UNIT II
Research Process
Overview
The survey process involves identifying, identifying, assessing, analyzing, and developing and expressing ideas that are needed to support the survey questions. These are the same skills you need to write reports and suggestions, and organize presentations.
Library research involves a step-by-step process used to write a treatise, create a presentation, or gather information to complete a project. As you move from one step to the next, you often need to rethink, revise, add additional material, and even adjust topics. Much depends on what you discover during your research.
The research process can be divided into seven steps, making it easier to manage and understand. This module gives you an overall understanding of what is involved in each step, where you are in your research, where you are going, and what you can expect from each step.
The main purpose of basic research (as opposed to applied research) is documenting, discovery, interpretation, and research and development (R & D) of methods and systems for advancing human knowledge. The approach to research relies on epistemology, which is quite different between the humanities and science. There are several forms of research: science, humanities, arts, economics, [source] society, business, marketing, practitioner research, life, technology, etc. Scientific research in research practice is known as meta-research.
Fig. 1 The Research Process
The treatise marker expects an explanation of the research process. A typical research process consists of the following steps:
You are expected to state that you have selected your research area because of the professional and personal interests of that area, and this statement must be true. The importance of this first step in the research process is often underestimated by many students. If you find a field of study and research question that you are really interested in, there is no doubt that the entire process of writing your treatise will be much easier. Therefore, it is never too early to start thinking about the research area of your treatise.
2. Develop or Hypothesize Research Objectives, Objectives, And Research Questions.
The choice between creating a survey question or creating a hypothesis depends on your research approach, as described in more detail below. Appropriate research objectives and objectives or hypotheses usually result from several attempts and revisions, which need to be mentioned in the methodology chapter. It is very important to have your boss confirm your research questions and hypotheses before proceeding.
3. Conduct a Literature Review. Literature Reviews are usually the longest part of the Research Process.
In fact, literature review begins before the purpose and purpose of the research is defined. This is because we need to see if the exact same research issue has been addressed before. Nevertheless, the main part of the literature review is carried out after the research objectives and objectives have been established. You need to use a variety of secondary data sources such as books, newspapers, magazines, magazines, and online articles.
4. Select a Data Collection Method.
Data collection methods should be selected based on a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses associated with some alternative data collection methods. For studies involving primary data collection, the methodology should include a detailed discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the selected primary data collection method.
5. Collect Primary Data.
Advanced preparation is required before primary data collection, and pilot data collection may be required for surveys. Primary data collection is not a mandatory step for all treatises. If you are doing desk-based research, skip this step.
6. Data Analysis.
Analyzing data plays an important role in the purpose of research and the achievement of that purpose. Data analysis methods differ between secondary and primary studies, and between qualitative and quantitative studies.
7. Reach a Conclusion.
The conclusions are related to the purpose of the study and the level of achievement of the purpose. This last part of the treatise needs to justify the purpose of the study and why it believes it has been achieved. The conclusions also need to cover the limitations of research and suggestions for future research.
8. Complete the Investigation.
Follow all the steps above and organize the separate chapters into a single file to complete your first draft. The first draft of the treatise must be prepared at least one month before the submission deadline. This is because it takes enough time to address. Send feedback from your boss.
Problem Identification and Definition
Identifying a research problem refers to a sense of recognition of a general social problem, social phenomenon, or research-worthy concept. Research is needed to understand it. The researcher identifies such research issues through his observations, knowledge, wisdom and skills.
Research Type Problem
There are four general conceptualizations of research issues in the social sciences:
1. Casuistry Research Issues-This type of issue relates to the determination of good and evil in behavioural or conscientious issues by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and careful distinction in special cases.
2. Difference Study Questions-The usual question is, "Is there a difference between two or more groups or treatments?" This type of question statement is used by researchers to compare or contrast two or more phenomena. This is a general approach for defining clinical social science or behavioural science problems.
3. Descriptive Study Questions-Usually ask the question "What is ...?". It has the fundamental purpose of explaining the importance of the situation, condition, or existence of a particular phenomenon. This issue is often associated with revealing hidden or under-researched issues.
