Research Methods | University of Bolton Primary research methodologies can generally be categorised into quantitative or qualitative techniques, although sometimes a combined approach is used. It is important that you understand the difference between them, the advantages and disadvantages and when they would be appropriate to use. Whichever methods you select, you must justify your choice and explain how this relates to the literature that you have discussed in the literature review. For example, you may choose a similar technique used in related studies on the basis that it has already been used successfully and you can easily compare findings; conversely, if research on particular topic has been carried out using qualitative methods only, you may consider this a weakness or a gap in the research and put forward a case for a quantitative study. You may be asked to discuss your research philosophy (epistemology). Before you consider your techniques, first consider your intended sample.
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Seminar Slides and Audio - Centre for Statistical Methodology Centre for Statistical Methodology Seminar Analysis of Clinical Trials Theme 30 June 2017Design and analysis of randomised trials with treatment-related clustering Rebecca Walwyn (University of Leeds)Slides (.pdf, 0.4MB) Slides & audio coming soon Centre for Statistical Methodology Seminar Multivariate Methods Theme 20 June 2017 Correspondence analysis for studying food perception in Europe Prof Eric Beh (University of Newcastle, Australia)Slides & audio (external website) Centre for Statistical Methodology Seminar 26 May 2017Information anchored sensitivity analysis for randomised controlled trials via Multiple Imputation Suzie Cro (Imperial College London)Slides (.pdf, 1.0MB)Slides & audio (external website) Centre for Statistical Methodology Seminar 28 April 2017 Statistical approaches to antibody data analysis for populations on the path of malaria elimination Nuno Sepulveda (LSHTM)Slides (.pdf, 6.3MB)Slides & audio (external website)
Methodologies Action Research What is it? Action research is a methodology that combines 'action' and 'research' together. During a study the researcher is repeating the process of performing an action, reflecting on what has happened and using this information to plan their next action. This process of action research has a refining effect on action and the researcher gains understanding of what is going on (Dick, 1999) Action Research Definitions: systematic enquiry designed to yield practical results capable of improving a specific aspect of practice and made public to enable scrutiny and testing. Inquiry-based research conducted by teachers that follows a process of examining existing practices, implementing new practices, and evaluating the results, leading to an improvement cycle that benefits both students and teachers. A (usually cyclic) process by which change and understanding can be pursued at the one time, with action and critical reflection taking place in turn. Further reading Example:
Resources for those starting out with Qualitative Research Methods » LEAP Researcher Training Hub Manchester Methods1 is a collection of open access resources. They also run some free workshopsNational Qualitative Data Analysis resources2: free resources for supporting those using SS methods. Includes tutorials and case studies.Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research 3(CMIST): provide a wide range of resources and workshops on all aspects of social research, including qualitative methods.National Centre for Research Methods4 (NCRM)ArtsMethods@Manchester5Methods Space6Social Research Online7Social Research Association8Plymouth University research methods resources9 Open access to useful resourcesSurrey University qualitative data resources 10 Open access to useful resourcesQualitative Research.Net11 Search for useful discussions about topics such as participant observation. Also, refer to Associations in your own subject area A useful article is: How many interviews are enough13. Set up your own peer support group. Please contact Dr.
Resources - Methods@Manchester - The University of Manchester The UK Data service The UK Data Service is a national data service funded by ESRC to provide access and support for an extensive range of data, both quantitative and qualitative. UK Data Service Census Support provides services to allow users in UK higher and further education institutions to access data from the 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001 UK censuses. Centre for Longitudinal Studies The Centre for Longitudinal Studies at the Institute of Education provides information and support for Britain's internationally-renowned birth cohort studies. Online QDA and the CAQDAS Networking Project Online QDA is a set of learning materials which address common issues of undertaking qualitative data analysis (QDA) and beginning to use Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) packages. The British Library The British Library holds an enormous range of collections that are of value to researchers in the social sciences and humanities. The British Library website Timescapes
Qualitative Methods There is a range of methods that are used in the area of qualitative research. Any researcher who employs qualitative data needs to know how to collect qualitative data and how to analyse it. Collecting Qualitative Data Our suite of workshops on the topic provide a comprehensive introduction to the most widely used methods for collecting qualitative data. Designing and using questionnaires in your research Questionnaires are a widely used data collection method but designing a good questionnaire is not always easy. A list of useful books and websites about designing and using questionnaires. Interviewing skills for researchers Interviewing skills for researchers session covers the process of planning for interviews, making contacts, persuading people to take part, and issues around face-to-face interviewing. A list of useful books and websites non-structured interviews. Using focus groups in research A list of useful books and websites on running research focus groups. Analysing Qualitative Data
Quantitative Rsearch