PS20092A: Research Methods and Design: Research Techniques
Dr Andrew Bengry-Howell
Psychology
Classes on Fridays: 1.15pm – 4.05pm: Room 8West 2.1
This unit will provide students with an understanding of and competence in a range of
qualitative and some quantitative research methods, and the skills to design, conduct
and analyse a small-scale questionnaire-based and an interview-based study.
Week 1
Introduction Andrew Bengry-Howell
Friday 5th October 2007
This session will provide an outline of the Research Techniques unit and introduce the
two assessments. The second half of this session will introduce students to the principles
underlying qualitative and quantitative research methods, and consider their similarities
and differences. It will consider the epistemological bases of different research
methods, and the importance of research design.
Week 2
Questionnaire Design Andrew Bengry-Howell Friday 12th October 2007
This session will provide a practical introduction to questionnaire design and consider
some of methodological advantages and disadvantages of questionnaire-based
methods. It will explore how questionnaires are designed and used differently in
quantitative and qualitative research, and will discuss issues such as validity and
reliability in relation to quantitative and qualitative questionnaire data. The second half
of the session will consist of a questionnaire design practical, in which a questionnaire
will be designed for the first assessed research exercise.
Week 3
Interviewing
Andrew Bengry-Howell
Friday 19th October 2007
This session will outline the basic principles involved in conducting research using
interview methods. This will include a discussion of the various forms of interview
research; the skills involved in interviewing; and some of the key pitfalls involved in
interview research. The session will also cover how to design and conduct an interview
study.
Week 4 Questionnaire Analysis Andrew Bengry-Howell
Friday 26th October 2007
This session will introduce methods for analyzing questionnaire data and will show how
quantitative and qualitative studies approach questionnaire data differently. The
second half of the session will consist of a questionnaire analysis practical, working with
the data that has been generated from the first research exercise. Students will also
have the opportunity to ask general questions about the questionnaire practical report,
Week 5
Focus Groups
Sarah Riley
Friday 2nd November 2007
This session will define focus groups and discuss the main procedures involved in running
focus groups in psychological research. It will also consider the advantages and
limitations associated with employing them.
Week 6
Grounded Theory
Abbie Jordan
Friday 9th November 2007
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This session will describe the historical origins of GT and the aims of this approach, and
give a detailed description of the procedure of GT. It will discuss the advantages of
using GT, explore contemporary debates in GT and introduce issues of epistemology,
and practise an analysis.
Week 7
Discourse Analysis
Yvette Morey
Friday 16th November 2007
This session will describe the historical origins of DA and the aims of this approach;
compare positivist and constructionist paradigms; and relate the constructionist
paradigm to psychological enquiry. It will also explain the key aspects of discourse
analysis; provide tips on performing DA; and practice an analysis.
Week 8 Designing your interview study Andrew Bengry-Howell Friday 23rd November
This session will consider the methodological issues associated with interview-based
research, and will provide practical guidance on how to plan and conduct interviews
effectively. The second half of the session will focus on designing an interview schedule
for students to use for the assessed interview practical. Students will be expected to
conduct and transcribe one interview before week 9.
Week 9
Interview transcription and Data Analysis
Friday 30th November
Andrew Bengry-Howell + Chris Griffin
This session will introduce the basic principles of data transcription and explore ways in
which interview data can be analysed. The second half of the session will focus on how
to code and analysing interview data for the assessed interview practical.
Week 10
Data analysis and writing up
Friday 7th December
Andrew Bengry-Howell + Chris Griffin
This session will provide further support and guidance on coding and analysing interview
data and how to write up a qualitative interview-based study for the assessed interview
practical report.
Week 11
Writing up and advice on Interview Assessment Friday 14th December
Andrew Bengry-Howell
This session will give students a final opportunity to seek guidance on writing up their
interview practical report and ask questions related to this assessment, which is due for
submission in January 2008.
Assessment for Research Techniques unit:
**
**
The first piece of course work, a questionnaire practical report, is due in week 6
on Wednesday November 7th 2007
The second piece of coursework, an interview practical report, is due on
Wednesday January 9th 2008
For the questionnaire assessment, students are required to write a practical report
based on their analysis of the collated questionnaire data produced by students on this
unit. This report will be discussed in the class in week 4. Questionnaire practical reports
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should be a maximum of 2000 words, excluding references and appendices. Any
reports over 2000 words (+/- 10%) will be penalised. The questionnaire practical report
mark will make up 40% of the overall mark for this unit.
