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
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 Can print out/copy information very cheaply DISADVANTAGES Information can be irrelevant or out of date especially in books.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.
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 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, 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 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.
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.