Research methods 16 th January 2012

Research methods Important to have a clear focus for your research. Hypothesis Question Grounded data

Methodology Quantitative – numerical – statistics gathered through surveys, structured questionnaires etc Qualitative – not quantifiable through numbers – gathered through observation, interviews etc.

Methods Surveys Using questionnaires to establishes beliefs, attitudes and experience. Can provide statistics but need to be augmented by other methods to provide reasons.

Methods Action research – very popular amongst teachers and other professionals who deal with people and want to improve their practice. A process of observation, reflection, action, followed by further observation, reflection, action. Can be experimental

Case study In depth look at a small group or individual student. Can use a mixture of methods using either a hypothesis or a question to focus the project. Triangulation important.

Participant observation The researcher becomes part of a group and observes from inside. Also known as ethnography but ethnographic studies are often covert – joining gangs etc as a member rather than a researcher.

Grounded theory A more unusual approach and not usually recommended for first time researchers. In this case the data generation takes place before the theory is developed. i.e. the researcher looks for themes and patterns within the data.

Deductive v inductive reasoning Deductive reasoning starts with a hypothesis based on knowledge and/or evidence. Inductive collects evidence and then generates a theory which explains the phenomenon.

Activity Now look at the activity sheet you have been given and try to establish: how you would plan your research he most appropriate methods for each example. an appropriate hypothesis or question