Four Methodological Approaches
Content Analysis
Content analysis can best be described as the study of human communication. Some of the suitable forms of study includes web pages, books, newspaper, paintings, songs, letters, internet, laws, constitution, bullet boards and more (Cengage 356). The methodology has mainly been utilized by feminist researchers to make accurate studies of fairy tales, children books, fashion, sociological introduction, the publication of research and so much more. In particular content analysis methodology is highly suited in generating studies that relates to communication as a quest of answering communication research classic questions (Cengage 356). This is aimed at establishing the individuals that stated something , to whom, the rationale , how the statement was made and its general impact. The analytical methods address the issues that surround science research subjects. Coding and sampling as major roles that are required in content analysis since the population study is normally big and information has to be changed from raw to a reliable report (Cengage 362).
Content analysis is characterized by both strengths as well as weaknesses. The major weakness with content analysis is that it is mainly limited to the general examination of information or communication that is recorded (Cengage 363). Such forms of communication can be categorized as graphical, written or oral but the methodology requires a form of recording so that analysis can be done. This therefore, presents an additional issues of validity which are highly likely unless the communication study is conducted after every second. However, the methods holds its own strengths which may include being effective in terms of cost as well as time since it does not require expertise’s and the equipments that are necessary are not special. In addition the method permits errors correction and also allows the study of procedures that occurs from time to time (Cengage 365).
Existing Statistics Analysis
In more frequent ways one is required to undertake the inquiry of social science via the utilization of quasi or official statistics (Cengage 368). The methodology is crucial since the existing statistics should at all times be accounted as supplemental data sources (Cengage 368). The methodology of existing statistics is utilized in offering the primary social science data inquiry. The analysis unit that is mainly engaged in the general analysis of statistics that are in existence is not the individual in most cases (Cengage 370).
The existing statistics methodology presents the primary issue of validity because the research is particularly limited to the existence of data. In most cases the existing information does not normally contain or cover everything that the researcher is highly interested in which means that the general measurements cannot account for validity (Cengage 372). The issue of validity is handled with two distinct features of science which are replication as well as logical reasoning. In addition, the methodology presents an addition issue of reliability since the existing statistics evaluation depends heavily of statistics quality. This implies that what is claimed in the particular reports might not be accurately reported which presents a substantial issue since government statistics weighty tables for instance are in most cases inaccurate. This may therefore, hinder the general ability of the study to acquire data that is grounded from different perspective to increase its general reliability (Cengage 372).
Comparative and Historical Research
Historical and comparative research method refers to the general examination of societies over a time period which is compared to a different one. This differs significantly from other methods but in a way it overlaps with content analysis and existing research and field research analysis (Cengage 375). The kind of research normally engages the utilization of historical methodologies normally by political scientists, sociologists as well as other scientists socially. Historical and comparative research holds unlimited sources of data since the reporting of the primary interests may have been conducted by researchers and this report can offer grounds for examination as well as the general analysis in order to acquire detailed research.
In most cases the research will work above the provided conclusions by offering an examination of a degree of raw data that is essential in the creation of a distinct conclusion. The data will automatically differ based on the subject that is being studied but they offer an extensive ground to investigate (Cengage 378). The analysis of both historical and comparative data is usually done under the qualitative approach which allows an extended investigation for maximum report gain. Reliability and accuracy are a major issue since the protection of data is dependent on the replication. This implies that in reference to historical study validation must be obtained. In that if the primary data that is being studied points towards a similar direction in regard to evidence the researcher may tend to believe more in them. In addition the methodology presents an additionally issue of data sources bias (Cengage 381). In that if the data regarding a certain subject are acquired from the subject in particular this implies that the ability to acquire information from different perspectives is not easy.
Ethics and Unobtrusive Measures
The utilization of unobtrusive measures avoids different ethical issues that are related to the various collection techniques. The methodology is utilized by social scientists in verification of the given reports. However the approach ignores most measures such as confidentiality which might be essential in different projects to ensure that accuracy and protection is given (Cengage 384). The approach is different because it permits researchers to make collection and analysis of data with the objective of making discoveries as well as making a firm support of an individual’s agenda of even a preferred hypothesis. This approach is more complex than it may seem because it challenges an individual’s moral sensibilities in almost all areas. The approach applies the principle of honest observation, reporting and analysis to all the approaches. However, it raises the general subject of the violation of privacy to subjects.
The method is thus characterized by different short comings. The main weakness is that the ability of establishing the existing statistics, historical records or even recorded communications that offers both reliable and valid information that is fully relevant to the subject of study is hindered. The different approaches however, which may include surveys, field research and experiments permits individuals to create data that is more original so that the spaces can be filled. The perfect approach can best be achieved via the utilization of different methods that includes the unobtrusive methods. The utilization of various approaches in a subject study is effective in offering increased meaning , validity as well as accuracy to the findings at the particular moment when an agreement is generated. In addition, this can help in the growth of an individual’s subject’s understanding even when they are not in agreement (Cengage 385).
Work Cited
Cengage. Chapter 11: Unobtrusive research. n.d. Cengage Now. Pp: 355-386. Pdf
