Advantages & Disadvantages of research methods
QUESTIONNAIRES - qualitative
.1
Advantages Disadvantages
- You are able to create your own questions and be specific - The participants answer may not be listed
- Straight forward answers - Participant may lie
- Selection of answers - Free responses can side track
- Large amount of data is collected - Questions may be misinterpreted
INTERVIEWS - quantitative
l
Advantages Disadvantages
- Face-to-face, you are able to ready the body language of the participant - Participants may lie for the test to be ‘better’
nc
and determine their confidence in their answer - Participants may feel pressured into answering or feel uncomfortable
- Useful when detail info is required - If unstructured then free responses can side track, time consuming
- Explain your opinion and clarify
FOCUS GROUPS
Advantages Disadvantages
- Heavily focused on the perspective of the participant - Participants ideas may be influenced by someone else's ideas
- Qualitative data is gathered in depth - Participant may lie to favour the researcher
- The atmosphere may not be as tense as you are surrounded with other - May feel uncomfortable answering questions in front of other people
people
ia
CHECKLISTS - quantitative
Advantages Disadvantages
- Able to see if the participant is following instructions correctly - Participant may only do certain things because they are being supervised
- Monitor each stage - Understaffed and lack of equipment may affect this
- Must meet the overall aim of inspection
QUESTIONNAIRES - qualitative
.1
Advantages Disadvantages
- You are able to create your own questions and be specific - The participants answer may not be listed
- Straight forward answers - Participant may lie
- Selection of answers - Free responses can side track
- Large amount of data is collected - Questions may be misinterpreted
INTERVIEWS - quantitative
l
Advantages Disadvantages
- Face-to-face, you are able to ready the body language of the participant - Participants may lie for the test to be ‘better’
nc
and determine their confidence in their answer - Participants may feel pressured into answering or feel uncomfortable
- Useful when detail info is required - If unstructured then free responses can side track, time consuming
- Explain your opinion and clarify
FOCUS GROUPS
Advantages Disadvantages
- Heavily focused on the perspective of the participant - Participants ideas may be influenced by someone else's ideas
- Qualitative data is gathered in depth - Participant may lie to favour the researcher
- The atmosphere may not be as tense as you are surrounded with other - May feel uncomfortable answering questions in front of other people
people
ia
CHECKLISTS - quantitative
Advantages Disadvantages
- Able to see if the participant is following instructions correctly - Participant may only do certain things because they are being supervised
- Monitor each stage - Understaffed and lack of equipment may affect this
- Must meet the overall aim of inspection