4. Relationship Investigation Issues-Suggests some kind of relationship between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate certain qualities or properties that may be related in some way.
Cause of a problem
Investigate not because of the lack of problems that can be investigated, but because of the task of formulating unique academically relevant researchable problems rather than simply duplicating the work of others. Identifying the problem, you are having can be difficult. Consider the following sources of inspiration to facilitate how to choose the questions for building a research study.
This is related to the inferences made from the social philosophies and generalizations embodied in life and society that researchers are familiar with. These inferences from human behavior are placed within empirical criteria throughout research. From theory, researchers can formulate research problems or hypotheses that describe the expected findings in a particular empirical situation. The study asks, "What relationships are observed between variables if the idea properly summarizes the situation?" Then it'll be possible to systematically design and execute
A study to evaluate whether empirical data confirms or rejects a hypothesis and therefore a theory.
2. Interdisciplinary perspective
Identifying the issues that form the basis of research can come from academic movements and scholarships that originate in areas other than your main area of research. This can be an intellectually stimulating exercise. A review of the relevant literature should include examining research from relevant disciplines that can reveal new paths for exploration and analysis. An interdisciplinary approach to selecting research questions provides an opportunity to build a more comprehensive understanding of the very complex issues that a single discipline may offer.
3. Interview with a practitioner
Identifying research issues on a particular topic comes from formal interviews or informal discussions with practitioners who provide insights into new directions for future research and how to make research results more relevant in practice. It can occur. Discuss with experts in the field, such as teachers, social workers, healthcare providers, lawyers, and business leaders, to identify practical "real-world" issues that may be understood or ignored by academia. You will have the opportunity. This approach also provides some practical knowledge that may help in the process of designing and conducting your research.
4. Personal experience
Do not underestimate it as a problem worth investigating everyday experiences and encounters. Think critically about your experience and frustration about the problems facing society, community, neighbourhood, family, or personal life. This can be derived, for example, from the deliberate observation of a particular relationship without a clear explanation, or from witnessing an unusual event that appears to be harmful to an individual or group.
5. Related literature
The selection of research questions can be derived from a thorough review of related research related to the overall area of interest. This may reveal where there are gaps in understanding the topic or where the problem has not been fully investigated. The study may be conducted for the following purposes: 1) Fill such gaps in knowledge. 2) Evaluate whether the methodology adopted in previous studies can be adapted to solve other problems. Or 3) Can similar studies be conducted in different subject areas, applied in different situations, or different study samples [i.e., different settings or groups of different people]. Authors also often conclude their studies by focusing on their impact on further studies. Read the relevant research conclusions, as further research statements can be a valuable source of information for identifying new issues to be investigated. Fact Researchers have identified topics that are worth further research and examined the fact that they are worth pursuing.
Key takeaways:
Field Study
What Is Field Research?
Field research is defined as a qualitative method of data collection aimed at observing, interacting with, and understanding people in the natural environment. For example, conservationists observe animal behavior in the natural environment and animal response to specific scenarios. Similarly, field research social scientists can conduct interviews and observe people from a distance to understand their behavior in the social environment and their reaction to their surroundings.
Details: Market research
Field surveys include a variety of social research methods, including direct observation, restricted participation, analysis of documents and other information, informal interviews, and surveys. Field research is commonly characterized as a qualitative research, but it often involves multiple aspects of a quantitative research.
Field research usually begins in a particular setting, but the ultimate goal of the study is to observe and analyze the subject's specific behavior in that setting. However, the causes and consequences of certain behaviours are difficult to analyze due to the presence of multiple variables in the natural environment. Most data collections are primarily correlation-based, rather than entirely based on cause and effect. Field research looks for correlations, but the small sample size makes it difficult to establish a causal relationship between two or more variables.
Field Survey Method
Field research is usually conducted in five different ways. they are:
In this method, the data is collected through the natural environment observation method or the subject. In this way, the behavior and results of the situation are not disturbed by the researcher. The advantage of direct observation is that it provides data about people, situations, interactions, and surroundings. This field research method poses an ethical dilemma and is widely used in public and environmental environments, but not in private environments.
