Reference no: EM132475114

Instructions:

Sociologist use one or more major data collection methods for their research. Because each method has strengths and weaknesses, researchers must decide which will provide the most accurate information, given time and budget constraints.

Questionnaires and interviews are one form of research methods used and Surveys are another. Find a Questionnaire, interview or survey of personal interest to you.

Answer the following choices A or B:

Choice A

Questionnaires & Interviews

1. Where the questions open or closed- ended?  What was the purpose? How was it structured? Give an example of one of the questions asked?

2. What was the format of the questionnaire - interview?

3. Explain in your opinion the strengths and Weaknesses of the Questionnaire or Interview chosen.

4. What do you feel were some of the limitations of the Questionnaire or Interview?

5. How did the researchers report their findings? Were they objective or did they make value judgements?

6. Do you feel this is a good way to conduct research? Why? Why not?

Choice B

Surveys

In order to determine if the survey is credible you must ask:

1. Who Sponsored the survey you chose? Is this a conflict?

2. What is the purpose of the survey?

3. How was the survey sample(s) drawn? (Randomly or self- selected poll)

4. How were the questions worded? Were they clear, objective or loaded and bias?

5. How did the researchers report their findings? Were they objective or did they make value judgements?

6. What do you feel were some of the limitations of the Questionnaire or Interview?

7. Do you feel this is a good way to conduct research? Why? Why not?