Collecting information
Preparing to collect information
Once the research protocol is finalised, the mechanisms for
collecting information - the research methodologies - are
developed and, if the research will involve observing, tracking or
interviewing individual people, they are identified and asked if
they would be willing to participate.
One popular idea of research is of laboratory experiments
conducted by scientists to, say, develop a new drug or chemical
compound. Research can involve experiments but not take place in a
laboratory: for instance randomised controlled trials to test a new
drug treatment in a particular group of patients.
There are two main methodological approaches: quantitative and
qualitative.
Quantitative research
- involves identification of trends and patterns in a
population;
- seeks to understand how variables relate
- tends to involve large samples
- relies on very structured methods to collect data that can be
categorised or numerically/ graphically represented and
statistically analysed
Qualitative research
- involves understanding of experiences among groups within a
population
- tends to involve small samples
- relies on methods which are flexible and involve talking/
observation.
-Collects data that involves words, pictures, documents, film,
historical sources
See the links under related information for more about specific
research methodologies.