2. Participant observation
In this field research method, researchers are deeply involved in the research process, not only purely as observers, but also as participants. This method is also done in the natural environment, but the only difference is that researchers can participate in the discussion and shape the direction of the discussion. In this way, researchers live in a comfortable environment with their study participants, making them comfortable and accepting in-depth discussions.
3. Ethnography
Ethnography is an expanded observation of social research and social perspectives, as well as the cultural values of the entire social environment. In ethnography, the entire community is objectively observed. For example, if a researcher wants to understand how the Amazon tribes live and work, they either observe them or live within them and quietly observe their daily behavior. You can choose.
4. Qualitative interview
A qualitative interview is a closed-end question that is asked directly to the research subject. Qualitative interviews are either informal, conversational, semi-structured, standardized open-ended, or a combination of all three above. This provides a wealth of data that researchers can classify. It is also useful for collecting relational data. This field research method allows you to use a combination of one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and text analysis.
5. Case Study
A case study survey is a detailed analysis of a person, situation, or event. This method may seem daunting, but it is one of the easiest ways to do your research because you need to dig deeper into the data collection method, fully understand it, and infer the data.
Steps for conducting a field survey
Due to the nature of field research, the associated timelines and the high cost, field research can be very difficult to plan, implement, and measure. Here are some basic steps in managing a field survey:
Build the right team: It's important to have the right team to be able to conduct field research. The roles of researchers and assistant team members are very important, and it is important to define the tasks that need to be performed at the defined and relevant milestones. It is also important for senior management to focus on field research for their success.
Recruitment of Surveyed: The success of a field survey depends on the people being surveyed. It is important to use sampling methods to derive people who will be part of the study.
Data collection methods: As explained in detail above, there are various data collection methods for field research. They can be a combination of surveys, interviews, case studies, and observations. All of these methods need to be choked out, and the milestones for each method must also be choked out first. For example, in the case of a survey, the purpose of the survey It is important that gn is created and tested even before the study begins.
Site visits: Site visits are critical to the success of the field survey and are always done outside of traditional locations and in the respondent's actual natural environment. Therefore, it is important to plan your site visits along with the method of data collection.
Data analysis: Analysis of the collected data is important for validating the assumptions of the field survey and determining the results of the field survey.
Communicating Results: Once the data is analyzed, it is important to communicate the results to the stakeholders of the study so that they can do it.
Field research notes
Keeping ethnographic records is very important in conducting field research. Field notes make up one of the most important aspects of ethnographic records. The field note process begins when the researcher is involved in an observational study process that is later written down.
Types of field survey notes
The four types of field notes are:
Reasons for conducting a field survey
Field research has been commonly used in the social sciences in the 20th century. However, in general, implementation and completion are time consuming, costly, and often invasive. So why is this commonly used and preferred by researchers to validate their data? Let's look at four main reasons.
Here are some examples of field research:
By using purely observational methods and in-depth interviews, researchers can become part of the community and understand the social indicators and social stratification of slums. This study can also understand the financial independence and day-to-day operational nuances of slums. Analysis of this data can provide insights into how slums differ from structured societies.
2. Understand the impact of sports on child development
This field research method takes years to carry out and can result in very large sample sizes. The data analysis of this study provides insights into how children in geographically different locations and backgrounds react to sports and how sports affect their overall development.
3. Study animal movement patterns
Field research is widely used to study flora and fauna. The main use case is scientists who monitor and study animal movement patterns as the seasons change. Field research helps collect data over the years and helps us draw conclusions on how to safely facilitate the safe passage of animals.
Benefits of Field Research
The advantages of Field Research are:
Disadvantages of Field Research
The disadvantages of Field Research are:
Laboratory Study
The hypothesis has been scientifically tested. In the experiment, the independent variable (cause) is manipulated and the dependent variable (effect) is measured. All irrelevant variables are controlled
The advantage is that the experiment should be objective. The views and opinions of the researchers should not affect the results of the study. This is good because it makes the data more effective and less biased.
Laboratory experiments are experiments performed under highly controlled conditions (not necessarily laboratories) that allow accurate measurements.
