CAFS 9.1 HSC core: Research Methodology

Module 9 of CAFS HSC | Module focus: research methodology; Module outcome: justifies and applies appropriate research methodologies AND communicates ideas, debates issues and justifies opinions.

Purpose of research

Advance knowledge, educate others, increase understanding, inform practice

Sampling methods

Techniques used to select a smaller group from a larger population to represent that population.

Random sampling

Everyone in the population has an equal chance of being chosen

Systematic sampling

Candidates are chosen systematically, and are still randomised

Snowball sampling

Initial respondents refer other respondents of similar characteristics to the researcher

Stratified sampling

Categorises the population into groups

Clustered sampling

Consists of various subgroups in the sample

Convenience sampling

Choosing the members of the sample group for ease

Quota sampling

The researcher has prerequisites for who is included in the research

Sample group

The final group of individuals the researcher has chosen to participate in the research

Sample size

The number of participants involved in the research methodology

Primary data

New data that the researcher has collected

Secondary data

Existing data

Quantitative data

Data expressed numerically

Qualitative data

Data expressed in words

Individual data

Data derived from individuals appropriate to the research

Group data

Data derived from organisations and formal groups appropriate to the research

Print data

Physical copies of data

Digital data

Online/soft copies of data

Reliability

Consistency in relation research findings

Validity

Legitimacy in relation to findings and the nature of the research process, and justification of results

Ethical behaviour

respect, integrity, privacy, bias

COIL Q

case studies, observations, interviews, literature reviews, questionnaires

Case studies

Observations

Interviews

Literature reviews

Questionnaires