For the interview assessment, students are required to carry out an Interview Analysis
and write an interview practical report. They will be expected to conduct, transcribe
and analyse an interview, using a basic thematic qualitative analysis procedure.
Students will be required to present their research question(s), interview schedule, and
demonstrate that they understand how the interview schedule will answer their
research question(s). They will also present a brief basic analysis of the interview
material, discussing this in relation to their research question(s) and commenting on the
strengths and weaknesses of their interview study. Interview practical reports should be
a maximum of 2500 words, excluding interview extracts, references and appendices.
Any reports over 2500 words (+/- 10%) will be penalised. For information on the
penalties for handing in work over the stated word limit, see the Psychology
Undergraduate Handbook, or lecture notes for the Research Techniques unit. The
interview practical report mark will make up 60% of the overall mark for this unit.
Research Techniques: Recommended readings
Main texts for the course:
Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. (2nd
edition). (Highly recommended as a good all round, basic textbook on social research
methods, includes quantitative and qualitative methods and basic points about
research design. The 1st edition of this book, dated 2001, is also available in the library,
but the 2004 edition is clearer and less technical).
Silverman, D. (2001). Interpreting Qualitative Data. London: Sage. (2nd edition).
(Highly recommended, covers theory and methods. The 1st edition of this book, dated
1993, is also available in the library, and covers much of the same ground, although the
2001 edition is preferable. Note that this text ONLY covers qualitative methods).
NOTE: Neither of the above texts focus specifically on psychology, but Banister et al.,
1994, Hayes, 1997, Smith et al., 1995 or Willig, 2001, are good psychology texts on
qualitative methods, and Breakwell et al., 2000, is a good one on quantitative methods.
Additional readings:
Banister, P. et al. (1994). Qualitative Methods in Psychology. Open University Press.
(covers interview techniques, ethnography, observation, discourse analysis)
Breakwell, G., Hammond, S. and Fife-Shaw, C. (2000). Research Methods in Psychology.
London: Sage. (covers a range of approaches, good on questionnaire design).
Coffey, A., Atkinson, P. (1996). Making sense of Qualitative Data. London: Sage.
Denscombe, M. (1998). The Good Research Guide. Open University Press. (also 2nd
edition, 2003).
Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2000). Handbook of Qualitative Research.
Hayes, N. (ed.) (1997). Doing Qualitative Analysis in Psychology. Psychology Press.
May, T. (ed.) (2002). Qualitative Research in Action. London: Sage.
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Punch, K. (1998). Introduction to Social Research. London: Sage. (covers qualitative and
quantitative approaches)
Silverman, D. (2000). Doing Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Smith, J., Harre, R. and Von Langenhove, L. (1995). Rethinking Methods in Psychology.
London: Sage. (especially good on Grounded Theory)
Willig, C. (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. Open University Press.
(covers lots of ground on different approaches, but some chapters closer to
postgraduate level – ie. quite hard to follow).
Week 1
Introduction
Andrew Bengry-Howell
Main reading:
Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2nd edition:
chapters 1 & 2. (2001: 1st edition: chapters 1 & 2)
OR: Silverman, D. (2001). Interpreting Qualitative Data. London: Sage. 2nd edition:
chapters 1 & 2.
(1993: 1st edition: chapters 1 & 2)
Additional readings:
Banister, P. et al. (1994). Qualitative Methods in Psychology. OU Press. Chapter 1.
Denscombe, M. (1998). The Good Research Guide. OU Press. Chapter 14
Hayes, N. (ed.) (1997). Doing Qualitative Analysis in Psychology. Psychology Press.
Chapter 1
Kidder, L.H. and Fine, M. (1997). Qualitative inquiry in psychology: A radical tradition. In:
D. Fox and I. Prilleltensky (eds.) Critical Psychology: An Introduction. Sage
(Psychology Offprint Collection).
Silverman, D. (2000). Doing Qualitative Research. London: Sage. Chapter 1.
Smith, J., Harre, R. and Von Langenhove, L. (1995). Rethinking Methods in Psychology.
London: Sage. Chapter 1.
Willig, C. (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. Open University Press.
Chapters 1 & 2.
Week 2
Questionnaire Design
Andrew Bengry-Howell
Main reading:
Breakwell, G., Hammond, S. and Fife-Shaw, C. (2000). Research Methods in Psychology.
London: Sage. Chapters 12 and 13.
Additional readings:
Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2nd edition:
chapter, 4, 5, 6, and 7, especially chapters 6 & 7. (2001: 1st edition: chapters 4,
5, 6 and 7).
Oppenheim, A.N. (1999). Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Attitude
Measurement. London: Pinter. Chapters 4 & 7. (Short Loan Collection).
