1. Added Value Unit/Assignment
Research Methods
Added Value Unit/Assignment

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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Information can be irrelevant or out of date especially in books.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.

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

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.