CAFS: Research Methodologies

Research

The term used to describe a process whereby information is gained about a topic of interest. Research asks questions and sets about to find the answers.

Methodology

Refers to the way data is collected for a research project. For example, Observations are a way of collecting data.

Data

Is the information collected through Research and the use of various Methodologies.

Quantitative

This research involves measuring or collecting facts in the form of numbers. For example, this type of data can be collected through experiments, structured interviews and questionnaires.

Qualitative

This research involves collecting data to provide an explanation for something. It involves verbal statements and the collection of non-numerical data. For example, this type of data can be collected through questionnaires, observations, case studies and interviews.

Bias

A term used to describe a one-sided point of view on a topic or issue that does not take into account other ideas or opposing views. For example, if a result or data analysis is biased, it is influenced by a particular point of view or attitude.

Hypothesis

A statement either for or against a topic or issue, which is proved right or wrong by research. Usually based on an observation or issue.

Sample

Refers to a small amount or part of something, which is intended to represent a larger amount or the whole. For example, A group is selected from a large population for the purpose of Research.

Sampling

This is a process used to select individuals or groups in order to conduct primary research. Researchers intend to use the sample to represent ideas or characteristics of the whole population.

Reliability

This refers to the consistency of research methods which, if used by different researchers under the same conditions, will show similar results.

Validity

A term used to describe when research measures what it proposes or intends to measure, resulting in data that can be trusted as a source or accurate and truthful information.

Primary data

Is the information the researcher collects first-hand through his or her own research. It is a result of completing his or her own observations/questionnaires/interviews or other methodologies.

Secondary data

Is data that someone else has collected and published in a book, magazine, journal, website or in a documentary. This data can be used in a literature review.

Ethics

Refers to the moral principles and standards that help individuals understand what is considered to be right or wrong. They are to protect the rights, physical and emotional welfare of the subjects. The researcher must behave in a manner considered acceptable by society.

Survey

Used to collect information by questioning, through interviews or questionnaires or by observation of people during a certain time or event. Can be qualitative or quantitative.

Interview

A form of survey where the researcher asks one or more people a series of questions (open or closed) to gather information about a topic. They can be structured (involving set questions) or unstructured (the questions change depending on the answers given). They can be face-to-face discussion, or involve communicating over the phone, video chat etc. This methodology can be used to collect quantitative or qualitative data.

Questionnaire

A form of survey that consists of a series of questions. They are used to obtain information from participants about their thoughts, attitudes, opinions and aspects of behaviour. It is good to used when resources are limited as it can be sent via email. The main purpose is to gain quantitative data, but can also collect qualitative data. Use of open ended questions allows for more involved answers, while structured questions contain rating scales or alternatives to chose from.

Observation

Involves systematically watching and recording behaviour as it occurs, such as what is said or done by participants in a particular context. The four types of observations are: Participant, non-participant, naturalistic and indirect. The purpose of using Observation is to gather quantitative data, which can be displayed as a sociogram or list. May also be able to collect qualitative data such as descriptions and explanations.

Case study

Is a written summary of a real life case or issue and is based on data collected over weeks, months or years. It involves a detailed study of an individual or small group. A case study is often used along with other methodologies because alone a case study cannot form generalisations about a population. It is generally used to collect Qualitative data.

Literature Review

Is an examination of existing research that has been conducted on a particular topic or issue. It involves the researcher summarising the views, opinions and findings of other researchers. A literature review is used as a research method in itself. It is used to collect secondary data to gain a better understanding of your topic.

Analysing data

This term refers to showing a relationship between key data and a research question or hypothesis

Random

This type of Sampling involves selecting people at random so that everyone within the population has an equal chance of being picked.

Quota

A type of Sampling where a researcher selects fixed proportions of people in different sub-groups (age, sex, race) so that each subgroup of the population is properly represented.

Cluster

A type of Sampling where a population is divided into a number of specific clusters, such as all high schools in NSW. In this case, not every student within all those schools can be selected, so schools are selected at random, and then the students are selected at random from them.

Stratified

This type of sampling allows a researcher to compare subgroups (age, gender, race, education level, jobs, background, family type etc) within the larger population specifically to those who would have been randomly chosen.

Concenience

A sampling of people who are easily accessed and available. This sample will be biased as the small sample will most likely be taken from the same area and therefore not represent the general populations opinions/ thoughts.

Site

This term refers to the place an observation is undertaken.

Integrity

Refers to how honest the researcher is about the data they have collected and the results they present. The researcher must ensure that the results presented are not distorted or changed in any way, from what has been collected and proved through research. All questionnaires, interviews etc should be presented within the appendix to allow others to view the information.

Privacy

This term means that the details of a participant's involvement in the research (test results and personal information) cannot be shown or made available to others. It involves Confidentiality (Does not reveal the participant's information) and Anonymity (The participant can not be identified by name or in any other way).

Plagiarism

Refers to when you use the ideas or words of another person as your own, without acknowledging where you got them from, such as copying, buying or stealing someone else's work; using material directly from secondary sources without acknowledgment; submitting work with a large outside contribution or paying someone else to write material for you.

Copyright

The exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same.

Statistical Analysis

Refers to the study of the collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data (statistics, percentages, numbers, trends, ratios).

Sources of data

Refers to the study of the collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.

Graphs

Types include pie, bar, line, column, pyramid, scatter and histogram.