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Table of content
Tittles Page number
A.) Introduction …………………………………………………………………….. ………….
1. Questionnaire
1.1 Definition of questionnaire……………………………………………………………
1.2 Types of questionnaire…………………………………………………………………2-
1.3 Advantages of questionnaire……………………………………………………………
1.4 Disadvantages of questionnaire…………………………………………………………
- Interview
2.1 Explanation of interview…………………………………………………………………
2.2 Types of interview…………………………………………………………………….4-
2.3 Advantages of interview………………………………………………………………....
2.4 Disadvantages of interview……………………………………………………………..
- Observation
3.1 Definition and discussion of observation………………………………………………...
3.2 Advantages of observation………………………………………………….....................
3.3 Disadvantages of observation…………………………………………………………….
- Conclusion …………………………………………………………..…………………….
- References………………………………………………………………………………….
Introduction
Research Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. In this assignment we are going to discuss the methods of research which are questionnaire, interview and observation. As we all know that there are different way of collecting data, we are now going to look at the three common ways of conducting the research their advantage and disadvantages and when, where and how they can be used to collect data.
- (^) Questionnaire
1.1 What is a questionnaire?
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. The questionnaire was invented by the Statistical Society of London in 1838.
Although questionnaires are often designed for statistical analysis of the responses, this is not always the case.
DeCastellarnau, et al (2014), stated that, Questionnaires have advantages over some other types of surveys in that they are cheap, do not require as much effort from the questioner as verbal or telephone surveys, and often have standardized answers that make it simple to compile data. However, such standardized answers may frustrate users. Questionnaires are also sharply limited by the fact that respondents must be able to read the questions and respond to them. Thus, for some demographic groups conducting a survey by questionnaire may not be concrete.
1.2 Types of Questionnaire
Finn & Jacobson (2008) stated that, depending upon the nature of the questions in a questionnaire, there can be different types of questions in questionnaire -
1.2.1 Questions in Open Ended Format
Questions that allow the target audience to voice their feelings and notions freely are called open-format questions or open-ended questions. These questions are not based on pre- determined responses, giving respondents an opportunity to express what they feel is right, and often provide real, perception, and at times, startling proposals. Open-ended questions placed at the end of a questionnaire tend to draw accurate feedback and suggestions from respondents as well.
- Questions in Closed Ended Format
Questions which have multiple options as answers and allow respondents to select a single option from amongst them are called closed-format or closed-ended questions. This type of questionnaire is especially useful when conducting preliminary analysis. As a fixed answer set is provided, these are ideal for calculation of statistical information and percentages of various types. Closed-ended questions help to arrive at opinions about a product or service, and sometimes, about a company, in a more efficient manner.
happen without visual contact. Interviews almost always involve spoken conversation between two or more parties, although in some instances a "conversation" can happen between two persons who type questions and answers back and forth. Interviews can range from unstructured or free-wheeling and open-ended conversations in which there is no predetermined plan with prearranged questions, to highly structured conversations in which specific questions occur in a specified order.
2.2. Types of interview
2.2.1 The Telephone Interview
According to Russ& Preskill (2001), Often companies request an initial telephone interview before inviting you in for a face to face meeting in order to get a better understanding of the type of candidate you are. The one benefit of this is that you can have your notes out in front of you. You should do just as much preparation as you would for a face to face interview, and remember that your first impression is vital. Some people are better meeting in person than on the phone, so make sure that you speak confidently, with good pace and try to answer all the question they will be asked.
2.2.3 The Face-to-Face Interview
This can be a meeting between you and one member of staff or even two members.
2.2.3 The Panel Interview
These interviews involve a number of people sitting as a panel with one as chairperson. This type of interview is popular within the public sector.
2.3 ADVANTAGE OF INTERVIEW
There is some objectives or advantage of interview which are stated below: by Saris, W. E. and Gallhofer (2014). They clearly identify and explain the pros and cons of using an interview in research.
I. Easy correction of speech : Any misunderstanding and mistake can be rectified easily in an interview. Because the interviewer and interviewee physically present before the interview board.
II. Development of relationship : Relation between the interviewer and the interviewee can be developed through an interview. It increases mutual understanding and co- operation between the parties.
III. Selection of suitable candidate: Suitable candidates can be selected through interview because the interview can know a lot about the candidate by this process.
