Choosing a method · 选择研究方法
| English | 中文 | Pinyin · 拼音 |
|---|---|---|
| mixed methods/mɪkst ˈmeθədz/ | 混合方法 | hùn hé fāng fǎ |
| validity/væˈlɪdɪti/ | 效度 | xiào dù |
| reliability/rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ | 信度 | xìn dù |
| research ethics/rɪˈsɜːtʃ ˈeθɪks/ | 研究伦理 | yán jiū lún lǐ |
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 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? · 一个措辞糟糕的问题每次都返回同一个错误答案,这属于什么?
It repeats consistently, so it is reliable — and it is not measuring what was claimed, so it is invalid. · 它稳定地重复,所以可信;而它没有测到所声称的东西,所以无效。
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. · 即使测量设计再优秀，研究人员也不能忽视参与者同意和数据风险。
A feasible design also needs appropriate permission, informed voluntary participation and careful data handling. Explain withdrawal limits and avoid unnecessary identification. · 可行的设计同样需要适当许可、知情自愿参与和谨慎的数据处理。解释退出限制并避免不必要的身份识别。
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? · 称量记录的餐盘剩余食物可提供数量。可选访谈能补充什么？
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. · 账户可以说明被报告的成因，但不能证明因果关系、涵盖所有学生或确保结合方法就能确立建议。
Name one aspect of a food-waste study that optional interviews could explore but weighing alone cannot establish. · 请列举食物浪费研究中可选访谈可以探讨但仅靠称重无法确定的一个方面。
Example: “Interviews could explore whether students felt the portion was too large.” This is a reported perception, not a weighed amount or demonstrated cause. · 示例：“访谈可以探讨学生是否觉得份量过大。”这是被报告的感受，而非称重的数量或已证实的因果。
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. · 按顺序排列这些将方法与初始研究问题相匹配的规划步骤。
This is a useful planning sequence. Feasibility and ethical review may require revision; it is not the only possible research workflow. · 这是一个有用的规划序列。可行性和伦理审查可能需要修订；它并非唯一的研究工作流程。
“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.