Researchers use standardized procedures to determine where, when, with which participants, and under what circumstances an experiment will be conducted.
Strengths: It is easier to reproduce (copy) an experiment in the laboratory. This is because standardized procedures are used.
Strength: They allow precise control of irrelevant and independent variables. This allows you to establish a causal relationship.
Limitations: The artificiality of the setting can produce unnatural behaviours that do not reflect real life, namely low ecological validity. This means that it is not possible to generalize the findings to the actual settings.
Limitations: Required characteristics or experimenter effects can bias the results and become confounding variables.
Experimenting in the laboratory is a specific method that allows the highest level of control of hypothesis testing. Like other types of experiments, it uses random assignments and deliberate manipulation, but these experiments are performed in a room or suite of rooms dedicated to that purpose. Experimental research can be conducted outside the laboratory, such as in a classroom or corporate organization, but it is usually desirable to set up a laboratory because researchers can create optimal conditions for testing ideas that guide the research.
Psychology was the first social science in the laboratory, and Ivan Pavlov's famous experiment conditioned dogs at the turn of the 20th century.
Survey Method
What is a Survey?
A survey is a survey method used to collect data from a predefined group of respondents to provide information and insights on a variety of topics of interest. They have multiple purposes, and researchers can do so in different ways, depending on the methodology they choose and their research goals. In 2020, research will be very important. Therefore, it is imperative to use appropriate research tools to understand the benefits of social research for the target population.
Data are typically obtained using standardized procedures, allowing each respondent to answer questions in a fair and competitive setting, with biased opinions that can affect the results of surveys and studies. Avoid This process involves asking people for information through either online or offline surveys. However, with the advent of new technologies, it is common to distribute them using digital media such as social networks, emails, QR codes, and URLs.
Definition of Research
A research study is defined as the process of conducting a survey using the survey that the researcher sends to the survey respondents. Then, statistically analyze the data collected from the survey to derive meaningful findings.
In the 21st century, all organizations are committed to understanding what their customers think about their products and services and making better business decisions. Researchers can conduct research in a variety of ways, but research has proven to be one of the most effective and reliable research methods. Online surveys are a way to extract information about important business matters from an individual or a group of individuals. It consists of structured survey questions that motivate participants to answer.
Reliable research will give these companies access to a vast information bank. Media organizations, other businesses, and even governments rely on research to obtain accurate data.
The traditional definition of research is a quantitative way to collect information from a pool of respondents by asking multiple survey questions. This survey type includes recruiting individuals, collecting data, and analyzing. This is useful for researchers whose purpose is to inform respondents of new features and trends.
In general, this is for getting quick information on mainstream topics and conducting more rigorous and detailed quantitative research methods such as surveys / polls, or qualitative research methods such as focus group / on-call interviews. This is the main step. There are many situations in which researchers can conduct research by combining both qualitative and quantitative strategies.
Research Method
There are three main research methods divided according to the means of conducting research.
In addition, research can be categorized into two methods based on the time taken:
Research studies are also bifurcated according to the sampling method used to form the sample for study: probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling. All individuals in the population should be considered equal as part of a research sample. Probability sampling is a sampling method in which a researcher selects elements based on probability theory. There are various probabilistic survey methods such as simple random sampling, lineage sampling, cluster sampling, and stratified random sampling. Non-probability sampling is a sampling method in which researchers use their knowledge and experience to create samples. Various non-stochastic sampling techniques include expedient sampling, snowball sampling, continuous sampling, discretionary sampling, and quota sampling.
Reasons for Conducting Research
The most important and essential reason to use research to conduct market research is to be able to collect answers to specific important questions. These questions can be asked in multiple formats, depending on the target audience and the purpose of the survey. Before designing a survey, every organization needs to understand the purpose of performing it so that it can be fully configured, planned, and performed.
Here are some questions to keep in mind when designing your survey:
Other benefits of research studies include:
Survey Example: Tips for Designing a Perfect Survey
Choosing the right survey design can be the key to getting the information you need to make important decisions in every survey. It is imperative that you choose the right topic, the right question type, and the corresponding design. If this is your first time creating a survey, it may seem like a horrifying task. But with Question Pro, each step in the process is simple and easy.
