Planning Step 4 What Research Methods

Step 6 Introduction Context Step 2 Choosing the issue Step 3 Brainstorming Making a mind map Step 5 Drawing up a plan or structure Step 6 Introduction Context Step 1 Choosing the Study Theme Step 7 Introduction Aims Step 8 Description & justification of RMs Step 4 What research methods? The Dissertation Planning Step 4 What Research Methods

Step 4 Once you have completed your mind map, you will have some ideas about the issues that you need to research how you are going to carry out your research what sources you are going to access what information you should be looking for It is the electoral systems themselves, not the political parties, which are to blame for low turnouts in the UK and USA.

Primary Research Methods At this level of study, you should be prepared to use at least one primary research method. Primary sources include the generation of evidence by you, the analysis of data such as survey data generated by others, and the examination of official governmental publication. The range and availability of primary sources will depend on the field of study.

Surveys, questionnaires Use of official statistics e.g. voting returns Analysis of official publications e.g.House of Commons papers In-depth interviews Analysis of media presentation of information and opinions Opinion polls e.g. MORI, ICM Participant and non- participant observation Primary Research Methods

Secondary Research Methods Survey data generated by others

Secondary Research Methods You should focus on academic sources – materials written by political scientists, sociologists etc. You must use theories, concepts and case studies to support your arguments and in the final analysis, answer the hypothesis. Your can also access newspapers, periodicals, CD- roms, videos, on-line computerised data bases and the Internet.

Reference to issue Authors viewpoint, quotations Possible references TitleAuthorPublisherDate and place of publication Access date Appendix 4: Record of Sources