Study Economics notes on Research Techniques. Useful for revision, homework, and exam preparation in Zimbabwe.
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This is the Economics notes from 2018. It is a free notes for revision.
1 Topic 1: Research Techniques What is Research? It is the gathering of information in order to bring about solutions to a particular problem. It is a systematic investigation into and the study of materials and resources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. It can also be described as a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict and control the observed phenomenon. Research is therefore a process to discover new information meant to increase or revise current knowledge by discovering new facts. Data Collection Techniques Data collection is the process of gathering information on targeted variables. Data collection techniques are therefore methods that can be used in the process of collecting and gathering information. Data collection technique | Strengths | Weaknesses Surveys -is defined as a method of descriptive research used for the collection of primary data with a representative sample of individuals or target population -it is a process of gathering data that could involve a wide variety of data collection methods, including questionnaire. | -provide high level of general capability in representing a large population -relatively cheaper -Data collection is made much easier because of sample sizes -anonymity of surveys allows respondents to be candid with their responses. | -sample choice maybe prone to researcher errors where wrong assumptions about the population are made. - not ideal for controversial issues -possible inappropriateness of questions Questionnaire -is defined as an instrument for collecting data and involves the use of a set of written questions. | - it is cost effective meaning it is cheap to gather information -quick and easy to collect especially online questionnaires -responses are gathered in a standardised way. | -low response rate that is, some respondents may not complete the questionnaires. -respondents may misinterpret the questions. -difficult to convey feelings and emotions. -some questions maybe skipped by respondents. -open ended questions can generate large volumes of data. Interviews -it involves the gathering of information through face to face interaction where questions are asked and answers are given. | -sufficient information can be collected. -researcher can clarify unclear questions. -have a high response rate. | - They are time consuming to set up and do. - Costly as they involve a lot of travelling. -the interview process may be Prepared by D Ncube MAHS 2018 …