, culture, religion, age, gender and health must be respected.
• Researchers must seek permission firstly to conduct research with the subjects, but also to present any data obtained from the subjects. Informed consent must be gained and permission from parents for underage children must be sought.
• Researchers should be aware of the development of their questions and approach when conducting research. Subjects should also have the right to refuse to participate or answer a question that could possibly be too personal or sensitive in nature.
• They have the right to skip questions, have the results destroyed and to see the final product before it is published. Researchers must not put any subject in harm’s way or at risk.

Question 51

What does privacy mean in research?

Answer 51

• Privacy needs to be considered through anonymity and confidentiality. Subjects need to be protected and remain anonymous. Names should be changed or coded when referring to subjects.
• Confidentiality needs to be exhibited through seeking permission of subjects of research, especially when using smart phones and video recording devices.
• Researchers also need to keep results to themselves, store data carefully during the research and wholly destroy results once they have been used.

Question 52

What is the acronym for importance of ethical behaviour when conducting research?
What does it stand for?

Answer 52

CRAM
* Crediting sources of data
* Researching sensitive topics
* Avoiding research bias
* Maintaining confidentiality

Question 53

What are examples of sensitive topics in research?

Answer 53

Sensitive topics could include research on:
* Illegal activities or ethically questionable behaviours
* Racism, ageism, classism, discrimination and sexism
* Experiences involving grief and loss, trauma or violence
* Job performance or competency

Question 54

How can a researcher show respect when researching sensitive topics?

Answer 54

• To ensure respect is to ensure the safety, feelings and needs of the individual involved in research are maintained throughout. Voluntary involvement and request to withdraw at any time are rights of the individuals involved in research that demonstrate respect.
• The careful wording of questions; the avoidance of questions sensitive or offensive in nature; and maintaining respect in terms of culture, religious values and beliefs, gender, sexuality and disability are all important. This could be done through careful planning and organizing by the researcher as well as adopting ethical behaviours such as integrity for the subject to ensure respect and privacy.
• Another strategy to ensure respect is to seek permission from an individual involved in a research study before the commencement of conducting primary research through methods such as questionnaires, interviews and observations.
• The purpose and intentions of the research study need to be made clear through constant communication with the individual being researched, as this ensures respect. This could be done by seeking consent and signed documentation by the individuals involved in the research as well as seeking permission when recording devices are used.

Question 55

How can a researcher maintain confidentiality by using privacy

Answer 55

• When conducting research, it is imperative that the researcher upholds the ethical behaviour of privacy which can be achieved through confidentiality.
• Firstly, a researcher could avoid questions that are too private or reveal specific details about the individual being researched to ensure privacy is adopted throughout the research study.
• The secure storage of results and data and subsequent shredding prior to disposal could also be adopted to ensure privacy.
• Requesting anonymity could also be another strategy adopted by the researcher to uphold privacy. When subjects involved in research put a name to questionnaires, the inclusion of their name may result in researcher bias and as a result lead to unreliable and invalid results.
• By adopting non- identifying codes, such as letters or numbers and not disclosing the names of the subjects involved in the research respect and privacy are maintained.

Question 56

How can a researcher avoid research bias in research?

Answer 56

• When conducting research, it is imperative to avoid bias as a researcher does not want their personal beliefs, feelings, opinions, judgement, relationships and subjectivity to the issues and/or participants to negatively affect the validity of the results.
• To avoid research bias, a researcher should use appropriate sampling methods, sample groups and sample size.

For example, to avoid bias a researcher could:
* Use a larger the sample size the more reflective the data obtained will be of the total population.
* Choosing participants for the research method by using appropriate methods such as a stratified random sample rather than a convenience sample where members are chosen because they are easily accessible/located.
* The researcher chooses correct people within their sample group that reflects what they are achieving to find out, allowing for a wider range of opinions and thoughts.

Being inclusive of SES, age, gender, culture etc.; within the sample group. A researcher could also ensure they use non-identifying codes when conducting research to ensure the researcher cannot identify the participants by name therefore avoiding research bias and unreliable results.

Question 57

How can a researcher uphold integrity by crediting sources of data?

