Method families

Instructions:

There are 5 methods, each with 3 strengths and 3 limitations.

The aim is to collect a complete set for 1 method.

  • Each player is dealt 6 random cards
  • You take it in turns to request a specific card from another player – e.g. a strength of observation.
  • If they have that card, they must give it to you. You can then ask another player for a different card.
  • If they don’t have that card, then it is their turn to ask a player for a specific card.
  • The game continues until somebody has a complete set of 3 strengths and 3 limitations for 1 of the methods.

OBSERVATION

The researcher observes behaviour in its true setting, so their evidence is likely valid. /

OBSERVATION

It reveals meanings and motives behind behaviour. /

OBSERVATION

The research is based on verstehen, where behaviour is seen from the viewpoint of the actor.

OBSERVATION

The research often studies small groups so it may not be representative. /

OBSERVATION

The presence of the researcher may alter the behaviour of the group. /

OBSERVATION

Objectivity may be undermined as the researcher becomes involved in the group or goes native.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Self-completion questionnaires avoid interviewer effects /

QUESTIONNAIRE

Large samples can be used. /

QUESTIONNAIRE

Different types of questions allow different types of data to be collected.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Generally there is a low response rate especially in postal questionnaires. /

QUESTIONNAIRE

Respondents may be forced into artificial categories. /

QUESTIONNAIRE

Respondents may not be honest.

INTERVIEW

Structured interviews can be replicated and produce quantitative data. /

INTERVIEW

The qualitative data often provides rich insight into behaviour. /

INTERVIEW

Unstructured interviews enable probing and help to establish rapport with the interviewee.

INTERVIEW

All types of interview are more time-consuming than questionnaires. /

INTERVIEW

Unstructured interviews are difficult to replicate and they use small samples. /

INTERVIEW

The validity of an interview rests on the quality of the question wording.

DOCUMENT

Unobtrusive, making reactive and investigator effects very unlikely. /

DOCUMENT

Can be collected for time periods occurring in the past (e.g., historical data). /

DOCUMENT

Can provide insight into what people think and what they do.

DOCUMENT

May be representative only of one perspective. /

DOCUMENT

May be incomplete. /

DOCUMENT

Access to some types of content is limited.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

They can be quite cheap, easily accessible and up-to-date source of data (which means the researcher doesn't have to spend time and money collecting information). /

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

The ability to assess trend changes over time is possible using historical statistics drawn from different periods (crime trends being an example here). /

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

Cross-cultural comparisons (crime rates in different countries, for example) are also possible - and are easy -using official statistics.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

Statistics can be used to analyse only collective matters, and not individual events. /

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

Statistics are only valid as quantitative data. This cannot be used to study such events which cannot be expressed by numbers /

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

Reliability