Research Methods
Based on the lectures from this week, answer the following questions regarding your research. For each, explain:
Which methodology (which means approach or methods you will use to conduct your study) are you using?
Why you chose this approach and why it is the most logical, given your research topic?
Data Collection
Discuss the pros and cons of using each method of data collection (e.g., self-reports, observational, or physiological measures). Provide one example of when each would be useful and explain your reasoning. In addition, select a peer reviewed article for each method of data collection (e.g. 3 total), summarize the articles and how each research method was used. Make sure that the example you gave for the second part of the assignment (e.g. about when the research method would be useful) is different from the examples used in the peer reviewed journal articles.
Sample Solution
Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research method is an integral part of your research design. When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make. First, decide how you will collect data. Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question. Second, decide how you will analyze the data. Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the type of knowledge you want to develop. Your data analysis methods will depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare it for analysis.
