Chapter 18 — Research methods I

Chapter 18 — Research methods I

Lesson map

Lesson 18 published. Map, example, EX052.

flowchart TD
  N0["Learning outcomes"]
  N1["18.1 Research questions"]
  N2["18.2 Choosing methods"]
  N3["18.3 Sampling and ethics"]
  N4["Synthesis"]
  N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4
  N4 --> EX["Worked example"]
  EX --> Q["Exercise EX052"]

Logical drawing

flowchart LR
  N0["Learning outcomes"]
  N1["18.1 Research questions"]
  N2["18.2 Choosing methods"]
  N3["18.3 Sampling and ethics"]
  N4["Synthesis"]
  N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4 --> Q["EX052"]

[Learning outcomes]
    |
    v
[18.1 Research questions]
    |
    v
[18.2 Choosing methods]
    |
    v
[18.3 Sampling and ethics]
    |
    v
[Synthesis]
    |
    v
[Worked example] --> [Exercise EX052]

Learning outcomes

You will (1) write a clear research question; (2) choose between surveys, interviews and observation; (3) plan sampling and ethics for a small study.

18.1 Research questions

A good research question is specific, answerable and worth asking. Nadia's first attempt, how to improve security at Ashcombe, is too broad. She narrows it to: what stops counter staff from reporting suspicious emails within an hour? This question names a group, a behaviour and a timeframe, and it can be answered with evidence. Dr Prescott suggests she also ask what helps staff report, so that the study identifies strengths to build on as well as barriers to remove. She writes both questions down.

18.2 Choosing methods

Surveys reach many people quickly and suit counting how common views are. Interviews explore reasons in depth with fewer people. Observation shows what people actually do rather than what they say. Nadia plans to use a short anonymous survey of all staff and interviews with eight counter staff. She avoids covert observation because it would raise ethical concerns without consent. Combining methods lets the survey show how common each barrier is while interviews explain why it matters to people. The survey takes five minutes.

18.3 Sampling and ethics

Nadia samples interviewees from different branches, shifts and experience levels so that views are not dominated by one group. She seeks ethics approval, writes an information sheet and consent form and plans to store notes without names. She informs participants that they can stop at any time and that managers will see only anonymised themes. She pilots the survey with three colleagues to check that questions are clear. Careful planning at this stage prevents weak data later. Approval arrives within three weeks.

Worked example

Nadia narrows her question, combines a survey with interviews and plans sampling and ethics.

Synthetic case. The study plan is synthetic.

Errors and limits

Volunteers may differ from others. Surveys rely on honest self-report.

Exercises

• EX052 — Narrowed question. What was Nadia's narrowed question? Rubric: 3 = what stops counter staff reporting within an hour;; 2 = barriers;; 1 = how to improve security;; 0 = none.
• EX053 — Observation choice. Why did Nadia avoid covert observation? Rubric: 3 = it raises ethical concerns without consent;; 2 = consent;; 1 = vague;; 0 = none.
• EX054 — Pilot purpose. Why pilot the survey? Rubric: 3 = to check questions are clear;; 2 = clarity;; 1 = vague;; 0 = none.

Synthesis

Clear questions, fitting methods and careful ethics make small studies worthwhile.

Continue studying — chapter 18 of 40

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