Surveys are an effective and popular method for research because of the efficiency, versatility and generalizability. Generalizability is the ability to sample and draw research conclusions for large populations (Bachman & Schutt, 2012). In order to effectively maximize outcomes in survey research, surveys must be structured to avoid unclear or confusing questions. Demographic related questions should be avoided if not pertinent to the research study (Bachman & Schutt, 2012). Generally, the motivation of the researcher is clearly identified in a survey, and the respondent has the option of declining involvement in the survey. There are fewer ethical dilemmas with survey research than other types of research methods.
Bachman & Schutt
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Lack of response is the main disadvantage for mail surveys. The group survey is another low cost form, however the individual respondent is interviewed in a group. The disadvantage with group surveys are the logistics of marshaling the respondents to one location and the perception by respondents that grouping posses less anonymity. Electronic surveys are a relatively new addition in survey research and could very well become comparable to the telephone survey. Electronic surveys are advantageous for the low cost as well as ease in delivery. Because the delivery method is through internet, and the general population does not …show more content…
Qualitative research was designed as a way to be directly connected with the subjects researched. Participant researchers may choose to merely observe and collect data or to be an active participant. Covert participation has the advantage of reducing the “reactive effects” of the social setting or group (Bachman & Schutt, 2012). Most researchers who use the participation method of research will often strike a balance between participation and observation. Through participation, an observer may gain the trust of the research subjects which can provide more fruitful results. Some research may however be unethical or a violation of law. A good researcher should use prudence beforehand when crafting their research design.
Systematic social observation (SSO) is a method of observational science which relies on field research to accurately record, study and better understand police work. SSO relies on setting parameters and fixed variables to allow for a more standardized form of observation (Bachman & Schutt, 2012). In order for a systematic approach to be followed, observers, usually students, are pre-selected based on their ability to record information that is both reliable and
Two sampling methods include mail surveys and convenience sampling, a variation of a nonprobability sample. Mail surveys, inexpensive way to contact individuals over a large geographical area, provide anonymity to the respondent, and eliminate interview bias. Convenience sampling, a nonprobability sample, the only criteria is the convenience of the unit to the researcher, fast and uncomplicated, but the sampling error not determined.
Answer The process of participant observation allows the researcher to study and gather data in various ways. For many years participant observation has been the baseline used in numerous fields of study such as anthropology and sociology. However, in more recent years there has an increase in the number of qualitative studies for information and data gathering purposes. There are several advantages to participant observation such as: •
Introduction: You are being asked to join in a research study. Please consider participating. Please ask any questions if you are not sure. Your involvement is voluntary.
Main Argument and Thesis The main point of the article is that becoming personally involved in a population through the role of participant observation often may require a period of orientation, the challenging of moral/ethical standards, unforeseen emotional side effects, and wavering objectivity, making it a complicated and unpredictable process. Supporting Evidence The author, Claire E. Sterk, supports the main idea through providing details of her experience as a participant observer. Instead of just speaking about her research, Sterk talks about specific challenges she faced along the way.
I believe the results of this survey to be accurate as the survey was conducted in a fair and professional manner. However, I also discovered how easy it can be to manipulate the data and the opinions of participants to favor a single viewpoint. Surveys are an important method of gathering, summarizing and presenting large amounts of data. However, when relying on polls to form opinions or make decisions, people should consider the source, look for any conflicts of interest, contemplate other avenues of information and draw their own conclusions.
Participant observation is a method of collecting information and data about a culture and is carried out by the researcher immersing themselves in the culture they observing. The researcher becomes known in the community, getting to know and understand the culture in a more intimate and detailed way than would be possible from any other approach. This is done by observing and participating in the community’s daily activities. The method is so effective because the researcher is able to directly approach the people in the community in a natural context as opposed to taking the participant out of their environment. The aim of participant observation is to gain an understanding the subject’s life from their perspective, with the purpose of collecting more detailed information about a community’s habits, opinions, relationships and issues.
...d for consent to proceed with the study. The participants were given thorough instructions that at any during the survey you can withdrawal your participation in the research, and that this is to benefit research to society. Participation is this survey was voluntary was emphasized. Participants were told that the surveys should take no longer than fifteen minutes and the personal information will remain confidential their results may be shared, but for research purposes only. The questionnaire will have a demographic sheet and a 50 item questionnaire divided into two sections. One part has a four point Likert scale (0= Almost Never, 1=Sometimes, 2= Often, 3 =Almost Always) and the other part is a selection of A or B. It was also reiterated that the participants had the right to withdraw from the research study at any time; there will be no consequences or penalty.
Elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes or any other setting is a delicate topic and the use of a questionnaire can keep the participant and their answers confidential (Leedy & Ormrod, 2013). In addition, a variety of elder abuse research articles that have been read had used some type of survey, questionnaire, telephone or in-person interview (Anetzberger, 2012, Castle, 2012, Castle, Ferguson-Rome, & Teresi, 2015, & Payne & Fletcher, 2005). Therefore, the use of a survey will allow for answers that are more honest from the nursing home administrators and/or authorities on this delicate topic. Consequently, the use of the survey research design will allow the respondents to provide close-ended
With every survey taken there are limitations. Within this survey people could have not wanted to say their true reasons for not votin...
Kelley, K et al. (2003). Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research. Oxford Journal. 15 (3): 261-266.
Marshall, C, Rossman, Gretchen B, (2006). Designing qualitative research, 4th edition, Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
The Advantages and Limitations of Social Surveys in Sociological Research To survey something, is to carry out a systematic overview so that a researcher can produce a comprehensive general report on it. Survey method is often used by positivist sociologists seeking to test their hypotheses, and to investigate causes and examine variables. As with every other sociological research, survey has its own advantages and limitations. Positivist research, which is in the scientific tradition, begins with a hypothesis that can be either confirmed or rejected according to the data collected. One of the significant advantages of survey method is that, it can be used to collect data that is a representative of a larger population.
For example, the survey questions are not given or shown in the article. It is vital to find out what was asked in order to know whether the statistics shown could be trusted. The aim and the points-of-view of the researcher can have a subtle biasness in terms of the way they phrase questions and interpret results. It is essential to take note of the gender equality of the questions asked by the researcher in the survey. Also, it could be that the researcher is a woman and that the questions asked in the survey are more appealing towards women causing women to more willingly cooperate in the survey rather than men.
Technology is being used to create, proofread, and refine surveys because the business workforce is changing drastically. Therefore, “companies that specialize in survey research maintain a question bank of pretested questions” (Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 312). Sourcebooks, clearinghouses, and web sources are data sources that have these pretest instruments available. “Data sources and software sets are available both as downloads and are restricted by researchers. The sources make answering research questions easier by using data already collected, but the problem of missing data is always a challenge” (King, Hernandez, & Lott II, 2012, p. 53).
In conclusion, it is often difficult to choose between quantitative and qualitative research because it seems that there is an overlapping between qualitative and quantitative when we look thoroughly at researchers' actual beliefs (Muijs, 2004). Clearly, we can say that both quantitative and qualitative research are appropriate in particular situations and inappropriate in certain situations. We should not select a research design just because we are more familiar with one method or the other recommends a particular design.