Research Methods

Data Collection

Introduction

Research Methods are central to research. Methods through which we seek to meet the aims and objectives of the research.
3 perspectives on Research Methods Data collection and analysis Quantitative and qualitative research Research strategies

Research Methods

Data Collection and Analysis

Determined by the nature of the problem Collection and analysis can be closely intertwined
Collection Collection Collection

Analysis

Analysis

Analysis

Consider sources and methods of collection

Research Methods

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Natural science has traditionally concentrated on hard quantitative (positive) analysis.

Subjective feelings and emotions are difficult to quantify as a consequence qualitative (anti-positive) methods have evolved to take more account of soft personal data. A mixed approach is one option.
Research Methods

Research Strategies
Strategy Form of Research Question Experimental Survey Requires control over behaviour of events? How, why, what Yes if? Who, what, No where, how many, h ow much? Who, what, No where, how many, h ow much? How, why? No How, why No Focuses on contemporary events? Yes Yes

Archival Analysis

Yes/No

Historical Case Study

No Yes

Yin, R. K. (1994) Case study research: design and methods, London, Sage
Research Methods

Links between Perspectives

Quantitative Data collection Qualitative Data analysis

Experiment Survey Archival analysis Historical analysis Case Study Other

Research Methods

Collecting Secondary Data

Existing literature
Issues of Authentication Interpretation

Research Methods

Collecting Primary Data

Survey Based Questionnaires Interviews Observations

Research Methods

Sampling

A technique to reduce the scope of data collection.

Random sampling eg selection of students as representative of that population

Non random sampling eg exit polls

Research Methods

Questionnaires and Diaries

Flexible tool Fixed questions Anonymous Economical in terms of cost and time Survey a large number of people Personal or postal
Postal response rate with reduce

Use of a Pilot Study 20-30 minutes maximum for completion Diary - a self administering questionnaire
Substitute for observation
Research Methods

Interviews: Structured, Semistructured and open

Particularly useful for gathering qualitative data

Face to face and telephone Highly structured questions are good for eliciting quantitative data

Open or unstructured interviews allow access to unpredictable information

Research Methods

Interviews: Structured, Semistructured and open

Semi-structured interviews provide a hybrid approach.

Good for dealing with domain experts. Need for preparation.

Research Methods

Standardised Scales and Tests

Use of existing and verified tests Usability tests standard usability scale Sense of presence tests SOPI

Research Methods

Observation

Participant versus non-participant Qualitative versus quantitative

Know what you are looking at

Method of recording

Research Methods

Observation

Direct observation Video recording Software logging Interactive observation

Research Methods

Interacting with Participants

Approach people with courtesy Identify yourself, your intent, and what you are looking for Offer to compensate participants Describe how you will use the information and why it is valuable Get permission to use the information and any photographs of video recordings that you take

Research Methods

Interacting with Participants

Keep all the information that you gather confidential Let people know that they can decline to answer questions or stop participating at any time Maintain a non judgmental, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere
Finally, ensure that all studies are approved by the Universitys Ethics Committee

Research Methods