Answer 57

• It is crucial when conducting research that they remain honest and truthful throughout the process to ensure they achieve integrity and valid/reliable results from their research.
• One strategy a researcher could employ to demonstrate integrity is to ensure they credit all secondary sources used throughout their research in their bibliography as well as through the correct use of in text referencing.
• This allows the researcher to acknowledge the work and ideas of others and not accept credit for work that is not there’s. Evidently, by employing this strategy the researcher will uphold the integrity of the research.

Question 58

What is the acronym for research methods?
What does the acronym stand for?

Answer 58

QCOIL
* Questionnaires
* Case studies
* Observations
* Interviews
* Literature reviews

Question 59

What is a questionnaire?

Answer 59

• Questionnaire: a set of formally prepared questions that seek information on a person’s knowledge, belief, feelings, opinions, likes or dislikes; it is completed by the respondent.
• Questionnaires often create quantitative data that can be represented in numerical form and presented using bar, line, or pie graphs, or tables with statistics or percentages.
• Questionnaires can ask two types of questions closed ended questions which elicit limited range of responses and open-ended questions which provide for the opportunity for an open response without any guidance from the researcher

Question 60

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a questionnaire?

Answer 60

Advantages
* Questions can collect both quantitative and qualitative data
* Quick to distribute to respondents
* Data can be collected from a large group of people
* Data collect is easily interpreted

Disadvantages
* Questions may be misinterpreted
* Respondents need to have satisfactory literacy skills
* Researcher has to wait for responses to be returned
* Qualitative data may be difficult to compare

Question 61

What is a case study?

Answer 61

• Case study is a primary research method in which the data collected are in a raw format and have not been gathered or written by another party.
• Case studies are detailed investigations conducted over time (possibly even weeks, months or years) on a particular focus area, issue, individual, group or organisation.
• Case studies are developed using a number of primary research methods as well as secondary data that already exists. Researchers may choose to use pre-existing secondary case studies.
• Case studies can be difficult to develop as they are intended to show a process or how a change has occurred. They can be subjective, and researchers may find it difficult not to become involved and thus influence the results.

Question 62

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a case study?

Answer 62

Advantages
* Detailed information is collected on the topic being researched through the multiple research methods employed
* Sample population can be surveyed when large populations not available
* A hypothesis can be developed than tested
* Can show trends over time

Disadvantages
* Time consuming and difficult to analyse data
* Data bias when one person is collecting
* Data collected may not reflect population

Question 63

What is an observation?

Answer 63

• Observations: require the researcher to watch and record behaviours of their subjects. Observations are made of individuals or groups in a certain environment and how they behave or response is recorded.
• Researchers can engage in participant observation, where the researcher observes from within or non-participant observation, where the subjects are not interacting with the researcher.
• Data can be recorded through notes or images by the researcher while the session is taking place or, with permission, the session can be recorded to view later.
• Data analysis can be done through the detailed notes made, recordings watched and diagrams/graph created.
• Observations may be subject to bias possibly due to the interaction with the researcher, knowledge of observation, change in subject behaviour or the accuracy of recording.

Question 64

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a observation?

Answer 64

Advantages
* Allows for richly detailed description
* Provides direct access to social phenomena under struction
* Provides a permanent record

Disadvantages
* Bias in the recording of events viewed
* Lack of trust in the observer by those being observed
* Can be very time consuming
* Presence of observer may influence behaviour of those being observed

Question 65

What is an interview?

Answer 65

• Interview is a conversation or discussion between two or more people to collect information or opinions; it is often concerned with their understanding, knowledge or perception of the facts or circumstances related to the topic of research.
• Questions are asked of individuals or groups face-to-face, on the phone or via any other technology such as video, conferencing, smartphones.
• Interviews can be formally structured where there are a set of questions developed beforehand, or unstructured, which is more casual in nature and questions are developed in a conversational manner.
• Recording and interpreting data is more difficult for interviews because of the nature of questions and the responses. This can be done via pen and paper but with permission any form of technology, such as Dictaphone, smartphone, camcorder or IPad would make it much easier.

Question 66

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a interview?

