Methodologies

HSC core: Personal Interest Project (30% of course time)

The Personal Interest Project is integrated across the whole HSC course and draws together the interests, research skills and personal experiences of the student.

·         Society

·         Time

·         Values

·         Culture

·         Change

·         Identity

Methodology is the systematic and theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge.

Methodologies – a brief description of each is provided. You may select more than one

primary research	Original information or research data collected first-hand by the person doing the research. This new information is collected using the methods of social research.
secondary research	The researcher collects and collates existing information or other people’s research on a topic to be investigated. This information is then synthesised as a whole by the researcher. Secondary research is a qualitative method because the researcher makes subjective judgements about what material is useful, and therefore used, for the purposes of the research. Secondary research information can be derived from formal reports, journals, newspapers, magazines and other publications.
research design	The way that the researcher develops and sequences the research methods, and the ways in which these are applied to collect the research data, according to the principles elaborated through the choice of underpinning methodology.
research method	The term ‘method’ refers to the specific tools of the investigation, or the ways that data can be collected and analysed – for example, content analysis, focus group, interview, observation, participant observation, personal reflection, questionnaire, secondary research and statistical analysis.
ethical	Ethics refers to moral issues of what is right or wrong. Ethical behaviour follows understood codes of what is morally right when undertaking any study of people or society. In terms of social research, this means informed consent, confidentiality and privacy, consideration of the possible effects on research participants and on the researcher herself or himself, consideration of vulnerable groups, such as children, and the avoidance of any covert research, which would mean that no informed consent from research participants was given. Ethical research also means that any material from sources other than the researcher’s own work is clearly acknowledged.

case study

The case study method involves the collection of data related to an individual or small group through one or more research methods – for example, observation, interviews and the collection of documentary evidence. Because case study can, and often does, include different methods to collect data, which are then combined with the purpose of illuminating the case from different angles, case study is considered as a methodology by many social researchers.

content analysis

Used to investigate and interpret the content of the mass media and historical documents in order to discover how particular issues are (or were) presented. At its most basic, content analysis is a statistical exercise that involves counting, categorising and interpreting words and images from documents, film, art, music and other cultural products and media in relation to an aspect or quality of social life. When used as a qualitative method, content analysis helps the researcher to understand social life through analysis and interpretation of words and images from documents, film, art, music and other cultural artefacts and media.

 

focus group

A research method used to collect data from an in-depth planned discussion of a defined topic held by a small group of people brought together by a moderator. An interview schedule, time and place are organised. The recording of responses increases the success of this method. The techniques of conducting the focus group are similar to those of conducting an in-depth interview. However, the researcher needs to be able to manage the discussion.

 

interview	An interview may be tightly structured, semi-structured, unstructured, in‑depth or conversational. This method involves the researcher and the interviewee in a one-to-one situation and may be quite time consuming. The researcher may interview several people at different times using the same interview questions.
observation	Involves watching and recording behaviours within a clearly defined area.

 

non-participant observation

The researcher observes the action taking place without actively engaging in it or interacting with the participants. The researcher draws meaning from what is being observed, rather than simply counting specific actions as in a quantitative observational study. Non‑participant observation can be covert (participants not aware of the researcher) or overt (participants aware of the researcher and his or her purpose). A criticism of overt non‑participant observation is that the very presence of the researcher alters the behaviours and interactions of those being observed (the Hawthorne effect). A criticism of covert research is that it raises ethical concerns.

participant observation	The researcher is immersed in the action being observed and his or her role as researcher is not obvious. An example of participant observation occurs when the researcher joins a group in order to study it. Researchers using participant observation must be aware of the ethical implications of this method.
personal reflection	The use and evaluation of personal experiences and values to demonstrate analysis and interpretation of data in the context of the research focus.

questionnaire

A set of questions that can be closed-ended and/or open-ended that allows for the collection of information from a large sample or number of people. It is an impersonal instrument for collecting information and must, therefore, contain clear questions that have been worded as simply as possible to avoid any confusion or ambiguity. The questionnaire should be designed to fulfil a specific research objective; it should be brief and the sequence of questions should be logical.

 

statistical analysis (data analysis)

Examining data to interpret meaning, make generalisations and extrapolate trends. Often the data is in graphical form. Because data is expressed in the language of mathematics, they should be evaluated and interpreted by means of appropriate mathematical or statistical procedures.

The central part of the PIP contains description and analysis of the research carried out in investigation of the focus question or hypothesis.

This  may include photos, tables or graphs, but these must be labeled and incorporated into the text through discussion. It also must contain a cross-cultural perspective.

Activity:

In the table below list any research methods which may be suitable for PIP topics which you are considering.

Every PIP needs to have BOTH primary and secondary research, although some may be more heavily weighted towards either primary or secondary, depending on the topic. At least 2 primary research methods should be used, but to use three primary plus secondary research is preferable. Most PIPs will benefit from the use of a questionnaire to examine public opinions regarding the topic, plus one or two other suitable primary research methods.

 

Topic	Possible Research Methods

Activity:

Students also need to write a short response based on the ethical concerns which need to be taking into consideration for each methodology to be carried out. What needs to be done in order to be ethical and considerate of peoples privacy and choices.