Phase 3b – Research Methodology Blog
Numerous approaches can be used to collect data for a research study. Research methodologies that are frequently used include mixed-method research, case study research, experimental research, quantitative research, and qualitative research methodology (Mehta, 2023). These are chosen based on the kinds of data that the researcher needs to collect, as each has arguments for and against its use.
“Qualitative data is non-numeric information, such as in-depth interview transcripts, diaries, anthropological field notes, answers to open-ended survey questions, audio-visual recordings and images.” (UK Data Service, 2017).
As part of my methodology, I plan to gather the participant’s responses (qualitative data) via a conversational questionnaire. Since this mode is process-driven, it is the most relevant and beneficial for this study; in a way that quantitative data cannot, as this method gives the voice of reality, which helps researchers to understand the participant’s experiences. This mode does not depend on precise numbers and can also be defined as a technique that looks for descriptive information to help with the understanding of numerical data (quantitative data).
Using the small sample(s) or pool of participants, my selected methodology has the advantage of enabling me to thoroughly analyse each participant’s experience following the completion of the study activity. While I view this as a benefit, it might also be viewed as a disadvantage because qualitative data, which may consist of text, images, or videos rather than numbers, can be more challenging to assess than quantitative data. But since the goal of this study is to gather participant views on their experiences rather than numerical data, this method is suitable (Streefkerk, 2019).
The possibility of participant self-selection and lack of willingness to express genuine ideas is also a potential disadvantage to my approach (University of Sheffield, 2022). However, I have decided not to choose the professionals I will be working with within Block 1 from the pool, instead inviting them all considering the disadvantage, that I can control.
There is a chance of research bias, specifically observer bias (with regard to myself) and social desirability bias (with regard to the participants), in addition to the drawbacks of my approach in this study.
With considerations to myself: When a researcher’s preconceptions, beliefs, or expectations influence their observations or documentation of a study, it is known as observer bias. It commonly impacts studies in which participants are informed about the objectives and theoretical framework. Observer prejudice is sometimes termed detection bias (Bhandari, 2021).
I will try to reduce observer bias by comparing my results to those of my tutors and peers. This should lessen my influence or expectations on the outcomes, which will increase confidence in my findings. Cross-referencing could also provide support for the risk factors that I may face, from an ethical perspective, considering my positionality, intersectional characteristics, and ARP rationale (see Research – Ethics Blog 6 part 2).
With considerations towards the participant: When participants answer questions that they think will make them appear nice to others—as was previously mentioned—they are exhibiting social desirability bias and showing a lack of readiness to share their actual thoughts and opinions. You could see this inclination to try to win over your peers’ (or mine) approval by answering questions in a way that presents them in a socially acceptable way. (Nikolopoulou, 2022).
I strive to lessen social desirability bias in my research design, by ensuring participants that their identities will be safeguarded, minimising leading questions, making personal remarks and using language that can elicit socially acceptable answers and hence influence an untruthful answer or statement. Using my conversational questionnaire approach, I will also encourage forced choice and follow-up questions, to keep participants from responding with “nonresponse,” “no opinion,” “don’t know,” or “not sure.” See Phase 4 – Research Blog 4
A questionnaire is defined as a set of questions that are sent out via mail, the Internet, or in-person, for recipients to complete independently (McCombes, 2019). However, due to my rapport with the participants, I think it would be more appropriate for me to conduct the questionnaire as a conversation. The advantage of this is that they won’t feel pressured to finish extra paperwork in addition to the action research activity (the online module) and I’ll be able to support “forced choice” and delve deeper (if needed) to obtain a deeper understanding of their experience.
Having thoughts towards the PERMA model: see Phase 5 – Findings Blog 2, to promote happiness, well-being and fulfilment, when I conduct the conversational questionnaire, I will exercise ethical considerations throughout my investigations, as I recognise that human participation often includes understanding real-life phenomena with the pursuit of improving lives in more ways than one. (Bhandari, 2022). Therefore sourcing my findings will not be the only consideration at the forefront of my mind.
“Primary research is data which is obtained first-hand.” (SmartSurvey, 2021).
Given that primary research addresses a particular topic as opposed to depending on secondary research’s use of previously obtained data, primary research is sometimes regarded as having greater value than secondary research. Hence, compared to secondary research, primary research typically yields more definitive or conclusive results. Nevertheless, the disadvantage to this kind of research is it more expensive and requires more time to perform, so more labour intensive. (SmartSurvey, n.d.).
I will be performing the research and generating the data for the study. I shall thus go directly to the source rather than depending on pre-existing data samples (secondary data). As a result, the information will be current, unique (no one else will have access to it), and easily obtainable. I have chosen to mitigate the possible drawback methodology, by employing online software and internet platforms (the MS Suite for meetings, etc.) to keep expenses to a minimum and meticulously scheduling the amount of time I will need to conduct my study (BBC, 2022).
References:
Mehta, S. (2023). Types of Research Methodology in Research | Eduvoice. [online] Eduvoice | The Voice of Education Industry. Available at: https://eduvoice.in/types-research-methodology/#:~:text=Some%20common%20types%20of%20research
University of Sheffield (2022). Research Methods. [online] www.sheffield.ac.uk. Available at: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/academic-skills/study-skills-online/research-methods
SmartSurvey (2021). Primary Research Methods Explained . [online] www.smartsurvey.co.uk. Available at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/articles/primary-research-methods.
SmartSurvey. (n.d.). Primary Research Methods Explained. [online] Available at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/articles/primary-research-methods#:~:text=Primary%20research%20definition
BBC (2022). Primary research – planning and organisation – WBQ national: Foundation KS4 revision. [online] BBC Bitesize. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z9rn3k7/revision/7
Bhandari, P. (2022). Ethical Considerations in Research | Types & Examples. [online] Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.co.uk/research-methods/ethical-considerations/
Streefkerk, R. (2019). Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research | Differences, Examples & Methods. [online] Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/qualitative-quantitative-research/
Bhandari, P. (2021). Observer bias. [online] Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/observer-bias/
Nikolopoulou, K. (2022). What Is Social Desirability Bias? | Definition & Examples. [online] Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/social-desirability-bias/
McCombes, S. (2019). Survey Research | Definition, Examples & Methods. [online] Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/survey-research/#step-two-decide-on-the-type-of-survey
UK Data Service (2017). Qualitative data. [online] UK Data Service. Available at: https://ukdataservice.ac.uk/learning-hub/qualitative-data/