Yates, S. (2004). Doing Social Science Research. London: Sage. Chapter X. (Short Loan
Collection).
Week 3
Interviewing
Main reading:
Andrew Bengry-Howell
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Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2nd edition:
chapter 15.
(2001: 1st edition: chapter 15)
OR: Silverman, D. (2001). Interpreting Qualitative Data. London: Sage 2nd edition:
chapter 4. (1993: 1st edition: chapter 5)
Additional readings:
Banister, P. et al. (1994). Qualitative Methods in Psychology. OU Press. Chapter 4
Breakwell, G., Hammond, S. and Fife-Shaw, C. (2000). Research Methods in Psychology.
London: Sage. Chapter 17.
Denscombe, M. (1998). The Good Research Guide. OU Press. Chapter 10.
May, T. (ed.) (2002). Qualitative Research in Action. London: Sage. Chapter 10 (Mason)
Punch, K. (1998). Introduction to Social Research. London: Sage. Chapter 9.
Smith, J., Harre, R. and Von Langenhove, L. (1995). Rethinking Methods in Psychology.
London: Sage. Chapter 2.
Weeks 4
Questionnaire Analysis
Andrew Bengry-Howell
Main readings
Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2nd edition:
chapter 11. (2001: 1st edition: chapter 11)
OR
Gilbert, N. (2001). Researching Social Life. London: Sage. (2nd edition: chapters 14 &
15)
Additional readings:
Gomm, R. (2004). Social Research Methodology: A critical introduction. Basingstoke:
Palgrave Macmillan. (1st edition: chapter 8)
Yates, S. (2004). Doing Social Science Research. London: Sage. (2nd edition: chapter 8)
May, T. (ed.) (2001). Social Research: Issues, methods and process. Buckingham: Open
University Press. (3rd edition: Chapter 5 (Williams))
Denscombe, M. (1998). The Good Research Guide. OU Press. (Chapter 6 & 10)
Punch, K. (1998). Introduction to Social Research. London: Sage. (Chapter 7.)
Week 5
Focus Groups
Sarah Riley
Main reading:
Barbour, R.S. and Kitzinger, J. (eds.) (1999). Developing Focus Group Research. London:
Sage. Chapter 1.
Additional readings:
See many of the general texts above, also:
Bryman, A. (1988). Quantity and Quality in Social Research. London: Unwin Hyman.
Denscombe M. (1998). The Good Research Guide. Open University Press.
Greenbaum, T. (2000). Moderating Focus Group Research.
Krueger, R.A. (1994). Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research. London:
Millward, L.J. (1995). Focus Groups. In G.M. Breakwell, S. Hammond & C. Fife-Schaw,
Research Methods in Psychology. London: Sage. Short Term Loan: 225-0113
Morgan, D.L. (1988). Focus Groups as Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Psychology Offprint Collection.
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Morgan, D.L. (1995). Why things (sometimes) go wrong in focus groups. Qualitative
Health Research, 5(4), 516-523. STL: 225-0045
Myers, G. (1998). Displaying opinions: Topics and disagreement in focus groups.
Language in Society, 27, 85-111. Psychology Offprint Collection
Stewart D W and P N Shamdasani . (1990) Focus Groups: Theory and Practice, Sage.
Wilkinson, S. (1998). Focus group methodology: A review. International Social Research
Methodology, 1 (3), 181-203. Short Term Loan: 225-0110
Willig, C. (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. Buckingham, OUP.
Week 6
Grounded theory Abbie Jordan
Main reading:
Charmaz, K. (1995) Grounded theory In: Smith, J., Harre, R. and Von Langenhove, L.
(1995). Rethinking Methods in Psychology. London: Sage.
Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide through
Qualitative Analysis. London: Sage. Chapter 1.
Grounded Theory approach: Example of empirical work
Wilson, H. S., Hutchinson, S.A. and Holzemer, W.L. (2002). Reconciling incompatibilities: A
Grounded Theory of HIV medication adherence and symptom management.
Qualitative Health Research, 12 (10), 1309-1322. (available via electronic journals
on University Library on-line catalogue).
McNeill, T. (2006). Fathers’ Experience of Parenting a Child With Juvenile Rheumatoid
Arthritis. Qualitative Health Research, 14 (4), 526-545.
Additional readings:
Banister, P. et al. (1994). Qualitative Methods in Psychology. Open University Press.
Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide through
Qualitative Analysis. London: Sage. Chapter 3.
Glaser, B. and Strauss, A. (1967) The Discovery of Grounded Theory. New York: Aldine.