The following is an example of a survey tips for Designing the Perfect Survey
Observational Method
Definition
The observation method is described as a method of observing and explaining the behavior of the subject. As the name implies, it is a way of collecting relevant information and data by observing. It is also called participatory research because researchers need to establish connections with respondents and therefore immerse themselves in the same environment as them. Only then can he record and take notes using observation methods.
Meaning and Example
Observation methods are used when you want to avoid errors that may be the result of bias during the evaluation and interpretation process. This is a way to get objective data by monitoring participants and recording them for later analysis.
Researchers can use observation methods at the Montessori School to record the behavior of young children. Is it comfortable for children to share tiffins at such an early age? Will it be a good study for researchers? In this example, the researcher can objectively observe and record the details. Observational data collection methods are associated with several ethical issues as they require the full consent of study participants.
How to observe Data Collection
Structured Observation Method – This is a systematic observation method in which data is collected according to a predefined schedule. This method uses certain variables for data collection.
Unstructured Observation Methods – Unstructured observation methods are performed in a free and open manner, without the use of pre-determined objectives, schedules, or variables.
Observation Data Sampling Method
Researchers have an important role to play because they need to properly collect, record, and classify data. The main sampling methods are as follows.
1) Controlled observation
Controlled observations are performed in a closed space. It is the researcher who has the authority to decide where, when, and where the observations will take place. He also decides who the participants are and under what circumstances the standardized process will be used.
Participants are randomly selected for the variable group. Researchers observe and record detailed and descriptive data on behavior and classify it into separate categories. From time to time, researchers use behavioral schedules to code behaviours according to an agreed scale. The coding can include letters, numbers, or ranges to measure the strength of the behavior and describe its characteristics.
The data collected is often converted into statistics. In a controlled observation method, participants are informed by the researcher of the purpose of the study. This makes them aware that they are being observed. Researchers avoid direct contact during the observation method and typically use a two-sided mirror to observe and record details.
2) Nature observation
Social scientists and psychologists generally use nature observation methods. This process involves observing and studying participants' voluntary behavior in an open or natural environment. The role of the researcher is to find and record everything that can be seen and observed in the natural habitat.
3) Participant observation
Participant observation is often considered a variant of naturalistic observation because of some similarities. The point of difference is that researchers are no longer distant observers because they have joined the participants and are now part of their group. He has done this to gain deeper and deeper insights into their lives.
Researchers are free to interact with other members of the group, participate in their activities, study their behavior, and develop different ways of life. Participant observations can be explicit or confidential.
Disadvantages of Observation Method
Key takeaways:
Secondary data is data collected by somebody else for other purposes (although investigators use it for other purposes).
Use census data to collect information, obtain information about the age and gender structure of the population, use hospital records to work out community morbidity and mortality patterns, and use organizational records to work out its activity and collect data from sources like articles and magazines. Magazines, books and periodicals for historical information
With the arrival of electronic media and therefore the Internet, access to secondary data sources has become easier. Below are a number of these highlighted sources.
Books are one among the foremost traditional ways to gather information. Today, there are books available for all the themes you'll consider. All you've got to try to when doing research is to seek out a book on the topic being studied and choose from the book repositories available in your area. Books, when carefully selected, are a real source of genuine data and may assist you steel oneself against a literature review.
2. Published Source
There are different public sources available for various research topics. The authenticity of the info generated from these sources depends totally on the author and publisher.
Published sources are often printed or digitized in some cases. it's going to be paid or free, counting on the author's and publisher's decisions.
3. Unpublished Personal Sources
Compared to public sources, this is often not readily available and should not be easily accessible. they're going to only be available if the researcher shares it with another researcher who isn't authorized to share it with a 3rd party.
For example, an organization's product management team may have customer feedback data to guage what customers consider their products and suggestions for enhancements. to enhance customer service, they have to gather data primarily from the customer service department that collects the info .
4. Journal
Recently, journals became increasingly more important than books when it involves data collection. this is often because the journal is often updated with new publications to supply the newest data.
