BSc Computing and Information Systems Module: M2X8630 Research and Development Methods Research Methodologies

Time horizon Longitudinal research extends over a substantial period of time and involves studying changes over time. Cross-sectional research takes a 'snapshot' of a situation in time.

Data Collection Methods Sampling Questionnaires Observations Interviews Secondary Data

Using Multiple Data Collection Methods Saunders et al (2007) contend that research strategies can be ‘mixed & matched’, and it is beneficial to do so. Different methods for different purposes (e.g. interviews to get a feel for the issues, then questionnaires to address the important issues – or vice versa) Enables triangulation to take place (the use of different data collection methods in a study to evaluate the extent to which findings are consistent, may be trusted and inferences made).

What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research? Qualitative research involves the collection of (soft) data that are open to interpretation, for example, people’s opinions which cannot be generalised in numerical terms. Quantitative research – research that produces statistics (hard data). This usually involves surveys of large numbers of respondents.

What is the difference between primary and secondary research? Primary research (or field research) involves the collection of original (new) data by the researcher to address a specific problem. Secondary research (or desk research) is based on data that has been collected by somebody else for some other purpose (and for this reason, it may not precisely meet the needs of the secondary user). However, it can help the researcher gain understanding of an issue, and formulate and generate ideas, which can later be refined by carrying out primary research.

Activity Research each of the data collection methods and identify some benefits and limitations of each. Sampling Questionnaires Observations Interviews Secondary Data Make note of any sources you have used