Summary Research Methods Revision Grid

Strengths
Generalisable - Map patterns &
trends
Longitudinal studies
Representative
Cheap/cost effective
Questionnaires Large sample size
(representative)
Time efficient (due to set
questions)
Structured interviews
Reliable
Useful for sensitive groups
Semi-structured interviews
Produces both types of data
Useful for sensitive groups
Unstructured interviews
Validity
More comfortable
Group interviews
Valid
Rapport
Focus groups
Value free
Easy to access
Official statistics Up to date

Cheap
Media products Generalisable - Map patterns &
trends
Valid
Ethnography
Rapport
Objective
Nonparticipant observations
Reliable
Verstehen
Participant observations
Valid
Reliability
Overt observations
No ethical issue
Valid
Covert observations Great for hard to reach groups
(crime)
Rich data
Qualitative data Valid

Generalisable - Map patterns &
trends
Quantitative data
Objective