IV. Collection of primary information: Interview can help to collect the fresh, new and primary information as needed.
V. Sufficient information: Sufficient information can be collected through the interview process. Because the interviewer can ask any question to the interviewee.
VI. Time saving: Interview can help to save time to select the best suitable candidate. Within a very short time communication can be accomplished with the interview.
VII. Less costly: It is less costly than other process of communication. It is very simple, prompt and low cost method of communication.
VIII. (^) Increasing knowledge: Any interview increases the knowledge of both the interviewer and the interviewee. They can interchange their views and ideas.
IX. Explore cause behind the problem : In business, executives need to solve different types of problems. To explore or to find out the actual reasons behind the problem interview method can be used.
X. In depth analysis: Through planed interviews detailed information can be collected which enables proper analysis of a problem. Abstract factors like attitudes, feelings, opinion etc. Can be successfully evaluated or analysed through interviews.
XI. Solving labour problems: Labour unrest and other disputes are very common in the industries. Sometimes human resource managers use the interview as a means of revelling actual causes behind the labour deputes.
XII. Flexible: One of the major advantages of interview is feasible. That depends on the situation it can be framed differently.
2.4 DISADVANTAGES OF INTERVIEW
According to Saris and Gallhofer (2014) there are some limitations of the interview process. It is not free from defects. The disadvantages of the interview are discussed below:
I. Incomplete process: Suitable candidate cannot be selected by interview only. The written test is more important than the interview.
II. No record: In the case of the interview some confusion may be arisen in the future as, there is no evidence actually that have been discussed at interview.
III. (^) Lack of attention : Much attention is required for a good interview. But sometimes it is observed that both the interviewer and the interviewee are less attentive. That is why real information cannot be collected.
IV. Disappointed: Interviewee may be disappointed while she or he faces the interviewer’s questions which are not related to the field. That is why suitable candidate may be neglected.
V. Time consuming: Time constrain is one of the major limitations of the interview process. Preparation for the interview, taking interviews and interpretation of the responses required much time, which makes the interview method time consuming.
VI. Biases of interviewer: Always there is a possibility that the interview process can be influenced by the biases of the interviewer.
VII. Costly: Generally interview method is expensive.
- Observation involves a lot of time as one has to wait for an event to happen to study that particular event.
- The actual presence of the observer himself Vis a Vis the event to occur is almost unknown, which acts as a major disadvantage of observation.
- Complete answer to any problem or any issue cannot be obtained by observation alone. 4. Conclusion
In conclusion, we now understand what questionnaire which is a set of question formed up to find information on a certain thing. Questionnaire are easy to use as to use as people are free to answer the questions with honest and confidentiality. As we discuss in the assignment, the interview is a face-to-face method of collecting data, it is mostly used when you have few number of participants and it is also fast, easy and cheap to use. Last but not list we shortly also talked about observation, which is the method of viewing the participant on what they are doing, for instance the manager can view their customer nature settings in the business.
5. References
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DeCastellarnau, A. and Saris, W. E. (2014). A simple procedure to correct for measurement errors in survey research. European Social Survey Education Net.
Finn, J., & Jacobson, M. (2008). Just Practice: A Social Justice Approach to Social Work. Peosta, IL: eddie bowers publishing.
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J Birke, Lynda. (" 24, 2001) In Pursuit of Difference." The Gender and Science Reader. New York: Routledge
Jacobson, M., Pruitt Chapin, K., & Rugeley, C. (13, 19, 2009). Toward Reconstructing Poverty Knowledge: Addressing Food Insecurity through Grassroots Research Design and Implementation. Journal of Poverty
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Kaplan, R. M., & Saccuzzo, D. P. (2009). Psychological testing: Principles, applications, and issues. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Merriam Webster Dictionary, Interview, Dictionary definition, Retrieved February 16, 2016
Moser, Claus Adolf, and Graham Kalton (1971) "Survey methods in social investigation." Survey methods in social investigation
Rogers, Carl R. (1945). Frontier Thinking in Guidance. University of California: Science research associates. pp. 105–112. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
Russ-Eft, D., & Preskill, H. (2001). Evaluation in Organizations. New York: Basic Books.
S. Ackroyd and J. A. Hughes, (1981) Data Collection in Context, Longman
Saris, W. E. and Gallhofer, I. N. (2014). Design, evaluation and analysis of questionnaires for survey research. Second Edition. Hoboken, Wiley.
