EVALUATION OF A RANGE OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

1.0 Introduction

I have been asked to produce a report which critically evaluates a range of research methodologies and the usefulness of these methodologies when applied to a given scenario. In the first part of this report I will be analyzing the usefulness of the methods covered in lesson when applied to different scenarios and for the second section of the report I will demonstrate an understanding of said methodologies by selecting a method and creating research documentation for a given scenario. In this scenario I am part of an IT Support Team of a large Further & Higher Educational establishment. I have been asked to analyze data collected from help desk logs in preparation for an audit. From this I will recommend suitable research and analysis methods that should be used for this audit.

2.0 Research methods

For this report I will be focusing mainly on quantitative data in which a few strategies to get this data include:

• Experiments/clinical trials.

• Observing and recording well-defined events (e.g., counting the number of patients waiting in a&e at specified times of the day).

• Obtaining relevant data from management information systems.

• Administering surveys with closed-ended questions (e.g., face-to face and telephone interviews, questionnaires etc.). (Claire, 2001)

I will go through each one of these points and analyse each and give situations in which these would be the best way to get the information that is needed at the time.

2.1 Experiments/clinical trials

Experimental studies give researchers the chance to change the situation when/if needed to see if the results change which means that the researchers have greater control over what is happening and how. This is mainly used within the medical spectrum (i....

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... if they do it may not be the target recipients that you hoped for.

2.4.2 Web based questionnaire

This is still fairly new in comparison to the Paper-pencil questionnaires but it is on the rise because of the simplicity and speed of which you can administer these questionnaires to the public. Like before there are some disadvantages to this method also for example if someone does not have access to the internet and/or a computer that rules them out of your data group straight away.

Works Cited

Claire, E., 2001. Data Collection Methods. [Online]

Available at: http://people.uwec.edu/piercech/researchmethods/data%20collection%20methods/data%20collection%20methods.htm

[Accessed 05 January 2014].

Inc, 2010. Management Information Systems (MIS). [Online]

Available at: http://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/management-information-systems-mis.html

[Accessed 05 January 2014].