A questionnaire is a list of questions that are used to conduct a survey.

• A questionnaire consists of questions that can be used to obtain factual information as well as find out about opinions, beliefs and attitudes of individuals and groups on a given topic.

• A questionnaire is a question sheet and a tally sheet in one.

• Questionnaires provide Quantitative data when simple questions are asked. When the respondent is asked to express and opinion, then Qualitative data is obtained.

It is wise to always conduct a pilot (practice) questionnaire to ensure:

• Accurate interpretation of questions

• No ambiguous questions

• Instructions are clear

• Researcher obtains intended response

When designing a questionnaire, it should be clearly laid out and well printed, have instructions for completing which are easy to understand. You will need to ensure respondents that it is confidential.

Ensure all questions are:

• free from bias

• relevant to the study

• as short as possible

• not embarrassing or invading people’s privacy

• simple language that is appropriate

• only address one issue each

• not assuming respondents have knowledge about certain subjects

A Likert Scale is a system used in questionnaires where the respondent expresses their views on an issue by selecting points along a scale.

For each of the following types of questions, design an example question:

(a) Ranking Specific Statements

(b) Using a Likert Scale

(c) Listing Specific Items

(d) Providing your own ideas on a specific subject

(e) Using Multiple Choice

An interview is a primary data collecting technique that involves personal contact. A researcher talks to people by phone or in person asking them questions about a specific topic. The researcher might write down comments made by the person or ask questions that require ticking boxes on a sheet.

There are two types of interviews

• Structured interviews are formal and usually involve a range of questions pre-written by the interviewer.

• Unstructured interviews are more informal in nature and can take on the form of general discussion. Once interviews are completed, the data collected can be used as a stand alone study, or alternatively, the data may be combined with information gathered by other methods.

The information obtained through the interview method of research includes the opinions of respondents and is therefore classified as qualitative data. If a number of people are interviewed, then it also provides quantitative data for analysis.

Think about it:

(a) Write down a situation where a structured interview would be useful and explain why.

(b) What styles of questions would be most useful in an unstructured interview? Write down two examples and explain how they help the interviewer to collect information.

A case study is a long and detailed primary research method. A case study looks at an individual or group, such as a family, in some detail. It can be a useful method for collecting data. A case study provides information that allows you to examine the ‘inner workings’ of a situation. However, it is only when a number of parallel case studies are carried out that the data can then be used for analysis or for the formalisation of generalisations, because there needs to be more than one example.

Case studies are multiple sources of information, often combining a number of research techniques, such as interviews, observations and questionnaires related to a single case or a number of cases.

The information researched through case study methods is classified as Qualitative data, as it includes opinions rather than numbers.

Think about it:

(a) Outline examples of when a case study approach would be most appropriate.

Observation is a data collecting technique which involves observing people in action, reactions and attitudes of individuals, groups and communities.

The researcher must concentrate intently and record data at the time of observation. An observer must remain objective in order to ensure conclusions drawn are valid.

The researcher must determine exactly what is required before setting out to observe. Sheets for recording data should be prepared in advance and should be easy for the observer to fill in.

Type of Observation:

• Participant aware of research activity taking place

• Participant unaware of research activity taking place

• Researcher part of the group being studied

• Researcher not part of the group being studied.

Think about it:

(a) Identify the advantages and disadvantages for each type of observation.

(b) What factors may impact on the nature of information collected during an observation?

(c) List four research situations where observation could be used.

(d) Give an example of an observation which could provide quantitative data.

(e) Which type of data would be commonly researched by observation?

All research should begin with review existing resources so that the researcher can learn from the work of others and focus on what needs to be researched.

Using the Secondary data you have collected about your research topic, you will need to analyse the information presented. This means you will need to show links (comparison) between researcher’s ideas, finding similarities and differences in their findings.

Things you will need to discuss include:

• Summary of the relevant information found in the different resources

• Discussion of how the information relates to the IRP

• Quotes which are relevant to your topic – referenced appropriately

• Statistics

• An evaluation of the usefulness of the resource

Think about it:

Before you begin writing your Literature Review, you need to research books, articles, websites or any other secondary resources that contain information relevant to your topic

• Have you been to your local library to search for resources?

• Have you contacted an organisation for more information?

All materials must be referenced and included in your bibliography so keep a track of your sources.

Structuring a Literature Review

Use the following scaffold to assist you with your Literature Review:

1. Describe each research methodology and evaluate the suitability of each for different research topics (10 marks).

2. Identify which research methods are most appropriate for your IRP.