Choosing a method · Escolhendo um método
| English | Português |
|---|---|
| mixed methods/mɪkst ˈmeθədz/ | métodos mistos |
| validity/væˈlɪdɪti/ | validade |
| reliability/rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ | confiabilidade |
| research ethics/rɪˈsɜːtʃ ˈeθɪks/ | ética em pesquisa |
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 · Confiabilidade 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? · Uma pergunta mal formulada retorna sempre a mesma resposta errada. Qual é ela?
It repeats consistently, so it is reliable — and it is not measuring what was claimed, so it is invalid. · Ela repete consistentemente, então é confiável — e não está medindo o que foi afirmado, então é 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. · Um excelente projeto de medição permite que pesquisadores ignorem o consentimento dos participantes e os riscos de dados.
A feasible design also needs appropriate permission, informed voluntary participation and careful data handling. Explain withdrawal limits and avoid unnecessary identification. · Um projeto viável também precisa de permissão adequada, participação voluntária informada e manipulação cuidadosa de dados. Explique limites de retirada e evite identificação desnecessária.
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? · Pesagem de resíduos de pratos registrados fornece quantidades. O que as entrevistas opcionais podem acrescentar?
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. · As contas podem informar sobre uma pergunta relacionada a razões relatadas. Elas não demonstram causa, representam todos os alunos ou garantem que combinar métodos estabeleça uma recomendação.
Name one aspect of a food-waste study that optional interviews could explore but weighing alone cannot establish. · Nomeie um aspecto de um estudo de resíduos alimentares que entrevistas opcionais poderiam explorar, mas que pesagem sozinha não pode estabelecer.
Example: “Interviews could explore whether students felt the portion was too large.” This is a reported perception, not a weighed amount or demonstrated cause. · Exemplo: “Entrevistas poderiam explorar se os alunos sentiram que a porção era muito grande.” Esta é uma percepção relatada, não uma quantidade pesada ou causa demonstrada.
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. · Organize estes passos de planejamento para associar um método a uma pergunta inicial de pesquisa.
This is a useful planning sequence. Feasibility and ethical review may require revision; it is not the only possible research workflow. · Esta é uma sequência útil de planejamento. A viabilidade e a revisão ética podem exigir revisões; não é o único fluxo de trabalho possível.
“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.