Notes for Unit 4
Activity 1
Interview that is filmed:
+ - Due to it being filmed, the researcher can go back and look at the answers. It can be a more in
depth to gain a bigger image of the effect on stroke patients. If the interview is non-structured, then
the participants can ask questions to overcome any confusion they have towards the question they
have.
-It can be expensive and time consuming to conduct due to the expense of the camera to video the
interview and also to conduct the overall interview itself. Due to the in balance of class divide
between the interviewer and the interviewee this may mean that the participant is unkeen to answer
honestly regarding their experience due to feeling intimidated or embarrassed which may cause
them to lie. It could cause psychological trauma to the survivors of strokes as it the events of their
stroke and the way they were treated could cause them trauma which could mean the answers they
give are not fully correct.
Could be hard to repeat and compare results if there is no guidance on the questions given
Observations –
+This is an easier method to gain information as it means they do not have to be apart of the
observation or act as a different individual to gain information. This also reduces the Hawthorne
effect where individuals act different because they know they are being observed. Due to observing
behaviours it means researchers are able to be more objective which means that overall the
observations can be repeated easily.
-Due to them having to gain access to stroke patients this may mean they need access to a hospital
which they may need specialist training to be able to get the correct information. If they see anything
illegal, they have to report it meaning their research may be limited. If it is a non-participant
observation this may mean they are to detach which means they may not reveal the meaning and
motivations of those involved.
Small group meetings (Focus groups)
+People may be more open to communicate their experiences if they hear or see others providing
their experiences.
- A focus group can also be a negative as the participants may be shy or unwilling to participate if
they feel like they will be judged this could mean that the focus group has a low number of
responses. Confidentiality of all involved must be maintained throughout the focus group to keep
everyone safe. Again, there is no set answers or questions so will be difficult to repeat and compare
the research gained. It is also not representative of wider society as it does not consist of a lot of
people.
This cannot be easily repeated but does gain a real image.
Observations can be more effective than other methods.
Activity 1
Interview that is filmed:
+ - Due to it being filmed, the researcher can go back and look at the answers. It can be a more in
depth to gain a bigger image of the effect on stroke patients. If the interview is non-structured, then
the participants can ask questions to overcome any confusion they have towards the question they
have.
-It can be expensive and time consuming to conduct due to the expense of the camera to video the
interview and also to conduct the overall interview itself. Due to the in balance of class divide
between the interviewer and the interviewee this may mean that the participant is unkeen to answer
honestly regarding their experience due to feeling intimidated or embarrassed which may cause
them to lie. It could cause psychological trauma to the survivors of strokes as it the events of their
stroke and the way they were treated could cause them trauma which could mean the answers they
give are not fully correct.
Could be hard to repeat and compare results if there is no guidance on the questions given
Observations –
+This is an easier method to gain information as it means they do not have to be apart of the
observation or act as a different individual to gain information. This also reduces the Hawthorne
effect where individuals act different because they know they are being observed. Due to observing
behaviours it means researchers are able to be more objective which means that overall the
observations can be repeated easily.
-Due to them having to gain access to stroke patients this may mean they need access to a hospital
which they may need specialist training to be able to get the correct information. If they see anything
illegal, they have to report it meaning their research may be limited. If it is a non-participant
observation this may mean they are to detach which means they may not reveal the meaning and
motivations of those involved.
Small group meetings (Focus groups)
+People may be more open to communicate their experiences if they hear or see others providing
their experiences.
- A focus group can also be a negative as the participants may be shy or unwilling to participate if
they feel like they will be judged this could mean that the focus group has a low number of
responses. Confidentiality of all involved must be maintained throughout the focus group to keep
everyone safe. Again, there is no set answers or questions so will be difficult to repeat and compare
the research gained. It is also not representative of wider society as it does not consist of a lot of
people.
This cannot be easily repeated but does gain a real image.
Observations can be more effective than other methods.
