Researching society
Introduced| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| research question/rɪˈsɜːtʃ ˈkwestʃn/ | The specific question an investigation is designed to answer. |
| quantitative/ˈkwɒntɪteɪtɪv/ | Based on numerical values, measurements or counts. |
| qualitative/ˈkwɒlɪteɪtɪv/ | Describing qualities or categories rather than numerical measurements. |
| sample/ˈsæmpl/ | A subset of a population selected for observation, measurement or analysis. |
| convenience sample/kənˈviːnɪəns ˈsæmpl/ | convenience sample |
A broad concern needs a bounded question
- “Is society fair?” opens many questions. For a short school project, compare reported weekly transport and food spending in one defined group.
- A research question 研究问题 names what you will examine, whom it concerns and evidence you can feasibly obtain. Broad concepts can be researched after appropriate definition.
Which is the most clearly bounded question for a short spending survey at one school?
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It identifies a group and comparison. Broader questions can also be researched after suitable definition and design.
Narrow "students and social media" into one researchable question.
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Example: among volunteer Year 11 respondents in one week, how do reported phone interruptions relate to reported study blocks? This observational question does not establish causation.
Match evidence to the question
- Quantitative 定量 data record counts or amounts; qualitative 定性 data describe meanings or experiences. Questionnaires and interviews can collect either or both.
- A survey may ask reasons, and interviews may include counts. The question design and selection determine what a claim can support, not the tool’s name alone.
Match each method to the question it answers.
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Counts and descriptive accounts serve different purposes. A questionnaire or interview can collect both when its questions are designed accordingly.
Describe selection honestly
- A sample 样本 is the observed subset. A convenience sample 便利样本 of classmates may be feasible without representing the whole school.
- Check the task’s actual requirements. Naming a limitation is necessary but does not automatically make an unsuitable sample acceptable.
You surveyed your own class. What should the report say?
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State actual selection and limits. Describing a convenience sample does not automatically satisfy every task’s sampling requirement.
Plan a respectful procedure
- Use appropriate information, consent, voluntary participation and careful data handling. Explain withdrawal arrangements and avoid unnecessary identifiers.
- Anonymity and confidentiality differ: a confidential identified interview is not anonymous. Removing names alone may still leave identifying details.
A questionnaire records amounts and asks an optional open reason. What kind of data can it collect?
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The amount is numerical and the open reason is descriptive. Collection format alone does not fix the data type.
Keep claims inside the evidence
- A survey of twenty volunteers describes those responses. Interviews can explain reported reasons without establishing that each reason caused the behaviour.
- Record selection, wording, period and missing answers. A mixed-methods study needs a reason for combining evidence, not just more tools.
Record selection, wording, period and missing answers. A mixed-methods study needs a reason for combining evidence, not just more tools.
What must a student research project include? Choose all that apply.
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Ethical planning follows the approved task and participant needs. Not every design can promise complete anonymity.