There are many different ways that we can conduct research and I feel that there are Pros and Cons to all forms of research. I also feel that certain types of research are better suited to different topics.
Surveys: I believe that Surveys are a great way to gain statistics and discover patterns when researching for an inquiry. It allows us to gain a wide range of answers, from different people and makes the summary non biased. However, I don't believe that it gets a deep enough answer to questions and can be very vague. I don't feel that I could just use a survey by itself and gain optimal results for my Inquiry. It is less personal but more statistical.
Interviews: An interview is a great tool of research. It allows the researcher to gain a more personal opinion on their topic and also allows them to feel the participants emotion towards the topic. It also allows the researcher to ask questions about the respondents answers. An interview can evolve as it is going along and can lead on to so many other questions and topics. The personal side can however, become biased and cant be used for statistics but can be used to get an inside view from somebody who is involved in the topic.
Focus Groups: Focus groups are great for bringing together ideas, and creating discussion and debates on topics. It brings an inquiry to life, and allows us to develop ideas from other peoples knowledge and opinions and maybe take a different view on the topic. I do however feel that focus groups can also be biased and this therefore doesn't allow enough variety and truth about the topic to be discussed.
Pilot Observations: Observations help greatly with an inquiry as they allow you to develop feedback and ideas over time. By doing more than one observation, you are able to compare the different ways in which people work and have a variety of research to work from.It allows us to see the topic in action and get a more live experience from the work involved. I do feel that Observations may not always be beneficiary though, as if the people know they are being observed they may adapt the way they do things and it may not be a true display of the work.