Also, when it involves research, journals are usually more specific. for instance , you'll create a journal on "Secondary Data Collection of Quantitative Data" and title the book "Secondary Data Collection".
5. Newspaper
In most cases, the knowledge skilled the newspaper is typically very reliable. Therefore, it's one among the foremost reliable sources for collecting secondary data.
The types of knowledge commonly shared in newspapers are usually political, economic, and academic instead of scientific. Therefore, newspapers might not be the simplest source of data for scientific data collection.
6. Website
The information shared on websites is essentially unregulated and should be unreliable compared to other sources. However, there are some regulated websites that share only genuine data and may be trusted by researchers.
Most of those websites are usually government websites or paid private organizations, data collectors.
7. Blog
Blogs are one among the foremost common online sources of knowledge and may be less reliable than websites. Nowadays, virtually everyone owns blogs, and lots of use these blogs to extend traffic to their websites and make money through paid advertising.
Therefore, it's not always reliable for instance, a blogger could also be writing goodies a few products. This is often because the manufacturer purchased this stuff albeit they weren't true.
8. Journal
These are personal records and are therefore rarely employed by researchers to gather data. Also, diaries are generally personal, except recently when people began to share public diaries containing specific events in their lives.
Anne Frank's diary, which contains an accurate record of the Nazi war, may be a common example of this.
9. Records from the Government
A very important and reliable source of secondary data is government records. They contain useful data for marketing, management, humanities, and social science research.
Some of these records include information from censuses, health records, educational institution records, and more. These are typically collected to assist in proper planning, funding, and project prioritization.
10. Podcast
Podcasts are becoming more and more popular these days, and many people listen to podcasts instead of the radio. They are more or less like online radio stations and are becoming more and more popular.
Information is typically shared during podcasts and listeners can use it as a source for data collection.
Other sources of data collection include:
a) letter
b) Radio stations
c) Public sector records.
Data quality:
Data collected through a secondary source may not be as genuine as it would be if it were collected directly from the source. This is a very common drawback with online sources, as there is no regulatory body to monitor the type of content being shared.
Therefore, working with this type of data can adversely affect the research being conducted.
Unrelated data:
Researchers spend a lot of time surfing pools of irrelevant data before finally getting the data they need. This is mainly because the data is not collected for researchers.
In some cases, researchers may not even be able to find the exact data they need, but they need to find the next best option.
Exaggerated data
Some data sources are known to exaggerate shared information. This prejudice can be due to maintaining a good public image or due to paid advertising.
This is very common on many online blogs that use beads to share false information just to capture web traffic. For example, FinTech start-ups may exaggerate the amount processed just to attract more customers.
Researchers who collect this data and investigate the total amount processed by FinTech start-ups in the United States in the quarter may need to use this exaggerated data.
Old information
Some data sources are old and there is no new available data to replace the old data. For example, censuses are usually not updated annually.
Therefore, the population of the country has changed since the last census. But someone working with the country's population needs to settle on previously recorded numbers, even if it's outdated.
Longitudinal Studies
Longitudinal surveys can be rewarded with practical insights if you have time to engage in long-term research projects when using this method.
Longitudinal studies often use surveys to collect qualitative or quantitative data. In addition, in longitudinal studies, the creator of the study does not interfere with the participants in the study. Instead, the creator of the survey distributes a survey over time to observe changes in participants, behaviours, or attitudes.
Many medical studies are long-term. Researchers record and collect data from the same subject over the years.
One of the key features of the panel study is that researchers collect data from the same sample at different times. Most panel surveys are designed for quantitative analysis, but can also be used to collect and analyze qualitative data.
2. Cohort Study: A cohort study samples a cohort (usually a group of people who experience the same event at a particular point in time). Medical researchers tend to conduct cohort studies. Some may consider clinical trials similar to cohort studies.
3. Retrospective Studies: Retrospective studies use existing data collected during previous studies using similar methodologies and variables.
While conducting a retrospective study, researchers use managed databases, existing medical records, or one-on-one interviews.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Conducting a Longitudinal Survey
As we have shown, longitudinal research is useful in science, medicine, and many other areas. There are many reasons why researchers want to do longitudinal research. One of the essential reasons is that longitudinal studies provide unique insights that many other types of studies cannot provide.
