Question

1) Distinguish between field experiments and a laboratory experiments outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each type of experiment. (8 marks)

2)Explain how interviews are used differently in qualitative and quantitative studies (8 marks)

3) Explain the approach to mixed methods that a researcher might use if they want to design a questionnaire. Outline how the approach will assist in designing a questionnaire. (8 marks)

PLEASE DONT COPY OTHERS ANSWER.. AND PLEASE ANSWER ACCORDING TO THE MARKS. THANKS IN ADVANCE

Answer 1

Answer:

1)

	Field experiments	Laboratory experiments
	Field experiments are done outside of laboratory settings in real and uncontrolled environment. They randomly assign sampling units . Random assignment helps in establishment of comparability of the treatment and control group. Field experiments are conducted in real world settings. Field experiments require researchers to retain control over randomization and implementation	Laboratory experiments enforces scientific control by testing in the artificial and controlled environment of a laboratory. Laboratory experiments uses small samples only. Laboratory experiments not study the past and provide only snapshot of the present. Laboratory experiments are complex and alike.

Advantages of Field experiments are:-

Less sample bias

Greater ecological validity

Fewer demand characteristics

Advantages of Laboratory experiments are:-

Tighter control of variables

Relatively easy

Enable use of complex equipments

Cheaper and less time consuming

Disadvantages of Field experiments are:-

Difficult to record data accurately

Difficult to replicate

Lack of control

Disadvantages of Laboratory experiments are:-

Demand characteristics means participants are aware of experiment and may change it.

Artificial environment

Low ecological validity

Biasness

Answer 2)

Qualitative interview is a type in which the standards not only recorded but also achieved, challenged and reinforced. Most of the qualitative interviews are either semi structured, lighly structured or in depth. Unstructured interviews are conducted for long term field work and allow respondents to let them express in their own ways and speed with less hold on respondents responses. This shows a conversation and less interview means it is skewed towards the interests of the interviewer. Another type of the unstructured interview is the focused interview in which the interviewer is well aware of the respondent. Another type of the unstructured interview is an informal, conversational interview, based on unplanned set of questions that are generated during the interview.

In contrast, semi-structured interviews are those in-depth interviews where the respondents have to answer preset open-ended questions.

In focus groups, invited groups of people are interviewed in a discussion setting in the presence of the session moderator and generally these discussions last for 90 min.

Quantitative interviews usually contain closed-ended questions in the same format and same order to every respondent. Quantitative interview data are analyzed by giving a numerical value to participants' responses.

In quantitative interviews, an interview schedule is used to guide the researcher as the person poses questions and answer options to respondents. It contains the list of questions and answer options that the researcher will read to respondents. The aim is to give every question-and-answer option in the same way to every respondent. This is done to minimize interviewer effect, or possible changes in the way an interviewee responds based on how or when questions and answer options are presented by the interviewer.

Quantitative interviews may be recorded, but because questions tend to be closed ended, taking notes during the interview is less disruptive than it can be during a qualitative interview. If a quantitative interview contains open-ended questions, however, recording the interview is advised. It may also be helpful to record quantitative interviews if a researcher wishes to assess possible interviewer effect.

Answer 3)

Mixed methods include Quantitative (such as questionnaires) and Qualtitative methods( such as interviews).

Five purposes for mixing in mixed methods research:

1. Triangulation seeks convergence, corroboration, correspondence of results from different methods;

2. Complementarity seeks elaboration, enhancement, illustration, clarification of the results from one method with the results from the other method;

3. Development seeks to use the results from one method to help develop or inform the other method, where development is broadly construed to include sampling and implementation, as well as measurement decisions;

4. Initiation seeks the discovery of paradox and contradiction, new perspectives of frameworks, the recasting of questions or results from one method with questions or results from the other method;

5. Expansion seeks to extend the breadth and range of inquiry by using different methods for different inquiry components.

There are many methods like open and closed ended questions that shows quantitative and qualitative data.

Steps for conducting a mixed methods study-

Step 1 - Determination if a mixed methods study is feasible.

Step 2 - Identify a rationale for a mixed methods study.

Step 3 - Identify the data collection strategy and type of design.

Step 4 - Develop quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods questions.

Step 5 - Collect quantitative and qualitative data

Step 6 - Analyze the data separately

Step 7 - Write the report as a one or two phase study

* According to Chegg guidelines, there is a limit of answering 1 question at a time.