The research question is the most important component of any research project, the research should aim to answer the main question throughout each section; for example, the literature review must be directly linked to the question (Finch and Fafinski, 2012). Additionally, a strong question will set the precedent for deciding which research design and methods to utilise in order to answer the question effectively (Finch and Fafinski, 2012).
This research project wants to investigate if there is a rise in criminal behaviour amongst benefit claimants; furthermore, is it a direct result of the Government’s financial decisions. The literature review has already identified a number of cases suggesting that the rising crime rate is a direct result …show more content…
Furthermore, the data can be gathered at one point in time, which makes it a relatively quick and inexpensive way to carry out research (Bryman, 2001). However, a cross sectional design does have its limitations; it cannot study behaviour over time. Moreover the timing of the study may not represent the population; for example, if this study is done in the run up to Christmas, maybe criminal activity rises amongst benefit claimants as they feel the pressures of buying gifts for family members. For the purpose of this study, a process of triangulation will be utilised, triangulation is a term introduced by Denzin (1978); it indicates that more than one method or a mixed method approach will be used to gather empirical data. Triangulation offers reliability and validity to research as it verifies data gathered from one method, strengthening it by using another method in conjunction; therefore, it provides ‘strong evidence of the nature of reality’ (Rennie and Smyth, 2015: 1107). Reliability refers to the consistency of the data gathered and whether the results can be replicated; for instance, if the same questions can be asked in the future by different researchers and the answers given are broadly similar, then the data is considered …show more content…
The first method that this research will use is a self-administered questionnaire using both closed and open questions, this will allow for quantitative and qualitative data to be collected. The closed questions will generate quantitative data, the advantages of closed questions is that the answers are easy to process and they are generally quick and easy for the respondents to answer (Bryman, 2001). Furthermore, closed questions produce data that is numerical; therefore, the data can be easily measured for analytical and statistical purposes (Finch and Fafinski, 2012). There are some limitations to closed questions; for instance, the categories available may not be applicable to the respondent. Additionally, some issues cannot be answered in such simplistic ways and require developed answers (Bryman, 2001). However, the inclusion of open questions will allow respondents to elaborate, generating qualitative data for this research. Qualitative data is an ‘interpretative exercise which attempts to give meaning to the data’ (Finch and Fafinski, 2012:375); in other words, a person’s beliefs, reasons, opinions and emotions can be better explored. Although qualitative data takes longer to analyse and interpret, it allows respondents to elaborate on their reasons
This research project wants to investigate if there is a rise in criminal behaviour amongst benefit claimants; furthermore, is it a direct result of the Government’s financial decisions. The literature review has already identified a number of cases suggesting that the rising crime rate is a direct result …show more content…
Furthermore, the data can be gathered at one point in time, which makes it a relatively quick and inexpensive way to carry out research (Bryman, 2001). However, a cross sectional design does have its limitations; it cannot study behaviour over time. Moreover the timing of the study may not represent the population; for example, if this study is done in the run up to Christmas, maybe criminal activity rises amongst benefit claimants as they feel the pressures of buying gifts for family members. For the purpose of this study, a process of triangulation will be utilised, triangulation is a term introduced by Denzin (1978); it indicates that more than one method or a mixed method approach will be used to gather empirical data. Triangulation offers reliability and validity to research as it verifies data gathered from one method, strengthening it by using another method in conjunction; therefore, it provides ‘strong evidence of the nature of reality’ (Rennie and Smyth, 2015: 1107). Reliability refers to the consistency of the data gathered and whether the results can be replicated; for instance, if the same questions can be asked in the future by different researchers and the answers given are broadly similar, then the data is considered …show more content…
The first method that this research will use is a self-administered questionnaire using both closed and open questions, this will allow for quantitative and qualitative data to be collected. The closed questions will generate quantitative data, the advantages of closed questions is that the answers are easy to process and they are generally quick and easy for the respondents to answer (Bryman, 2001). Furthermore, closed questions produce data that is numerical; therefore, the data can be easily measured for analytical and statistical purposes (Finch and Fafinski, 2012). There are some limitations to closed questions; for instance, the categories available may not be applicable to the respondent. Additionally, some issues cannot be answered in such simplistic ways and require developed answers (Bryman, 2001). However, the inclusion of open questions will allow respondents to elaborate, generating qualitative data for this research. Qualitative data is an ‘interpretative exercise which attempts to give meaning to the data’ (Finch and Fafinski, 2012:375); in other words, a person’s beliefs, reasons, opinions and emotions can be better explored. Although qualitative data takes longer to analyse and interpret, it allows respondents to elaborate on their reasons