Benefits of Longitudinal Research
You can collect additional data points to investigate unexpected results and make changes to your investigation based on the detected approach.
Disadvantages of Longitudinal Research
The main drawback of longitudinal studies is that long-term studies are likely to produce unpredictable results. For example, if the same person cannot be found to update the survey, the survey cannot be performed. Also, it can take years for the data to begin to generate observable patterns or relationships that can be monitored.
2. There are always unpredictable factors
Some people may decide to stop participating in the study. Others may not be in the correct demographics for the study. If these factors are not included in the original study design, they can affect the findings produced.
3. Large samples are needed to make the survey meaningful
To develop relationships and patterns, you need to collect large amounts of data extracted and extracted to produce results.
4. Higher cost
Without a doubt, longitudinal surveys are more complex and expensive. Due to the long-term form of the study, the cost of the study will be years or even decades compared to other forms of study that can be completed in less time.
The strengths and weaknesses of longitudinal research show that the ability to find long-term patterns and relationships is of great value. Therefore, it is important to plan and carry out the steps necessary to avoid potential bias.
Examples of Longitudinal Studies
Now that you understand the basics of how researchers use longitudinal research across several disciplines, let's review the following example.
Example 1: Identical Twins
Consider a study conducted to understand the similarities or differences between the same twins raised together and the same twins who were not. Several variables have been observed in this study, but one condition is that all participants have the same twins.
In this case, researchers would like to observe these participants from childhood to adulthood to understand how growing in different environments affects their traits, habits, and personality. Let's do it.
Over the years, researchers have been able to see both sets of twins as they experience life without intervention. Since participants share the same gene, the differences are expected to be due to environmental factors, but only careful studies can conclude these assumptions.
Example 2: Violence and Video Games
A group of researchers are studying whether there is a link between violence and the use of video games. They collect a large sample of participants for research. To reduce the amount of interference with their natural habits, these individuals come from groups already playing video games. The age group focuses on teenagers (13-19 years old).
Researchers have recorded how violent the participants in the sample are. Create a baseline for later comparison.
Researchers will now provide each participant with a log to track how and how often they play and how much time they spend playing video games. This study can last for months or years. During this time, researchers can compare video game playing behavior with violent tendencies. Therefore, investigate whether there is a link between violence and video games.
Conducting longitudinal studies with research is easy and can be applied to almost any discipline. With our survey software, you can easily start your own survey today.
The panel survey provides information about the same case at two or more time points. Trend surveys compare sample surveys that describe the same population at two or more points in time. These samples consist of various cases. The panel survey compares the same cases over time. Had Field pole been able to re-interview the same individuals interviewed in 1991 and 1995 in 1985, it would have been a panel survey. The advantage of the panel survey is that you can choose from alternatives such as those shown in Tables 2.1 and 2.2. Panel data does more than just explain the net changes over time. Panel data can be used to explain the types of shifts that occur during a period (for example, from for to disagree or from disagree to for). You can also start looking for factors that explain why some people change in one direction, some change in another, and some do not change at all.
1985 | |||||
1991 |
| Favor | Oppose | Don't Know | Total |
Favor | 674 | 26 | 25 | 725 | |
Oppose | 0 | 141 | 0 | 141 | |
Don't Know | 0 | 76 | 58 | 134 | |
Total | 674 | 243 | 83 | 1000 | |
1985 | |||||
1991 |
| Favor | Oppose | Don't Know | Total |
Favor | 574 | 115 | 36 | 725 | |
Oppose | 100 | 41 | 0 | 141 | |
Don't Know | 0 | 87 | 47 | 134 | |
Total | 674 | 243 | 83 | 1000 | |
Another issue with panel data is responsiveness. Asking people about a woman's situation at two or more times can cause a change of opinion in the questioning process itself. Perhaps the act of asking people about the status of women will be more sensitive to women's problems. This increase in sensitivity may mean that later studies are likely to agree or disagree with changes in women's status. This is called responsiveness because the respondents are responding to the first question.
Key takeaways:
References:
