Comparison of field, experimental, and survey research methods

¶ … sampled, and the various types of instruments used in data collection. The methods also differ in how the data will be collected: qualitatively, quantitatively or both.

In the following essay we will be discussing the comparisons and contrasts of the following research methods, followed by some examples and particular usage of these methods.

Field Research Method

Experimental Research Method

Comparison

Field Research Method

Field research is an activity used to collect primary or unusual data using methods such as face-to-face interviewing, telephonic interviews, surveys and direct observation etc. The purpose of this study is to observe the phenomena in its natural state, collection of data and then construction of theory. The field research method has much strength, such as that the researcher can conduct research in a better way to find out the specific information that is required. Similarly, flexibility is also a great strength of this method, as the researcher can make many changes within field research. The field research method is an inexpensive method as compared to other research methods. The validity of field research method is very high; the researcher can easily document the complexity of human behaviors with detailed directions. The field research method also has some weaknesses: it is observed that this research method takes time for the researcher to gather information. It is also greatly possible that the researcher can also lose control over variables.

Experimental Research Method

Experimental research is a research method that is most generally used in sciences. This is method in which the researcher manipulates one variable, and controls the other variables. Subjects are randomly assigned to groups with a controlled group, and the investigator only tests one effect at a time. It is significant to know for research purposes which variables the researcher wants to test and measure. The basic purpose of this method is to predict the phenomena in controlled environment. Using this method, the researcher can get detailed insight into the methods of instructions and shape the instinctive practice in controlled environment of experimental research method. Human performance is also a great strength of this research method as it allows the researcher to rely on the results of research. This research is usually used to determine the best thing for population and it also provides better transferability as compared to subjective research. In experimental research, human error can affect the results of the research; personal biasness of researcher can also affect the results of research. In this particular type of research, the researcher can produce results artificially. Groups used in this method may not be similar and this can greatly affect the results. Sometimes, particular human reactions can be complicated to calculate for the researcher.

Field Research Method

The purpose of field research method is to observe the phenomena in its natural state. In this method, the researcher can directly communicate to collect new information outside the laboratory. In the field research method, the researcher can be sure that the information is up-to-date. By using this particular method, the researcher can easily study nonverbal behavior and conduct the research in a natural environment. The researcher can manage it from remote locations via mail, email or telephone. The field research method is mostly used on small sample sizes because it needs high cost and more time as compared to other research methods. In this research method, the researcher cannot control biasness factor of respondents.

Experimental Research Method

The purpose of experimental research is also to observe the phenomena but in a controlled environment. In this method, the researcher can control variables. Sometimes, researchers have biasness but it can be reflective to the research, as because of the controlled environment researchers can have control over variables. It can also be combined with other research methods for better severity. Using experimental research method, the results obtained may only apply to one situation and may be difficult to replicate. Sampling can be another weakness of this method; sampling may not be representative of all population, which can affect the results, and political pressure may also affect the results of research.

Survey Research Method

The purpose of the survey research method is to monitor the phenomena by contacting organizations and communities directly or indirectly. Surveys are useful to describe the characteristics of a large population. No other method of observation may provide the overall capacity; therefore very large samples are feasible so that statistically significant results can be obtained even in the multivariate analysis. There is flexibility in the development phase to decide how the questions will be administered: the interviews face-to-face, by telephone, as a group administered by written or oral inquiry or through electronic. In survey research method, the researcher must ensure that a large number of the selected sample will reply, otherwise results will not be true. It may be hard for participants to recall information or to tell the truth about a controversial question which can lead to the respondents not giving all answers seriously or honestly. These are all factors can affect the reliability of results of this research method.

Use of Research Methods

Field Research Method

A field study is an experiment that is conducted in the "real" world (natural environment). Different from studies and observational studies, a field experiment follows all the steps of the scientific process, containing research questions and generates hypotheses.

The noticeable benefit of a field study is that it is realistic and allows for testing, without unnaturally introducing confusing variables. Social scientists and psychologists usually use blind field experiments, where the variable is not even aware that they are under control. For example, if we want to study the effects of a medicine, we'll instruct the subject not to drink the alcohol, and will study the effects of medicine by observing the subject - but there is no guarantee that the said subject will actually follow the instructions.

Experimental Research

Discovering the relationships between two (independent and dependent) variables is the key to experimental research. In theoretical terms, this means that the relationship between an action, X, is the only one that creates the effect of Y. For example, pressing the accelerator of your car will increase the speed of your car: it is obvious that pressing the accelerator of car only, nothing else, made the car speed up. In addition, you might conclude that there is a casual relationship between pressing the accelerator of car and increase in car speed, not only because one causes another but because you are sure that nothing else caused the effect.

Survey Research Method

Survey research method is used to observe phenomena at a broad level. The researcher selects a sample of respondents from the population and a standardized questionnaire for them. The questionnaire or survey can be a written document that is completed by the respondent, an online questionnaire, a face-to-face or phone interview. Through surveys, it is possible to collect data from large and small populations. For example, if we want to know the popularity of a politician among people, we will conduct a survey to get the response that population. For this purpose, we would select a sample. Then, we would conduct the research by using the instrument of research, either interview people or use questionnaires for this purpose. After getting the data, we would then analyze it and get the results of this research.

References:

Babbie, Earl R (1973) "Survey Research Methods" Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Pub. Co.

Experiment Resources (2008) "Experimental Research" Retrieved 7th May 2011 from Experiment Resources: http://www.experiment-resources.com/experimental-research.html

Shuttleworth, Martyn (2009) "Field Experiments" Retrieved 7th May 2011 from Experiment Resources: http://www.experiment-resources.com/field-experiments.html