Questionnaires: These use sets of questions to gather data from many people. Closed questions (multiple choice) provide quantitative data, while open questions allow for detailed qualitative responses.
Interviews: These involve direct conversation to explore topics in depth. They are flexible and allow for follow-up questions, though they are time-intensive and produce data that is harder to quantify.
Environmental Quality Surveys (EQS): These use subjective scales (e.g., -3 to +3) to assess the characteristics of a While they produce numerical data, they rely on the observer's judgment, which can be standardized by using group consensus or averaging multiple scores.
Random Sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. This minimizes bias but can be difficult to implement if the population is not well-defined.
Systematic Sampling: Samples are chosen at regular intervals (e.g., every 10th person or every 5 meters). It is easy to execute and ensures even coverage across a study area.
Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on specific characteristics, and samples are taken from each. This ensures that all segments of a population are represented proportionally.
| Concept | Definition | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | How close a measurement is to the true value. | Precision of tools and methods. |
| Reliability | The consistency of results when a test is repeated. | Minimizing human and equipment error. |
| Validity | Whether the method actually measures what it intends to. | Relevance of the data to the research aim. |
| Bias | A systematic distortion or prejudice in the data. | Neutrality and representativeness. |
Identify Limitations: Always look for potential sources of error, such as small sample sizes, equipment malfunctions, or subjective judgments in surveys.
Assess Bias: Evaluate whether the sampling method excluded certain groups or if the questions were 'leading' (influencing the respondent's answer).
Propose Improvements: When asked to evaluate a study, suggest specific changes like increasing the sample size, using more precise digital equipment, or repeating the study at different times to account for temporal change.
