Research Methods

 We were asked to create a glossary of research methods, below is the methods I have chosen to look at:

Observation/ Shadowing analysis-
This method involves the observer to shadow real life situations, which helps to uncover the ways in which we live, our daily activities etc. It allows for the gathering of information on what people say they do, as opposed to what they actually do. The shadowing aspect of the method is the point in which design possibilities and ideas can be looked into and identified. 

Cultural probes/ User diaries-
Also known as design probes, these can come in the form of a kit which contains diaries, questions, disposable cameras, postcards, drawing equipment and other methods of documentation. Design probes are used to acquire information more generally, for example, these could be placed within an environment such as the studio at university to discover information on the users within that space. Design probes can be developed specifically for one person or for a group of people.

Role playing tools- 
This method is used to study interpersonal behaviour, through the use of role play. Researchers will assign roles to each participant, which he/she will have to act as if they are that job role/ person etc. This is a commonly used research method as it allows for information to be gained on a participant communication skills.

Archival Research-
Archival research is the research method where a practitioner uses an existing archive or exhibition in which to inform the basis of their research. Original sources such as the UK census, can be consult to be analysed and reflected on from a new and modern perspective, and also to be used as a comparison with modern activity.
As a research method the designer might use this as the start point of their research or to base their research upon as a whole, viewing the situation from a modern outlook. An example of a practitioner using an archive is on my blog post "Archives.....".

Questionnaires-
This is a Quantitative research method which consists of a set of carefully thought out questions to be distributed to the same group of people in order to gather information in regards to a specific topic, subject or theme which the researcher is interested in.  This research method is useful because the information gathered can then be turned into statistics if the questions on the questionnaires has multiple choice answers. 

Statistical Analysis-
Statistical analysis is a form of quantitative research, Statistics are a useful research method as they allow the researcher to consolidate data and then compare various sets of data against each other through graphs, charts etc.  Within statistical analysis a variety of methods can be used in order to process large amounts of data, and report on the researchers findings. It provides ways to objectively provide feedback on large amounts of data and also allows the opportunity to compare against previous researchers data etc. 


Divergent Thinking-
This research method is the way in which a practitioner might approach a concept. Using on idea/ concept as a starting point, a practitioner who us divergent thinking allows their thought process to wander off in many directions, collecting thoughts and ideas that relate to their concept. this method is almost like creative brainstorming and is used quite commonly within the field of Art and design and also textiles. This way of researching allows the researcher time to elaborate on ideas and come up with a variety of possible solutions or outcomes for the concept.

Interviews-
One to one or group question and answer session in which specific topics are answered in a methodical opinionated or statement like process. 

         There are a variety of interview techniques, however I will only look at two; structured and unstructured. 

         Structured Interview - This technique involves the interviewer providing a set of questions, and a schedule, and the aim is that each interviewee is to be given the exact same set of questions. This type of interviewing process is used so that all the interviewees responses can be collected, and the responses can only be reliable if all interviewees are responding to identical questions. 

         Unstructured - Interviewer has a list of topics or issues to be covered with an informal questioning style. The phrasing and sequence of questions will differ with each interview they conduct. 

         An example of an interview process is the Office of National Statistics (ONS) which began collecting data on people’s well-being within the UK using the Annual Population Survey (ANS). 
           
         Focus group

         This is a type of interview to be used as qualitative research in which there are several people, including the moderator, and the suggested topic for discussion is tightly set in order to provoke interaction within the group. Although this is similar to an interview, I believe that within a focus group more interesting arguments are created, especially if the group varies in its participants, however you do have the issue of one person over shadowing other members of the group, so a diverse and interactive group is necessary for a positive results.