Research Methods

To obtain primary data, you need to choose at least two research methods, best suited to your hypothesis. The methods should aim to enhance the reliability and validity of your data.

Interviews

An interview is a direct conversation between a researcher and one or more participants to gain in-depth information about a topic. It is commonly used for qualitative research. This an be conducted using:

Structured interviews are quite formal, with predetermined questions being asked in that same sequence to all respondents.
Unstructured interview is informal, tends to more flexible and is more like a conversation. Respondents are often able to express themselves more openly through discussion of the topic areas, rather than answering specific questions.

Recording data from an interview can be done by writing down answers/comments or by tape recorder (you need the respondent’s permission).

Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a research method that uses a set of written or digital questions to gather information from a large number of respondents. It is commonly used to collect quantitative data but can also include open-ended questions for qualitative insights. It generally follows this process:

Designing Questions: Use closed-ended (multiple-choice, Likert scale) for measurable data and open-ended for detailed responses.
Distribution Methods: Online surveys, printed forms, email, or face-to-face distribution.
Response Collection: Responses are recorded electronically or manually and analysed statistically for patterns and trends.

Key considerations:

Keep questions clear and concise to avoid confusion.
Use a mix of open and closed questions for depth and measurability.
Ensure anonymity to encourage honest responses.

Experiments

Experiments are a cornerstone of scientific research, designed to test cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Researchers manipulate one variable (independent variable) and observe its impact on another variable (dependent variable) while controlling for extraneous factors. Experiments allow for strong causal inferences and are considered the gold standard for establishing cause and effect.

Summary

Below is a summary of the key research methodologies you may choose to implement.

CI Application

Within your teams, decide on which research methods you will utilise in your project. Once you have come to an agreement, check in with your teacher and complete the following part of your proposal:

Propose the primary and secondary research methods you will undertake and why.

Research Team Roles

As we are completing the IRP as one research team, we need to break down our research methods into team roles. The following jobs need to be agreed upon, assigned and completed. Think about yours/your peers strengths and weaknesses. What role best suits the individuals in the team and will allow everyone a sense of self-efficacy and promote a strengths based approach within the team:

Research methods (Choose two primary and one secondary):

Questionnaires - Create, distribute and conduct the questionnaire. Present the data using charts, tables, graphs and annotations. Include relevant sources in the appendix.

Interviews - Create and conduct the interview. Present the data using charts, tables, graphs and annotations. Include relevant sources in the appendix.

Case Study - Undertake research/experiment on your chosen topic and record data.

Secondary Research - Access sources and complete secondary research on your chosen topic.

Portfolio Documents

Introduction
Methodology justification
Conclusion and recommendations
Bibliography

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