Step 3 - Linking Methodology with Methods

1. This guide aims to focus on core considerations which you should engage in order to choose a good research method for your project.

2. The table below shows some advantages and disadvantages of research methods. Please note that this is note a complete list.

Methods	Types within the method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Observation	Complete participant: research conceals role Observer as participant: role of researcher is known Participant as observer: observation role secondary to participant role Complete observer: researcher observes without participating	Researcher has a firsthand experience with participants Researcher can record information as it revealed Account for the complexity of group behaviors Studying research subject in their natural setting	Researcher participation may be seen as intrusive Research can be overwhelmed with data Time consuming Access to the group Data interpretation Cost
Interviews	Face to face Telephone Group In-depth Structural Semi-structural	Allow researcher to explain and clarify questions Visual materials can be used Research subject may be discussed in depth Allows respondents to describe what is meaningful or important for them using their own words	Participant may not feel comfortable discussion certain issues Researcher presence may biased participant responses Cost and time consuming
Visual data	Photographs Videotapes Art objects Films	Provides opportunity for participants to directly share their “reality” Creative in that it captures attention visually Can facilitate discussion on difficult issues	May be difficult to interpret May not be accessible publicly or privately Cost
Diaries	Unstructured Written accounts Semi-structured	Provide access to naturally occurring sequences of activity described by participants Avoidance of researcher bias Good source of narrative data	Require a lot of commitment from participants Time consuming
Focus groups	n/a	Can capture a group interaction Observe of group interaction can be made during the focus group Visual aides can be used Help you get in contact with lots of people fairly cheaply	Moderator needs to be in control or group dynamics could taint responses Competitive and intimate topics are unsuitable for focus group discussion Assembling a group may require additional resources

Creswell (2003)

Consider completing:

This will give you guidance how to chose select suitable methodological approach and methods for your study.

If you have more suggestions about advantages and disadvantages of Research Methods, please share them with us - contact Emilia Pietka via emilia.pietka@strath.ac.uk.

Download this guide in pdf: Step 3 - Linking methodologies with research methods (pdf)

Step 3 - Linking Methodology with Methods

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