Starter Task 8 - Approaches to Research

Identify the outline of qualitative research:

• Data that often comes in the form of numbers

• Factual information that can be counted

• Measurable statistics

• Something that is experienced or observed

Answer explanation

Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences and observations, making 'something that is experienced or observed' the correct choice. The other options relate to quantitative data, which is numerical.

Identify the method of qualitative data collection:

• Interviews

• Polls

• Questionnaires

• Surveys

Answer explanation

Interviews are a method of qualitative data collection that involve direct interaction with participants, allowing for in-depth exploration of their thoughts and experiences. Other options like polls and surveys are typically quantitative.

Is quantitative or qualitative data used to understand how an individual makes sense of their world and the experiences they have in it?

• Qualitative

• Quantitative

• Numerical

• Statistical

Answer explanation

Qualitative data is used to understand how individuals interpret their experiences and the world around them. It focuses on meanings, concepts, and descriptions, making it ideal for exploring personal perspectives.

Identify two ways in which qualitative data can be collected:

• Any two of the following: Focus groups, Interviews, Audio recordings, Videos, Written text of someone's views, Record keeping (such as artefacts, documents, and cultural records)

• By measuring temperature and humidity

• By counting the number of people in a room

• By using a stopwatch to time an event

Answer explanation

Qualitative data can be collected through methods like focus groups and interviews, which gather in-depth insights. Other options like audio recordings and written texts also capture subjective views, making them valid choices.

Identify two advantages of qualitative data:

• Any two of the following: It is a creative and interpretive approach, You can study things in their natural setting, Go into greater depth, Can be very specific

• It is always numerical and objective, It guarantees statistical significance, It eliminates all researcher bias, It is faster than quantitative research

Answer explanation

Qualitative data allows for a creative and interpretive approach, enabling researchers to explore complex phenomena. Additionally, it facilitates studying subjects in their natural setting, providing richer context and insights.

Identify a disadvantage of qualitative data:

• It can take time to collect the data OR It can take time to analyse the data OR It is harder to present your findings clearly

• It is always numerical and easy to graph

• It guarantees objective results every time

• It is always faster to collect than quantitative data

• It is always more accurate than quantitative data

Answer explanation

Qualitative data can be time-consuming to collect and analyze, and it often presents challenges in clearly conveying findings, making it less straightforward than quantitative data.

Identify two ways in which quantitative data can be collected:

• Closed question or multiple-choice questionnaires, Surveys, Polls (any two)

• Open-ended interviews, Personal diaries, Observational sketches

• Literary analysis, Artistic interpretation, Anecdotal records

• Focus group discussions, Unstructured interviews, Case studies

Answer explanation

Quantitative data can be collected through closed questions or multiple-choice questionnaires, as they provide structured responses suitable for statistical analysis. Surveys and polls also gather numerical data effectively.

Identify two advantages of quantitative data: (Any two of the following: It is quick to collect data, It is easy to analyse and present your findings (such as bar charts and pie graphs), It can be tested and checked easily, Numerical data is less open to miss-interpretation, Focuses on facts)

• It is quick to collect data and it is easy to analyse and present your findings

• It is time-consuming to collect data and it is difficult to analyse findings

• It is based on opinions and it is subjective

• It is open to miss-interpretation and focuses on feelings

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that quantitative data is quick to collect and easy to analyze, allowing for clear presentation of findings through visual aids like bar charts and pie graphs.

Identify a disadvantage of quantitative data:

• It does not allow participants to explain their choices OR Large sample sizes are needed for more accurate analysis

• It is always subjective and biased

• It cannot be measured or analyzed statistically

• It is only useful for small groups

Answer explanation

A disadvantage of quantitative data is that it does not allow participants to explain their choices, limiting the depth of understanding. Additionally, large sample sizes are often needed for accurate analysis.

Identify what a questionnaire is:

• A set of questions to be asked in order to gather information

• A type of statistical graph

• A method for conducting laboratory experiments

• A mathematical formula for calculations

Answer explanation

A questionnaire is defined as a set of questions designed to gather information from respondents, making the first choice the correct answer. The other options do not accurately describe what a questionnaire is.