Research methods

Research methods relate to how research is conducted, designed, analyzed, and disseminated.

Critical thinking about research methods

Why does thinking critically about research methods matter?

Choosing amongst research strategies

Based on Backstrom & Hursh-César (1981, p. 16)
Approach Helps You to Gather Advantages Disadvantages
Small-group study
  • A lot about a little
  • Early research
  • Generate hypotheses
  • Natural
  • Unobtrusive
  • High validity
  • In-depth
  • Unique
  • Impressionistic
  • Uncontrolled
  • Low quantification
Survey
  • A timely generalization
  • Test hypotheses
  • Sub-group differences
  • Generality
  • Quantitative
  • Timely
  • Replicable
  • Superficial
  • Obtrusive
  • Structured
  • Self-reporting
Field experiment
  • Causes and effects
  • Changes
  • Time order
  • Control
  • Powerful conclusions
  • Across time
  • Highest qualifications
  • Costly
  • Time consuming
  • Vulnerable
  • Sensitizing

Learning resources

See also

Search for Research methods on Wikipedia.

References

  1. Backstrom, C. H., & Hursh-César, G. (1981). Survey research (2nd ed.). New York: Wiley.
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