This week's readings focused on historical and descriptive research. Historical research focuses on some phenomenon of the past, whereas descriptive research describes a particular phenomenon or concern and can be either qualitative or quantitative in nature. There are many issues surrounding both types of research, including validity, reliability, accuracy, bias, expense, etc. that have to be taken into consideration by researchers. There are advantages and disadvantages to both kinds of research and their data-gathering tools; one would simply have to decide which methodology would work best for the phenomenon being studied. There are so many things to think about when conducting research - more than I would have ever imagined. For example, before this course, it never would have entered my mind that asking someone's age on a questionnaire could be offensive. The course textbook has valuable tips that could serve as a wonderful guide to someone conducting research for the first time, or any time, for that matter.
Sorry for the rather meager entry this week. Been studying/stressing out for the comps...
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