Choosing a Research Method

CORE ACTIVITY: Research Methods Stations

Materials: Create three stations, each with an example of a different research method (Survey, Interview, Photovoice, etc..) from newspapers, magazines, web sites etc...; Which Method Works Best for Me? handout

• Post the research goal and research questions brainstormed during the last session at the front of the room. Ask for a volunteer to read these aloud.
• Research stations (20 minutes): Distribute the “Which Method Works Best for Me?” handout. Break into three groups. Have each group start at one of the research stations. Explain that we are going to spend time rotating through the research stations to evaluate the pros and cons of each method and how useful each method would be for our research project. Students should spend 5 minutes at each station reviewing the method and filling out the handout.
• Group discussion (10 minutes): Reconvene as a large group and have groups present their part of the Methods Chart. Have a facilitator record information on the chart paper and solicit additional comments from other participants.
• Use whatever decision method works best for your group (voting, scoring) to choose a research method for the project going forward