primary research methods

what is an overt observation?

when subjects know that they're being observed 

what is a covert observation?

when subjects don't know that they're being observed

what is a participant observation?

when the observer joins the group that they're observing 

what is a non-participant observation?

the use of quantitive methods rather than participants 

what are structured interviews?

interviews with a prepared list of questions 

what are unstructured interviews?

interviews without a set structure

what are semi-structured interviews?

interviews with only a few set questions - further questions are based on the answers given 

what are focus group interviews?

a group interview that capitalises on communication between participants to generate data 

what type of questions do questionnaires use?

open or closed

what do open questions allow?

respondents to explain their answers or justify their choices

can closed questions do this?

no

what are some types of questionnaires?

postal, digital, face to face, phone call

what is triangulation?

the use of multiple methods or data sources 

what is methodological pluralism?

finding value in a variety of sources of information