POST workshop 1 (sem 4)

In this seminar or "workshop" we discussed not so many deep and complex questions as before, instead it was more hands-on on the pros and cons in qualitative and quantitative research and tips and tricks for conducting these.

First we discussed in groups and came up with these advantages of qualitative research:

-uncover information about individuals thought and experiences
- looks beyond percentages to understand people
-rich in-depth results
-more adaptable and flexible
-size doesn’t matter (smaller size than for quantitative studies)
very specific answers on topic
(more comprehensive answers)
-participants more engaged in research
-whole picture answers/results
-can give more answers/result than hoped
-useful when describing complex phenomenons

 Then we did the same with quantitative research and came up with these advantages (name 3):

-easy to compare/compile
-easy to visualize (graphics)
-easy to test large number of peoples

We then proceeded to discuss the advantages of web vs papers questionnaires. We were to come up with three answers per group.

Web pros:

-Have neutral answers for questionnaires. 
-Uneven number of answers.
-Don’t have ambiguity

Paper Pros (disadvantages of web surveys):

-Might write extra commentary o cross between answers
-Distribution through email might end up in the spam folder
-More easily distracted with web

The discussions were interesting and we got a lot of good and new perspectives on both advantages and limitations of each type of survey. When we discussed this I realised how many mistakes I made when conducting the survey of my Kex job. But I also learned a lot from that process so I think the next survey that I conduct will significantly improved. 

Explicit tips I take with me from this seminar is the following:

-It's good to rip others seminar or at least copy some parts that you think is good if it can fit in you survey if you trust the source and it helps with inspiration. 

-Create a good mix of questions that yields both good information and makes the questionnaire more interesting for the respondent. 

-Test the survey out before sending the live version to avoid fall pits, unclear languages and technical errors. Think aloud evaluation is a very good tool for testing.

-Generally don't use even scales since it might frustrate the respondent. 

-Don't use ambiguous formulations i.e one question that can interpreted in two ore more ways.

I also learned the best proceedings to get a high response rate according to Olle Bälter at least. 

1. Send an invitation letter explaining the purpose of the upcoming survey. Important to not attach the actual questionnaire to this letter.
2. Send the survey after the initial info letter
3. REMIND, REMIND, AND REMIND. Use letters, Phone or mail. A high response rate is crucial for surveys!