Descriptors for research methods

Ross Woods, 2024.

This is an attempt to create a defined list of descriptors suitable for describing any research method. Some descriptors will not be relevant for some metods, and in others they might not be unique. It has not yet been tested. The need arose when training graduate students in various research methods.

1. Is the method qualitative or quantitative?
2. What is the basic idea?
3. Is data factual or is it perceptions and attitudes?
4. What are the main steps or procedures in what to do?
5. What particular tools and/or materials does it require?
6. What particular training or orientation does it require?
7. How flexible is it? How much opportunity does it allow for modification and adaption?
8. What are the criteria for data validity?
9. When is it appropriate to use it? When is it not appropriate?
10. What kind of knowledge is gathered? (e.g. pre-existing personal opinions, predispositions personal opinions, statistics)
11. What operational assumptions does it make?
12. What philosophical assumptions does it make? (i.e. epistemology and ontology)
13. Does it have particular risks? How can these be mitigated?
14. Does it have particular biases? How can these be mitigated?
15. Does it require particular ethical procedures?
16. Is it reproducible or must it be recreated each time it is used? (Cf standardized tests and ethnography)
17. Does it require a small sample, or can it be used with large populations?
18. How can the data be analyzed?
19. Are there any specific criteria for using it?

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