Module 3 – Choosing your research strategy

Flexible Designs (P165 Box 6.1)

Traditional Designs

The traditions of case study, ethnographic studies and grounded theory studies are seen as particularly relevant to social research (p178 Box 6.6)

Case Study

A well-established research strategy where the focus is on a case in its own right, and taking its context into account. Typically involves multiple methods of data collection. Can include quantitative data but often does not. Some types of case study follow (p181 Box 6.7)

  • Individual case study
  • Set of individual case studies
  • Community study
  • Social group study
  • Studies of organisations and institutions
  • Studies of events, roles and relationships

Ethnographic

The focus is on the description and interpretation of the culture and social structure of the social group. Typically involves participant observation over an extended period of time.

Grounded Theory

Main concern is to develop a theory of the particular social situation forming the basis of the study. The theory is grounded in the sense of being derived from the study itself. Popular in applied settings. Interviews are commonly used.

Other flexible designs

Biographical or life history research (p195) - Where the case studied is an individual person

Phenomenological (p195) - Focuses on the subjective experience of the individual studied

Symbolic Interactionism (p196-7) - Seen more as a general and persuasive influence on the development of qualitative methodology

Hermeneutics (p196-8) - The art and science of interpretation

Designs for Particular Purposes: Evaluation, Action and Change

Evaluation Research (p202)

An evaluation is a study that has a distinctive purpose; it is not a new or different research strategy. Fixed or flexible designs can be used, with either qualitative or quantitative methods, or some combination of both.

Action Research (p215)

Action research is primarily distinguishable in terms of its purpose, which is to influence or change some aspect of whatever is the focus of the research. Improvement and involvement are central to action research.