Answer 66

Advantages
* Respondents can have questions reworded for clarification or be prompted for more detail
* Interviewer can judge if questions become too sensitive and adjust them
* A large amount of information may be gathered due to the qualitative nature of method
* Both qualitative and quantitative data can be generated depending on the questions asked

Disadvantages
* Time consuming to plan, conduct and collate data
* Less anonymity for respondent’s due to the personal nature of interviews
* Too much information can be difficult to analyse
* Communication difficulties may arise due to language barriers

Question 67

What is a literature review?

Answer 67

• Literature reviews is a secondary research method involving a search and evaluation of existing knowledge on a particular topic.
• Literature reviews can be developed by researchers in response to the review of different pre-existing secondary sources that relate to the focus of the research.
• Literature reviews provide background and supportive material to the focus of research.
• Sources that can be used to create a literature review include, books, journals, online sources, newspapers, articles or other relevant secondary sources. All sources must be cited correctly within literature review and then acknowledged correctly in bibliography.

Question 68

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a literature review

Answer 68

Advantages
* Literatures are versatile. Can be conducted for almost any topic.
* They provide historical context and identify the authors that have been engaged in similar work. They show what have been found and set a framework for new research
* They are relatively inexpensive and efficient. A large amount of data can be collected quickly at minimal cost
* Previous sources can be qualitative and quantitative so a balanced perspective may be achieved.

Disadvantages
* An effective literature review requires high level of literacy skills to identify resources, analyse sources to identify relevant information, and to write a meaningful summary
* It can be time-consuming reading other people’s research and making sense of it
* Literature reviews are limited to collecting information about what has happened in the past. The data is not about current actual behaviours.

Question 69

How to know which research methodology is most suitable to use in research

Answer 69

• To obtain reliable and valid data a researcher will always use a combination of research methodologies.
• However, a researcher will need to determine which methods will be most suitable to ensure accurate data and a true representation of the populations is achieved.
• This can be done by examining the advantages and disadvantages of each research method.
• A researcher will also need to take into consideration who is the population being sampled, the type of data they want to collect (quantitative and qualitative), accessibility of individuals and groups and many more.

Hint - Look at the wording of the HSC questions to help guide your decision. If they include the following words then that is the MOST suitable research method ot use
* Questionnaires: Large population, Australia, the youth
* Case studies: Detailed investigation, period of time
* Observations: Behaviour, interactions, relationships
* Interviews: Thoughts, opinions, qualitative
* Literature reviews: Background knowledge

Question 70

What is the acronym for the research process?
What does it stand for?

Answer 70

PCI
* Planning for research
* Conducting research
* Interpreting research

Question 71

What is the acronym for planning for research?
What does it stand for?

Answer 71

FM
* Formulating a research proposal
* Managing resources e.g. time, materials

Question 72

Explain the planning for research stage of research

Answer 72

• Planning for research - includes formatting a research proposal in which researchers develop a project plan, which is an initial summary and outline of the research process.
• Formulating a research proposal - is useful for looking at the entire research project. A clear proposal outlines what is to be done, how it will be done and when it will be done. This stage would include selecting a research focus, selecting appropriate sampling methods, proposing how the research will be conducted and creating a timeline for research goals.
• Managing resouces - such as time through planning and materials such as a tablet or laptop, recording devices, note pads, and folders needed to conduct the research. For example, questionnaires may need to be developed and printed, the use of equipment organised or telephone calls made to arrange interview times.
• Timeline - should be completed at this stage. Using a table format chart helps to clarify tasks to be done and set deadlines to meet along the way. The time frame needs to be manageable, once you know how much time you have available, you can plot out and carefully plan what you will do and when.

Question 73

What is the acronym for conducting research?
What does it stand for?

Answer 73

ACD
* Accessing sources of data
* Collecting and recording data
* Documenting actions and issues

Question 74

Explain the conducting research stage of research

Answer 74

• After the planning stage, a researcher will start conducting research.
• This involves accessing sources of data through individuals, groups, print and digital sources. Included in this would be accessing relevant sources of secondary data and using suitable research methods to collect and record primary and secondary data.
• The next step would involve collecting and recording data. This could be through a variety of research methods and using a number of different recording devices.
• While conducting research, researchers would be documenting actions and issues (diary entries) through recording actions and proposing solutions to any research issues.

