Evaluation of Research Methods National 5 Added Value Evaluation of Research Methods

What will I learn? Learning Intention Access the strengths and weaknesses of two research methods Success Criteria By the end of the lesson I will be able to: Explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods How to conduct research The advantages and disadvantages of research methods

What's expected? Research methods:10 marks For two methods of research you have used to collect information during your assignment, you should comment on: why you chose each method for your research strengths and any weaknesses of each research method you may also suggest how you could do things differently You should refer to the research evidence you have brought into this assessment for each research method.

Social Research For the Added Value Unit (AVU) of your National 4 course or your National 5 Assignment, you will be asked to carry out research. This should help you prove/disprove your Hypothesis and will be structured under each of your aims.

Look at existing information Look at historical information Where do we find the information? Social scientists (you) will use a variety of different ways to find information: Ask people Observe what people do Look at existing information Look at historical information Look at pictures, videos, magazines Read novels or personal accounts Written information Verbal information Visual information Comparison of cultures or societies Study over a period of time Asking someone

The Three Stages of Social Research You are required to select at least two different research methods to help you find out about the information for your aims. There are many types of research methods used in Modern Studies but they are all based on gathering, evaluating and interpreting information.

Primary/ Secondary research All research can fall under tow categories: Primary and Secondary. Primary information is information that you yourself have collected straight from the source. Primary information can come from: Writing letters for information Interviews Surveys and Questionnaires Statistics Taking notes on a visit

Primary/ Secondary research Secondary information is information that you can use but which someone else will have produced, for example: The media (TV, radio, and newspapers) Websites Texts Reports

Quantitative/ Qualitative Methods There are different types of information you could collect: Quantitative Those focus on numbers and frequency Quantitative methods include questionnaires, surveys (information that can be put into a chart and graphs) Information is easy to analyse Cost effective and time effective as there is lack of involvement from researcher. Face to face contact is not required However for results to be reliable you need a high number of people being questioned

Quantitative/ Qualitative Methods Descriptive data which is usually written Includes case studies and interviews May be less reliable than quantitative methods, but information is more in depth and descriptive A lot of input is required from researcher as they need to carry out face to face contact with participants. However, a lower number of participants are used for qualitative data

Questionnaires Questionnaires are a valuable way of collecting a wide range of information from a number of people. When planning your questionnaire it is important to have an idea of what you want to find out. When writing your questionnaire you must consider how you word it. If people do not understand a question it may lead them to give a different answer. The questions should therefore be clear and concise.

Questionnaires An effective questionnaire has lots of different types of questions. Closed questions are specific and have a choice of answers. More people tend to return surveys that use closed questions. Open questions do not give the respondent a set of answers to choose from. Remember to use a wide range of questions: Knowledge questions, factual questions, opinion questions, and motivation questions. Questionnaires should be sent to a wide range of people in order to draw conclusions. This includes women, men, different ages, and a variety of ethnic and religious groups.

Questionnaires – Advantages and Disadvantages Can be sent to lots of people which will give you a good idea of what the widespread opinion is on an issue It will produce quantitative data (numerical evidence). Conclusions can be drawn. You can add up results and present it in a graph or pie chart All respondents are asked the same list of questions so it is easy to compare answers. It is less expensive and time consuming than other methods of research.

Questionnaires – Advantages and Disadvantages Not everyone who you send a questionnaire to will respond. Some respondents may not answer all of the questions If the questionnaire is not completed face-to-face then the researcher cannot clarify any questions. Questionnaires usually don’t give respondents the opportunity to elaborate on their answers

Questionnaires – Make your own questionnaire Activity 1 Questionnaires – Make your own questionnaire You should now make a list of questions that you would like to find out about to support you research your aims. Remember to choose your categories for responses

Questionnaires – Evaluate your own questionnaire Activity 2 Questionnaires – Evaluate your own questionnaire Collect a copy of the ‘Evaluation of Research Methods’ sheet. Think about what is good and bad with your questionnaire. Do you anticipate any problems when carrying this out? Will it be reliable? For example will you get a wide range of ethnic groups in Turriff? Using pages 223 – 226 of course notes book, complete the ‘Evaluation’ section for this research method. Remember you will need at least 2 advantages and disadvantages worth 5 good points for this research method at N5. It must mention your research area.

Internet Research The internet gives you a variety of opportunities in social research. With one click of a button you have access to millions of different websites with relevant information. It is important that you search appropriately. If you narrow the search engine you can focus on key words you’re interested in e.g. ‘Labour party opinion on the Scotland Bill’. You must also select reliable information. Websites such as Wikipedia can contain inaccurate information. Websites like the BBC are unbiased and therefore very accurate and useful for research.

Internet Research When you are carrying out internet research it is important that you keep a record of the different sites you have visited and the dates on which you did so Date visited URL Usefulness Notes Sunday 8 November 2015  http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/nov/08/scotland-control-of-referendum-snp The Scottish parliament should be granted full powers over the timing and organisation of a second independence referendum. Want amendment to Scotland Bill.

Internet – Advantages and Disadvantages A variety of information available, including official government data and news organisations. You can cross reference information with other websites to check for accuracy You can find out opinion of people who you probably wouldn’t be able to contact for primary research

Internet – Advantages and Disadvantages There can be too much information to pick out the most relevant pieces. It can be difficult to tell what information is reliable and often who is responsible for the publication. Information can be biased and influence your opinion.

Interview – face to face Survey / Questionnaire Method Advantages Disadvantages Internet   Library Visit Interview – face to face Interview - telephone Visit and Observation Newspapers Survey / Questionnaire Government Reports Official Statistics TV Documentary Letter Writing