Research methods

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Critical thinking about research methods

Why does thinking critically about research methods matter?

• What eight years of writing the Bad Science column have taught me: Pulling bad science apart is the best teaching gimmick I know for explaining how good science works, Ben Goldacre, Friday 4 November 2011

Choosing amongst research strategies

Based on Backstrom & Hursh-César (1981, p. 16)

Approach	Helps You to Gather	Advantages	Disadvantages
Small-group study	A lot about a little Early research Generate hypotheses	Natural Unobtrusive High validity In-depth	Unique Impressionistic Uncontrolled Low quantification
Survey	A timely generalization Test hypotheses Sub-group differences	Generality Quantitative Timely Replicable	Superficial Obtrusive Structured Self-reporting
Field experiment	Causes and effects Changes Time order	Control Powerful conclusions Across time Highest qualifications	Costly Time consuming Vulnerable Sensitizing

References

1. Backstrom, C. H., & Hursh-César, G. (1981). Survey research (2nd ed.). New York: Wiley.

See also

Search for Research methods on Wikipedia.

Search for Category:research methods on Wikipedia.

• Action research
• Survey research and design in psychology

External links

• Methodspace (A SAGE-supported research methods social/learning network)