Unit 4

Case Studies, Focus Groups and Observations

Action Plan Tasks:

• Research Methods Reading
• Seminar 3: Case Study – Privacy

Reflection:

What?

In this unit four, I was introduced to different methods to carry out some data collection, their drawbacks, and advantages and to define the correct types of data collected.

So What?

Three different data collection methods are Case studies, Focus group and Observations. There are two different kinds of observation: quantitative and qualitative observation.

Quantitative observations focus more on observing numerical values from topic related market sample. Quantitative methods are based on numerous probability and statistical theories, with rigorous proofs and support from both simulated and empirical data. (Guo, 2013)

Qualitative observations refer to the monitoring of natural behaviour of the respondents set in a comfortable environment. This will ensure the respondent to act naturally and to not feel observed.

Observation is better made when the researcher is not directly involved in the environment they are observing.

What next?

Next week, I will need to read all the articles I have selected. I will also need to finalise my literature review design.

Reference:

Guo, S. (2013). Quantitative Research. Encyclopedia of Social Work. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.333.