Research Methods Definitions

Question 1

Questionnaires/surveys

Answer 1

• List of questions subject to self completion. Questions can either open or closed.

Question 2

Content analysis

Answer 2

• This is the number of times a sign, symbol, word, picture etc is used within a media text

Question 3

Structured interviews

Answer 3

• The researcher reads a list of closed questions and ticks boxes of pre-coded responses.

Question 4

Semi structured interviews

Answer 4

• The researcher has some set/pre coded questions however they are able to probe respondents and ask extra questions if needed OR some semi-structured interviews have some set themes which are then discussed.

Question 5

Semi structured interviews

Answer 5

• The researcher has some set/pre coded questions however they are able to probe respondents and ask extra questions if needed OR some semi-structured interviews have some set themes which are then discussed.

Question 6

Unstructured interviews

Answer 6

• The researcher may have some themes to cover but no pre-determined questions or rigid themes that they should follow. These interviews take a conversational flow.

Question 7

Focus group interviews

Answer 7

• An unstructured interview directed to a group of respondents who are encourage to discuss with each other. The interviewer will set up themes and questions and manage the responses from participants.

Question 8

Group interviews

Answer 8

• often set up with a researcher and a panel of participants - The presence of another participant can be seen as less threatening, therefore meaning they feel more comfortable to participate.

Question 9

Overt non participant observations

Answer 9

• The participants know they are being studied but the researcher is NOT involved with the group being researched.

Question 10

Covert non participant observation

Answer 10

• The researcher is NOT fully participating with the group and the participants are unaware they are being studied.

Question 11

Overt participant observation

Answer 11

• The participants know they are being studied and the researcher is fully involved with the group being researched.

Question 12

Covert participant observation

Answer 12

• The researcher is participating with the group and the participants are unaware they are being studied.

Question 13

Ethnography

Answer 13

• Involves the researching immersing themselves into the natural setting of the social group being studied, and participating in and observing their daily activities.

Question 14

Official statistics

Answer 14

• Quantitative data collected by the government which is often gathered through other research methods such as questionnaires. Two of the biggest sources of official statistics come from the Office for National Statistics and the Census.

Question 15

Longitudinal studies

Answer 15

• Research designed to collect data on a sample (of people/documents) on at least two occasions.

Question 16

Longitudinal studies

Answer 16

• Research designed to collect data on a sample (of people/documents) on at least two occasions.

Question 17

Secondary data

Answer 17

• This is data that has been carried out by someone else / an institution.