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Research methodology definition Research methodology is the philosophy or the general principle which will guide the research (Dawson C. , 2007).2. Decide the research methods 1) Thinking about purpose You need to think about the purpose of your research as this will help point to the most appropriate methods to use.
2) Qualitative research and quantitative research Qualitative research explores attitudes, behavior and experiences through such methods as interviews or focus groups (Dawson C. , 2007). Quantitative research generates statistics through the use of large-scale survey research. This type of research reaches many more people, but the contact with those people is much quicker than it is in qualitative research (Dawson C. , 2007).
On the other hand, qualitative research is concerned with collecting and analyzing information in as many forms, chiefly non-numeric, as possible (Blaxter L, 2006)3. Questionnaire 1) There are three basic types of questionnaire: closed-ended, open-ended or a combination of both. a) Closed-ended questionnaires Closed-ended questionnaires are probably the type with which you are most familiar. Most people have experience of lengthy consumer surveys which ask about your shopping habits and promise entry into a prize draw.
This type of questionnaire is used to generate statistics in quantitative research. As these questionnaires follow a set format, and as most can be scanned straight into a computer for ease of analysis, greater numbers can be produced. b) Open-ended questionnairesOpen-ended questionnaires are used in qualitative research, although some researchers will quantify the answers during the analysis stage. c) Combination of both Many researchers tend to use a combination of both open and closed questions. That way, it is possible to find out how many people use a service and what they think about that service on the same form.
Many questionnaires begin with a series of closed questions, with boxes to tick or scales to rank, and then finish with a section of open-questions for more detailed response. (Dawson C., 2007)2) The advantage and disadvantage about questionnaire method a) Advantages of questionnaires Firstly, the responses are gathered in a standardized way, so questionnaires are more objective, certainly more so than interviews. Secondly, generally it is relatively quick to collect information using a questionnaire. However in some situation they can take a long time not only to design but also to apply and analyze.
Thirdly, potentially information can be collected from a large portion of a group. This potential is not often realized, as returns from questionnaires are usually low. However, return rates can be dramatically improved if the questionnaire is delivered and responded to in class time. (Institute for Computer Based Learning, 2007)Fourthly, the permit respondents time to consider their responses carefully without interference from, for example, an interviewer.
Fifthly, questionnaires can address a large number of issues and questions of concern in a relatively efficient way, with the possibility of a high response rate. Sixthly, questionnaires are designed so that answers to questions are scored and scores summed to obtain an overall measure of the attitudes and opinions of the respondent. Eventually, they permit anonymity. It is usually argued that anonymity increases the rate of response and may increase the likelihood that responses reflect genuinely held opinions. (University of Bristol, 2010)b) Disadvantage of questionnaires Firstly, questionnaires, like many evaluation methods occur after the event, so participants may forget important issues.
Secondly, questionnaires are standardized so it is not possible to explain any points in the questions that participants might misinterpret. Thirdly, respondents may answer superficially especially if the questionnaire takes a long time to complete. The common mistake of asking too many questions should be avoided. (Institute for Computer Based Learning, 2007)4. How to be an ethical researcher As researchers we are unable to conduct our projects successfully if we do not receive the help of other people. If we expect them to give up their valuable time to help us, it follows that we should offer them something in return.
Also, many people are willing to disclose a lot of personal information during our research so we need to make sure that we treat both the participants and the information they provide with honesty and respect. This is called research ethics.1) Treating participants with respect As a researcher you must remember that the research process intrudes on people’s lives. Some of the people who take part in your research may be vulnerable because of their age, social status or position of powerlessness. If participants are young, you need to make sure a parent or guardian is present.
If participants are ill or reaching old age you might need to use a proxy and care should be taken to make sure that you do not affect the relationship between the proxy and the participant. Some people may find participation a rewarding process, whereas others will not. Your research should not give rise to false hopes or cause unnecessary anxiety. You must try to minimize the disruption to people’s lives and if someone has found it an upsetting experience you should find out why and try to ensure that the same situation does not occur again.As a researcher you will encounter awkward situations, but good preparation and self-awareness will help to reduce these.
If they do happen, you should not dwell too long on the negative side reflect, analyze, learn by your mistakes and move on. You must do your best to ensure anonymity and confidentiality. However, information given by research participants in confidence does not enjoy legal privilege. This means that the information may be liable to subpoena by a court. If you’re dealing with very sensitive information which you know could be called upon by a court of law, you will need to inform your participants that you would be obliged to hand over the information.2) Recognizing overt and covert research Overt research means that it is open, out in the public and that everyone knows who you are and what you are doing.
Covert research means that you are doing it under cover, that no one knows you are a researcher or what you are doing. In my opinion covert research should be kept to a minimum – there are enough journalists and television personalities doing this kind of undercover, sensationalist work. a) Covert researchIn the past researchers have justified their covert work by saying that it has been the only way to find out what goes on in a particular organization that would not otherwise let a researcher enter. Such work has been carried out within religious cults and warring gangs of young people. However, this type of research can have serious implications for the personal safety of the researcher and the people with whom she comes into contact.
It can also give research a bad name – other people may read about the work and become suspicious about taking part in future projects. b) Overt researchI believe researchers should be open and honest about who they are and what they’re doing. People can then make an informed choice about whether they take part in a project. It is their prerogative to refuse – nobody should be forced, bullied or cajoled into doing something they don’t want to do. If people are forced to take part in a research project, perhaps by their boss or someone else in a position of authority, you will soon find out.
They will not be willing to participate and may cause problems for you by offering false or useless information, or by disrupting the data collection process. Who can blame them? Wouldn’t you do the same if you were forced to do something you didn’t want to do? This means that not only should you be open and honest about who you are and what you’re doing, but so should those who open the gates for you, especially those who are in a position of authority. 3) producing a code of ethicsOnce you have been open and honest about what you are doing and people have agreed to take part in the research, it is useful to provide them with a Code of Ethics. The best time to do this is just before they take part in a focus group or interview, or just before they fill in your questionnaire.
The Code of Ethics supplies them with details about what you intend to do with the information they give and it shows that you intend to treat both them and the information with respect and honesty. It covers the following issues: a) AnonymityYou need to show that you are taking steps to ensure that what participants have said cannot be traced back to them when the final report is produced. However, you must be careful not to make promises that you cannot keep. b) ConfidentialityYou need to show that information supplied to you in confidence will not be disclosed directly to third parties. c) Right to comment This will depend on your personal methodological preferences and beliefs. Other researchers believe that once the information has been supplied, it is up to them what they do with it.
d) The final reportIt is useful for participants to know what is going to happen with the results. This will keep down your own production and postage costs. e) Data Protection You need to show that you understand the Data Protection Act and that you intend to comply with its rules.
