Research Methodologies Comparison Sheet

Are you running a research project and need to know what research methodology to use? This helpful document runs through the pros and cons of each methodology from DataCenter.

The methodologies discussed are:

• Survey: uses a questionnaire with intentionally worded and arranged questions. It can be open to random or selected people, either in person, by mail, or on the Internet.
• Interview: consists of one person asking questions to another to obtain personal responses through conversation.
• Focus Group: can be also called “group interview.” In a smaller group of people from the whole target population, the conversation focuses on a topic.
• Observation: is conducted by taking detailed notes of things that stand out to you— what you hear, smell, touch, see, taste, and feel. It is done over a period of time at a particular location(s).
• Photo Voice: uses cameras to take snapshots of issues that you are facing. Each photo is then captioned to tell a story.

Download the Research Methodologies Comparison Sheet.

For more

For more see other guides and worksheets including:

• Starting your Research Project Worksheet
• Forming Survey Questions
• Data Security Protocols
• Citizen Generated Data: Toolkits and Guides
• How to do Research
• Research Methodologies Comparison Sheet
• Guide to publicly available data sources