Research Methods 11 CAFS

Interviews are primary methods of data collection.

What advantages do structured interviews have?

• Ability to be adapted to the responses given

• Can be conducted efficiently in limited time

• There is a more relaxed atmosphere and answers are more likely to be honest

• A larger number of topics can be covered during the allocated time

A sociogram is used to record interrelationships between people.

Which is characteristic of a sociogram?

• Graphical representation of interaction between group members

• Document all members of a society or community

• Reveal the age of the people involved

• Never contain errors as information used is primary data

Why is a literature review helpful when undertaking research?

• It is a primary source of data.

• It provides a broad overview of current information.

• It replaces the need to critically read sources.

• It a summary of all current information available.

Which of the following is characteristic of a questionnaire?

• The most reliable information collection method available

• Responses that reflect a person’s knowledge, beliefs and opinions

• Secondary data for use in research projects

• Relies on the skill of the interviewer

Closed questions provide which of the following to the researcher?

• Qualitative in-depth material gathered over a period of time

• Information that is not guided by the researcher

• Responses that are easy to collate and cover into data

• An individual’s personal opinion in an open manner

What is the purpose of a case study?

• To gather detailed information that provides a deep insight into the situation surrounding the object of your study

• To study one person as a representation of the whole population in order to save time, money and effort collecting information from many people

• To create a scenario that proves the hypothesis

• To collect both qualitative and quantitative information from as many people as possible

Which of the following includes advantages of structured interviews?

• The questions can cover a range of issues, so there is flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere.

• The questions are predetermined and planned to focus on a research area, and responses can be easier to collate.

• The questions are developed as the interview progresses, so not as much preparation is required.

• The questions put the person being interviewed at ease, so less control is required by the interviewer.

Which of the following is not a limitation of a literature review as a research method?

• A high level of literacy skills are needed to read and interpret someone else’s information.

• The research could be old and dated.

• They provide clarity and direction for the researcher to carry out their own research.

• There is no existing information on the topic.

Why are structured interviews useful when researching?

• The time required is less than a questionnaire.

• They provide detailed responses.

• They allow the interview change question to suit the responder.

• They are cheap to conduct.

Why is observation suitable as a primary research method?

• It can be easily compared to secondary data.

• It gives the researcher unbiased quantitative data.

• It gives the researcher qualitative data that can be added to tables or graphed.

• It allows researchers to make generalisations that can be investigated