Choosing a method · Elegir un método
| English | Español |
|---|---|
| mixed methods/mɪkst ˈmeθədz/ | métodos mixtos |
| validity/væˈlɪdɪti/ | validez |
| reliability/rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ | fiabilidad |
| research ethics/rɪˈsɜːtʃ ˈeθɪks/ | ética en la investigación |
Choose methods for the question
- Quantitative methods record counts or amounts. Qualitative methods examine descriptions and meaning. A questionnaire or interview can collect more than one kind of data.
- Mixed methods 混合方法 combine evidence where it helps the question. Two methods do not automatically make a study stronger or prove a cause.
Check the measure and the sample
- Validity 效度 concerns whether the measure fits the question. Reliability · Confiabilidad 信度 concerns consistency. A consistent measure can still miss the idea you want to study.
- Describe selection, participants, timing and missing responses. Volunteer reports may reveal useful experiences without representing every student or establishing their causes.
A badly worded question returns the same wrong answer every time. What is it? · Una pregunta mal redactada devuelve la misma respuesta incorrecta cada vez. ¿Cuál es?
It repeats consistently, so it is reliable — and it is not measuring what was claimed, so it is invalid. · Se repite consistentemente, por lo que es confiable; y no está midiendo lo que se afirmó medir, por lo que es inválida.
Respect participation and data
- Research ethics 研究伦理 include understandable information, appropriate consent, voluntary participation and careful data handling. Explain any withdrawal limits before collection.
- Avoid unnecessary names and identifying details. Not using names reduces risks but does not guarantee anonymity; respect refusal without public pressure.
An excellent measurement design allows researchers to ignore participant consent and data risks. · Un excelente diseño de medición permite a los investigadores ignorar el consentimiento de los participantes y los riesgos de datos.
A feasible design also needs appropriate permission, informed voluntary participation and careful data handling. Explain withdrawal limits and avoid unnecessary identification. · Un diseño viable también necesita permisos adecuados, participación voluntaria informada y manejo cuidadoso de los datos. Explica los límites de retirada y evita la identificación innecesaria.
An observed amount and reported reasons. Three invented groups return 6.0 kg of waste from 30 served meals: 0.20 kg per served meal. Eight interview volunteers report reasons, with overlap allowed. These results describe the observed lunches and volunteers, not the whole school or a demonstrated cause.
Weighing recorded plate waste provides amounts. What can optional interviews add? · Pesar los residuos de plato registrados proporciona cantidades. ¿Qué pueden añadir las entrevistas opcionales?
Accounts can inform a question about reported reasons. They do not demonstrate a cause, represent every pupil or guarantee that combining methods establishes a recommendation. · Las cuentas pueden informar sobre una pregunta relacionada con las razones declaradas. No demuestran una causa, no representan a cada alumno ni garantizan que combinar métodos establezca una recomendación.
Name one aspect of a food-waste study that optional interviews could explore but weighing alone cannot establish. · Nombra un aspecto de un estudio de desperdicio alimentario que las entrevistas opcionales podrían explorar pero que el pesaje por sí solo no puede establecer.
Example: “Interviews could explore whether students felt the portion was too large.” This is a reported perception, not a weighed amount or demonstrated cause. · Ejemplo: “Las entrevistas podrían explorar si los estudiantes sentían que la porción era demasiado grande.” Esto es una percepción declarada, no una cantidad pesada ni una causa demostrada.
Choose a feasible method that fits a bounded question. Use the same checked scale and category rules for amounts, neutral optional questions for accounts, and approval before extending collection.
Order these planning steps for matching a method to an initial research question. · Ordena estos pasos de planificación para asociar un método con una pregunta inicial de investigación.
This is a useful planning sequence. Feasibility and ethical review may require revision; it is not the only possible research workflow. · Esta es una secuencia útil de planificación. La viabilidad y la revisión ética pueden requerir revisiones; no es el único flujo de trabajo de investigación posible.
“Do you agree that our careless canteen wastes too much?” pushes a judgement. Ask a neutral question that allows no problem, another reason or a declined response. Do not collect extra data without a purpose and permission.