Research Methods
Data Collection
Introduction
Research Methods are central to research. Methods through which we seek to meet the aims and objectives of the research.
3 perspectives on Research Methods Data collection and analysis Quantitative and qualitative research Research strategies
Research Methods
Data Collection and Analysis
Determined by the nature of the problem Collection and analysis can be closely intertwined
Collection Collection Collection
Analysis
Analysis
Analysis
Consider sources and methods of collection
Research Methods
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Natural science has traditionally concentrated on hard quantitative (positive) analysis.
Subjective feelings and emotions are difficult to quantify as a consequence qualitative (anti-positive) methods have evolved to take more account of soft personal data. A mixed approach is one option.
Research Methods
Research Strategies
Strategy Form of Research Question Experimental Survey Requires control over behaviour of events? How, why, what Yes if? Who, what, No where, how many, h ow much? Who, what, No where, how many, h ow much? How, why? No How, why No Focuses on contemporary events? Yes Yes
Archival Analysis
Yes/No
Historical Case Study
No Yes
Yin, R. K. (1994) Case study research: design and methods, London, Sage
Research Methods
Links between Perspectives
Quantitative Data collection Qualitative Data analysis
Experiment Survey Archival analysis Historical analysis Case Study Other
Research Methods
Collecting Secondary Data
Existing literature
Issues of Authentication Interpretation
Research Methods
Collecting Primary Data
Survey Based Questionnaires Interviews Observations
Research Methods
Sampling
A technique to reduce the scope of data collection.
Random sampling eg selection of students as representative of that population
Non random sampling eg exit polls
Research Methods
Questionnaires and Diaries
Flexible tool Fixed questions Anonymous Economical in terms of cost and time Survey a large number of people Personal or postal
Postal response rate with reduce
Use of a Pilot Study 20-30 minutes maximum for completion Diary - a self administering questionnaire
Substitute for observation
Research Methods
Interviews: Structured, Semistructured and open
Particularly useful for gathering qualitative data
Face to face and telephone Highly structured questions are good for eliciting quantitative data
Open or unstructured interviews allow access to unpredictable information
Research Methods
Interviews: Structured, Semistructured and open
Semi-structured interviews provide a hybrid approach.
Good for dealing with domain experts. Need for preparation.
Research Methods
Standardised Scales and Tests
Use of existing and verified tests Usability tests standard usability scale Sense of presence tests SOPI
Research Methods
Observation
Participant versus non-participant Qualitative versus quantitative
Know what you are looking at
Method of recording
Research Methods
Observation
Direct observation Video recording Software logging Interactive observation
Research Methods
Interacting with Participants
Approach people with courtesy Identify yourself, your intent, and what you are looking for Offer to compensate participants Describe how you will use the information and why it is valuable Get permission to use the information and any photographs of video recordings that you take
Research Methods
Interacting with Participants
Keep all the information that you gather confidential Let people know that they can decline to answer questions or stop participating at any time Maintain a non judgmental, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere
Finally, ensure that all studies are approved by the Universitys Ethics Committee
Research Methods