People's political attitudes before and after voting choice – a relevant issue

Winters, K., and Carvalho, E. (2014) ‘The qualitative election study of Britain: Qualitative research using focus groups,’ SAGE Research Methods Cases. doi: 10.4135/978144627305013509945

This study is an example for how a problem relevant for the public and for everyday life was selected for a research project. The case study is presented in its major steps and how it was made to work on a methodological level. It outlines issues such as planning and designing a (qualitative) study starting from a research question that was involved.

1. Could the framework presented in this case study be applied to quantitative research design?
2. Would you consider making the data you collect freely available online for reuse? Why or why not?
    

Construction of life histories in narrative research

Edwards, D. (2014) ‘I'd rather you ask me because I/I/I don't really know, you know’: The dilemma of (auto)biographical interviewing in biographical research. SAGE Research Methods Cases. doi:10.4135/978144627305013500014

In this case study, a rather open research approach is outlined, in which biographical constructions in forms of narratives are collected as data for a research project. It discusses the orientation on methodological rules and the idea of developing theories from empirical material in a reflexive way.

1. Can you list the pros and cons of asking someone to tell you his or her life story?
2. What do you think would be some of the ethical considerations of this method?
    

The way to the research question

Scillitoe, J. L. (2019) ‘A personal journey of identifying, developing, and publishing survey-based research in an emerging research area: Incubation of early stage technology entrepreneurial ventures’, SAGE Research Methods Cases. doi:10.4135/9781526474414

This case study demonstrates the journey of identifying the research topic and developing, fine-tuning and translating the research question into a design and a study. It also illustrates how you can be drawn into a research and remain connected to the topic and study it for longer than planned.

1. After reading this case study, would you prefer to work with a supervisor who asks you to work on their research projects or seek a supervisor who supports your interest area?
2. In your own area of interest, what are the areas you might draw from in your literature review? Is your area of interest within or across existing streams of literature?