Question 75

What is the purpose of a research diary?

Answer 75

• The researcher may create a record of the ongoing process through a diary,
• This diary should reflect the proposed timeline and would record the values, attitudes and feelings of the researcher. It should reflect honestly on problems encountered and their solutions.
• The diary could be used to record readings, conversations, contacts and sources of secondary data.

Question 76

What is the acronym for interpreting research?
What does it stand for?

Answer 76

PAD
* Presentign research findings
* Analysing research results
* Drawing conclusions from research

Question 77

Explain the interpreting research stage of research

Answer 77

• The last stage of the research process involves interpreting research.
• This is done through presenting research findings by using both quantitative data in graphs, tables and statistics as well as qualitative data through detailed descriptions of the data discovered.
• Analysing research results would involve comparing key findings from primary and secondary data to develop a comprehensive analysis of the results discovered.
• Finally, drawing conclusions from research would involve the researcher forming research-based conclusions, discussing the overall findings of the investigation, linking this to the hypothesis or focus question, what was learnt, how valid and reliable findings were, and making recommendations as to what might be done differently next time.
• The researcher would ensure that they are crediting sources of data by the means of a correctly formatted bibliography (and throughout the project). The researcher can also develop a clearly numbered and labelled appendix should they wish to include any supporting materials that did not fit in the main body of the report, such as interview questions, any copies of raw data, key secondary articles used or interview transcripts.

Question 78

Explain why a researcher would use tables to present data

Answer 78

• Tables list numerical data in labelled columns and are therefore useful in showing relationships or making comparisons between factors.
• All tables should contain a title, row and column headings, population (complete set of cases described), source and any necessary explanations at the bottom tables are the most appropriate way to present data when the researcher wants to maintain numerical details; for example, showing specific differences in things such as amounts, percentages, metres or dollars.
• Example if a researcher wanted to demonstrate the types of support services accessed by young people, and it was vital to show the number or percentage of young people accessing each service, a table would make it possible to present the exact numbers or percentages, whereas a graph may not show this as accurately.

Question 79

Explain why a researcher would use graphs to present data

Answer 79

• Graphs can be a very effective and visually appealing way of presenting quantitative data for a research project when the researcher wants to show a pattern, comparison or trend in research data.
• They can show absolute values, such as the number of people who are married; or they can show trends, such as school retention rates across time; or they can show the relationship between variables, such as height and weight.

Question 80

What is a bar graph?

Answer 80

• Bar graphs can show values or amounts as numbers on a scale along the x-axis, with labelled horizontal bars on the y-axis. They can display full category labels on the y-axis and multiple items of data.

Question 81

What is a column graph?

Answer 81

• Column graphs can present comparisons of data.
• Numbers on a scale on the y-axis and labelled vertical columns on the x-axis represent different values.
• They can display more than one series of data with different coloured columns and multiple items of data, but can only accommodate short category labels.

Question 82

What is a line graph?

Answer 82

• Line graphs can demonstrate changes over time by plotting points and connecting them. When more than one factor is to be represented, different coloured lines or a combination of dotted lines are used. Up to 10 items of data can be displayed effectively.

Question 83

What is a pie graph?

Answer 83

• Pie graphs compare two or more parts of a whole on a circle divided into segments.
• Each segment is coloured or shaded differently and labelled with numerical values.
• Pie graphs can usually only present up to 10 items of data before they become difficult to read.

Question 84

What is a bibliography?

Answer 84

• A list that includes all the sources you have looked at and used in carrying out your project. Common details required include: author’s surname and initials, title of the book or article and journal, publisher, place and date of publication.

Question 85

What is an appendix?

Answer 85

Appendices are included at the end of a report and contain material that is relevant to the research project but is not appropriate to have as part of the body of the report. Sometimes an appendix may be very long and placing it in the body of the report would interfere with the flow and reading. Typical appendixes may contain:
* A copy of the questionnaire or interview questions
* Maps or similar documents used in preparing the report
* Long and complex tables referred to in the report
* A complete list of people interviewed