2.2 Social Science Research Methods Flashcards Preview

Semester 4- HaDSoc > 2.2 Social Science Research Methods > Flashcards

Flashcards in 2.2 Social Science Research Methods Deck (22)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is quantitative research?

A

Collection of numerical data

2
Q

How can quantitative data be collected?

A
RCT
Cohort study
Case-control study
Cross-sectional survey
Secondary analysis (eg. from the census)
3
Q

What can questionnaires be used for?

A

Measure exposure to risk factors
Knowledge
Attitudes
Satisfaction

4
Q

How can one ensure that a questionnaire is reliable and valid?

A

Use published questionnaires which have been pre-assessed

5
Q

What are the disadvantages of using an unofficial questionnaire?

A

Less reliable

Time-consuming to check for reliability and validity

6
Q

In what way can data be collected in a quantitative questionnaire?

A

Yes/no
Faces
Level of agreement
Numeric scale

7
Q

How can the data for a questionnaire be collected?

A

Telephone
Internet
Interview
Paper

8
Q

Give 3 advantages of quantitative research

A

Measure a response easily
Find relationships between ideas
Allow comparisons

9
Q

Gis 3 disadvantages of quantitative research

A

May be forced into the wrong category
May not access all of the information
May not establish causality
People cannot express themselves as they like

10
Q

What is qualitative research and when is it used?

A

Information gathered which allows people to express their opinions in written form. It is used to gain an understanding of people’s beliefs, experiences and actions.

11
Q

What is ethnography?

A

Studying human behavior in its natural context. Interactions are observed instead of recalled.

12
Q

Give 3 some advantages of ethnography

A

See behaviour which people are not aware of
See the whole picture
Can be combined with private interviews

13
Q

Give 2 benefits of collecting data via an interview

A

Accurate account of personal experience

More conversational style of data collection

14
Q

How can focus groups be used to collect data?

A

Get an overall perception of a topic

15
Q

How can focus groups be problematic?

A

Need a good facilitator
Need a fairly homogenous group of people
Alternate views can be lost
Can be difficult to arrange

16
Q

Give 2 advantages of documentary style data collection eg. a patient diary

A

Good historical context

Useful for subjects which are difficult to study

17
Q

Give 2 disadvantages of documentary style data collection eg. a patient diary

A

Can be very subjective

Not representative of actual life

18
Q

Give 2 advantages of qualitative data

A

Understand personal situation
Get extra information than quantitative
Explains relationships between variables

19
Q

Give 2 disadvantages of qualitative data

A

Relationships between variables will not be consistent between people
Hard to apply findings to all areas

20
Q

Give factors that need to be considered when choosing between qualitative data collection and quantitative data collection before starting a study

A

Research team’s preferences
Time and money available
Audience/funder of the study

21
Q

Give the name of a qualitative data appraisal tool

A

CASP

Critical Appraisal Skills Programme

22
Q

How does CASP appraise data collection methods?

A

Looks for rigour, credibility and relevance