Added Value Unit/Assignment Research Methods Added Value Unit/Assignment

Lesson Focus Identifying: Different research methods used during investigations The difference between primary and secondary research Describing: - The advantages and disadvantages of different research methods.

Surveys, questionnaires Use of official statistics e.g. voting returns Surveys, questionnaires Analysis of official publications e.g.House of Commons papers Analysis of media presentation of information and opinions Research Methods In-depth interviews   Newspaper Articles (physical and online) Opinion polls e.g. MORI, ICM  

Enquiry Methods/Research Methods The main enquiry methods are: Internet Search Engines Interviews/Writing a letter Published Materials Using questionnaires/surveys Using the media e.g. TV, newspapers A Visit/Structured Observation

How To Use A Letter for Research If you are researching a particular topic, you could send a letter to an organisation/service that works in the field and ask questions. Make it clear WHY you are writing – to research for a school project. Ask appropriate questions – 2 to 3 max. Send your letter – post or e-mail. Include a SAE – Stamped Addressed Envelope – better chance of a reply

Writing a Letter ADVANTAGES: You can ask specific questions. Ask an ‘expert’ Cheap way of gathering information. Use it to arrange a visit/interview. DISADVANTAGES: Some people/groups don’t respond because they get too many requests. Letter may not reach the right person Information you get maybe irrelevant/not useful. May get a reply too late

Published Materials Contain many sources of information Books, Journals, Internet, Newspapers When gathering information you could make notes, copy information, print or download.

Published Materials ADVANTAGES: Relevant, and up to date information Directly related to your topic. Can print out/copy information very cheaply DISADVANTAGES Information can be irrelevant or out of date especially in books. Many published materials can contain author bias or exaggeration which will skew the information.

How To Use the Internet for Research Use a search engine e.g. Google and put in key words. Use a specific website – then use the search engine, links to other pages, contact link to e-mail the organisation.

Internet Advantages Quick to access information. Information is updated regularly. Many useful reference websites. Variety of information e.g. pictures, film, text.

Internet Disadvantages Can end up with too much information – time consuming to look through it. Be aware of who has produced the website – a reliable source or just someone’s opinion?

Interviewing Can be a fantastic way to get direct information on a particular topic or information. Provides first hand experience from someone working in the field.

Interviewing Advantages Easy way to contact someone who is far away from you e.g. MP in Parliament. You can ask questions face to face Relevant to your topic Disadvantages People maybe reluctant to participate and answer questions. Some people may be naturally biased. Not everything the person says may be relevant to your research

How To Carry Out Media Interrogation Watch, read or listen to the information more than once and note down key headings. Use headings to make notes. Make sure the information is up-to-date.

Media Interrogation (Documentaries, Newspapers etc) Advantages The material is cheap and easy to get TV provides up-to-date information. News programmes are usually not biased. Wide range of Digital TV channels provides a vast range of information. Many programmes, articles have links to useful websites.

Media Interrogation Disadvantages Newspapers contain bias. Documentaries can become out of date quickly There may be one view or interpretation of a story in a programme or article.

Surveys Carrying out a survey is a great way to gain information from the general public on a particular topic. Provides a wide range of views and opinions Statistical information

Attitude Surveys An attitude survey is designed to find out peoples’ opinions or attitudes towards an issue. Types of Questions: O pinion M otivation C lassification

Attitude Surveys Opinion Questions Do you think the death penalty should be used in Britain for serious crimes? Yes No Don’t Know

Attitude Surveys Motivation Questions Why do you think the death penalty should be used in Britain? (Tick as many as you want) Punishment should fit the crime Other countries use the death penalty Most people in Britain want the death penalty It would deter criminals

Attitude Surveys Classification Questions Which age group do you belong to? Under 16 51-70 17-30 70+ 31-50

How To Carry Out An Attitude Survey The Questions – clear, specific, choice of answers. The Sample – 50+ people Recording Your Answers – one sheet to record or an individual sheet Analysing your results – easier to do if you provide a choice of answers.

Attitude Surveys Advantages You can get opinions and thoughts on issues It is good for personal issues like capital punishment Can evaluate answers quickly. Disadvantages You need to make sure the question are worded appropriately It can be more difficult to analyse answers compared with questionnaires. People often do not fill in surveys or send them back.

How To Carry Out A Questionnaire Think of relevant questions which the person will be able to answer. Ask ‘open’ questions rather than a ‘closed’ question. Think about how you will record your answers and check you have permission to use there answers.

Questionnaires Advantages Can ask specific questions that you want to find the answers to. Provides the opportunity to get direct quotes from the public Disadvantages The person may not directly answer your questions. The person might give too much or not enough information. You may not have the opportunity to ask many people.

How To Visit A Particular Place You must have a contact person – you would phone/write/e-mail them to arrange a visit and check details. Consider how you will record what you see – notes, photographs or video. You must always ask for permission especially when taking photographs/videoing a place or people. Afterwards – write up your notes and send a thank you letter to the contact person

How To Visit A Particular Place Advantages Provides a wide range of information – written and visual. Could combine a visit with an interview Disadvantages May only be allowed access to certain areas. May have a limited amount of time for your visit. May not be given permission to take pictures etc.

- a statistical table or graph from a report on the internet showing figures about your topic or issue - a list of questions created for an interview with the manager of a sheltered housing complex a reply to a letter you sent showing information you have received in response to the questions asked a screenshot of a list of websites you found using a search engine with the most useful ones highlighted - a newspaper article with the key points related to your topic or issue marked - the results of a survey you carried out into your topic or issue with a note of how many people you surveyed and where and when you carried it out - a copy of notes you made from watching a television programme on your topic or issue, including the name of the programme, station and date of broadcast