Numbers: B2+. Dawn Willoughby

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      Quiz

       Self-evaluation

      Read the statements below. Circle the answers that are true for you.

      A wide range of research methods is available for you to choose from when you conduct a research project. The key is to choose the most appropriate method or methods for your research aims. In Social Sciences, particularly with projects at undergraduate level, three of the most common methods are interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. This, of course, does not mean you need to limit yourself to these methods.

      This chapter looks at some of the main research methods, at some of their main advantages and disadvantages and gives a brief overview of some other methods of research. The following two chapters look in more detail at how to produce a questionnaire and conduct an interview.

       For more information on other research methods, see Further reading.

       Choosing your research method

      A research method is the way in which you choose to collect your data. A wide range of research methods can be used to gather data. This section will give you an overview before looking in more detail at some of the main advantages and disadvantages of four key research methods: questionnaires, focus groups, interviews and experiments. This is then followed by a brief overview of some other methods to consider. When you select your method it is important to choose one that will effectively help you to answer your research question or test your hypothesis. It is also important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

       Questionnaires

      Many students choose to do a survey using a questionnaire as it is commonly believed that the method is easy. A questionnaire doesn’t involve the pressure of an interview, and the answers are conveniently written down for future analysis. However, it can be challenging to write an effective questionnaire.

      Questionnaires can be distributed in a variety of ways and there is a varying amount of success in getting responses back. The questions are typically predominantly aimed at gathering quantitative data, but an element of qualitative data can also be gathered.