Henwodd, K. and Pidgeon, N. (1995) Grounded theory and psychological research. The
Psychologist, 8(3) March 115-0118. Psychology Offprint Collection.
Henwood, K. and Pidgeon, N. (1997) Using grounded theory in psychological research.
In: Hayes, N. Qualitative Research in Psychology. Short Term Loan: 225-0039
Strauss, A. and Corbin, J. (1990) Basics of Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Willig, C. (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. Buckingham, OUP.
(ML) Chapter 3. Psychology Offprint collection.
Week 7
Discourse Analysis Sarah Riley
Main reading:
Burr, V. (1995). An Introduction to Social Constructionism. Routledge. Highly
recommended, clear and well written introduction to key themes. Ch 1: What is
social constructionism Short Term Loan: 225-0074.
Discourse Analytic approach: Examples of empirical work
Cahill, S. and Riley, S. (2000). Exploring women, body art and self identity. In Banin, M.,
Guy, A., and Green, E. (Eds.), Personal Collections: Women's Relationships with
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their Clothes. New York: Berg. Psychology Offprint Collection/Short Loan
Collection.
Day, K., Gough, B. and McFadden, M. (2003). Women who drink and fight: A discourse
analysis of working-class women’s talk. Feminism and Psychology, 13 (2), 141-158.
Short Term Loan Collection.
Kizinger, C. and Frith, H. “Just say no? The use of conversation analysis in developing a
feminist perspective on sexual refusal. Short Term Loan: 225-0119
Willott, S. and Griffin, C. (1997) Wham bam am I a man. Feminism & Psychology, 7 (1)
107-128. STL: 225-0009 (Useful tables on how to analyse qualitative data using DA:
Short Term Loan Collection).
Week 8, 9, 10, 11 (Interview practical and practical report)
Week 8
Designing your interview study Andrew Bengry-Howell
Main reading:
Smith, J. (1995). Semi-Structured Interviewing and Qualitative Analysis. In Smith, J.,
Harré, R., and van Langenhove, L. (Eds.), Rethinking Methods in Psychology.
London: Sage.
Week 9
Interview transcription and Data Analysis
Andrew Bengry-Howell + Chris Griffin
Main reading:
O’Connel, D., Kowal, S. (1995). Basic Principles in Transcription. In Smith, J., Harré, R.,
and van Langenhove, L. (Eds.), Rethinking Methods in Psychology. London:
Sage.
Coffey, A., Atkinson, P. (1996). Making sense of Qualitative Data. London: Sage.
Chapter 2.
Week 10
Data analysis and writing up
Andrew Bengry-Howell + Chris Griffin
Main reading:
Coffey, A., Atkinson, P. (1996). Making sense of Qualitative Data. London: Sage.
Chapter 5.
Thematic analysis (i.e. how to do it)
Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative
Research in Psychology, 3 (2), 77-101.
Smith, J. and Osborn, M. (2003). Interpretative phenomenological analysis. In: J. Smith
(ed.) Qualitative Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods. London:
Sage. (Short term Loan Collection).
Attride-Stirling, J. (2001). Thematic networks: an analytic tool for qualitative research.
Qualitative Research, 1 (3), 385-405.
Week 11
Writing up/advice on Interview practical report Andrew Bengry-Howell
Sample article with appropriate layout/structure for Interview Analysis Report
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Day, K., Gough, B. and McFadden, M. (2003). Women who drink and fight: A discourse
analysis of working-class women’s talk. Feminism and Psychology, 13 (2), 141-158.
(Good example of the layout for a DA study, and relevant to the interview study
topic: Short Term Loan Collection and available online via Electronic Journals).
Background readings on Young people and alcohol consumption (topic that Interview
practical will focus on)
Gough, B. and Edwards, G. (1998). The beer talking: Four lads, a carry out and the
reproduction of masculinities. The Sociological Review, 46 (3), 409-435. (available
online in Electronic Journals)
Jones, B. (2003). Alcohol consumption on campus. The Psychologist, 16 (10), 523-525.
(Short Term Loan Collection)
MacKintosh, A.M., Hastings, G., Hughes, K., Wheller, C., Watson, J. and Inglis, J. (1997).
Adolescent drinking – the role of designer drinks. Health Education, 6, 213-224.
(available online via Electronic Journals).
McCreanor, T., Greenaway, A., Moewaka Barnes, H., Borell, S. and Gregory, A. (2005).
Youth identity formation and contemporary alcohol marketing. Critical Public
Health, 15 (3), 251-262. (available online in Electronic Journals).
RMD-handout-07
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