Research Methods and Methodologies

Dr Barbara Rawlings

I will cover
Choosing a research method Uses of qualitative and quantitative approaches The research viewpoint Collecting data Analysing data

Choosing a research method

It depends on: The research question The kind of data you want to collect What you are investigating The research outcomes you want to achieve

What you hope to achieve is..

A piece of research which is: Focused Reliable (you can apply it to other similar situations) Valid (youve chosen methods which really do investigate the research question) Robust (youve considered other options and selected the strongest method and the widest or deepest approach possible)

Quantitative methods
large numbers Surveys structured questionnaires Closed questions (mostly) Essential to ask the same questions Researcher controls the data boundaries Numerical or statistical results Can be widely generalised (applied to other units or populations)

Qualitative methods
Smaller numbers Questionnaires, interviews, observation etc a variety of data collection methods Semi structured or informal data collection Open questions The subject controls the data boundaries Iterative design (it can change as needed) Detailed rich results Offers insight and understanding rather than a general overview.

Mixing qualitative and quantitative methods

Eg: A small qualitative study to explore the field first or A qualitative study to explore findings from a larger survey or Questionnaires which include closed and open questions or A qualitative study which includes topics which are amenable to mathematical calculation.

The research viewpoint

Are you involved or collaborating with your subjects? (Action research) Or are you an outsider (conventional research) How do you maintain your distance? How do you get the data you need?

Collecting data
Observation Documents Questionnaires Interviews Focus groups Self-reflection Experiment

Other sources
Google Wikipedia Blogs Email Online surveys (eg: Survey Monkey)

Keeping the data organised

File boxes Filing cabinets Computer files and documents Plus back-ups Recordings (audio / video) Notes relating to any recordings Computer programmes (NUD:IST, Ethnograph) Computerised bibliolgraphies (Endnote)

Then what? Analysing the data

Quantitative computer programmes (EXCEL) Qual/quant computer programmes (SPSS) Qualitative programmes (NUD:IST, Ethnograph) Grounded theory Sorting pieces of paper into heaps Thematic analysis Mind maps Identifying unique features Identifying comparative features Developing case studies

Writing up
Practice Useful as an analytical tool Try to write for someone who is both nice and interested, not for your image of the examiners. Keep handing it in. Ask others to read it Keep it organised date each piece.

References
Becker, H. S., (2007) Writing for Social Scientists: how to start and finish your thesis, book or article. Chicago: Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing and Publishing Bell, Judith, (1987) Doing Your Research Project: Buckingham: Open University Press. Morgan, David, (1997) Focus Groups as Qualitative Research. Sage: Thousand Oaks, California. Moustakas, Clark, (1990) Heuristic Research: design, methodology and applications. London: Sage Rose, Gillian, (2001) Visual Methodologies. London: Sage. Yin, R.K., (1989) Case Study Research: design and method. Newbury Park CA: Sage.