Note
Studied by 147 people
Research methods in education
Essential 3 ideas in research methods
validity- are the results true to life?
representativeness- is the sample group similar to the whole group so we can generalise?
reliability- can we repeat it and get the same results?
Questionnaires- written self report of open and closed questions
Structured interview- verbal set of questions agreed in advance
Unstructured interview- verbal set of questions not agreed in advance, it is free form so has follow up questions
Participant observation- watching and being involved in something to complete research
Non-participant observation- watching something to complete research
covert- hidden observation
overt- particiapnts know they are being watched
Official statistics- government data
Documents- personal information in physical form e.g. letters, diaries, notes etc.
Lab experiment- done in an unnatural, controlled, artificial environment
Field experiment- done in a real world environment
Theoretical approach to research
Positivism- the world can be understood factually
favour quantitative data that is reliable and representative
macro approach- bird’s eye view, big picture, universal
e.g. functionalism, marxism, feminism (all look at broad structures of society)
Interpretivism- focus on meaning: how do people think or feel
qualitative data provides deeper meaning and understanding
micro approach- what is happening on scale of individuals and their interactions
e.g. labelling theory, Becker
PERVERT
Practical- time, logistics, cost
Ethical- morally correct e.g. anonymity, informed consent (can lead to hawthorne effect → social desirability), confidentiality
Reliability- can we repeat the research and get the same results
Validity- is it true
Evidence- examples from studies if applicable
Representativeness- does the sample group reflect society as whole
Theories- e.g. positivism, interpretivism- functionalism
Strengths | Limitations | |
Questionnaires | Practical- quick and easy Ethics- consent, anonymous Potential to be representative as can be sent out to lots of people for cheap Reliable- easy to do so repeatable Positivists like as can see trends | Validity- lying and right answerism where you change answers to be socially desirable Unrepresentative- low response rate and only a certain demographic reply Lack of flexiblity due to set questions and responses- lack of validity Potential to answer inaccurately as cannot ask for clarification- lack of validity |
Structured Interviews | Reliable- set questions so repeatable Validity- can ask for clarification over misunderstandings, less likely to lie Representative- can control the sample Ethics- get informed consent Positivists like- see trends Reliability- set questions means less intervewer bias Responses are slightly qualitative but you can still compare Do not need a skilled interviewer- more practical and reliable | Validity- cannot ask follow up questions so lacks real truth Practical- logistically challenging, time consuming and costly Takes time so repeated less and group not as representative Validity- interviewer bias Practical/ validity- limited question design Social desirability- lack of validity |