Interviews
"A one-to-one conversation aimed at exploring perspectives in depth."
Types of Interviews
Structured
Same questions asked in the same order.
Semi-structured
Guided by questions but flexible for follow-ups.
Unstructured
Conversational, open-ended, participant-led.
Strengths
Rich detail, flexibility, ability to probe deeper.
Limitations
Time-consuming, potential interviewer bias.
Real World Example
Interviewing postgraduate students about challenges in thesis writing.
Focus Groups
"Group discussion with 6–10 participants guided by a facilitator."
Key Features
- Participants interact with each other, not just the facilitator.
- Encourages multiple viewpoints and shared meanings.
- Useful for exploring consensus and diversity of opinion.
Strengths
Interactive, efficient for gathering broad perspectives.
Limitations
Dominant voices may overshadow others; confidentiality is hard to ensure.
A focus group with teachers to discuss integrating digital tools in classrooms.
Observation
"Systematic watching, listening, and recording of behavior in natural settings."
Participant Observation
Researcher actively engages in the setting.
Non-Participant
Researcher observes without direct involvement.
Overt vs. Covert
Participants know (or do not know) they are being observed.
Direct, real-world data; captures non-verbal behavior.
Researcher presence may influence behavior; ethical concerns.
Example: Observing classroom interactions between teachers and students.
Document Analysis
Reviewing and interpreting existing documents to uncover meanings.
Public
Policies, reports, media.
Personal
Letters, diaries.
Institutional
Minutes, curricula.
Methodological Comparison
| Method | Focus | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interviews | Individual perspectives | Depth, flexibility | Time-consuming, bias |
| Focus Groups | Group interaction | Multiple views, efficient | Dominant voices, confidentiality |
| Observation | Behavior in natural context | Authenticity, non-verbal data | Observer effect, ethical issues |
| Document Analysis | Written/archival sources | Unobtrusive, historical data | Authenticity, limited context |
Reflection Activity
Think about your research topic:
- Which data collection method would you choose, and why?
- Would combining two or more methods strengthen your study (triangulation)?