Introduction
Researchers have applied different methods to gather data and analyze their results to develop viable interpretations. The research method selected is determined by the purpose and complexity of the research problem. When the sample is considerably large, the method chosen should facilitate fast, convenient, and accurate solutions (Atmowardoyo, 2018). Surveys and case studies are the most commonly used qualitative approaches for descriptive studies. African Americas, especially women, have faced internal racial discrimination at various levels. In this study, the survey method is chosen as the best alternative as it provides an opportunity to evaluate a diverse and significantly large population sample.
Survey Method
The survey method is the best approach in this case to evaluate the extent to which African Americans have been racially discriminated against at multiple levels in society. The data, in this case, is significantly comprehensive as it involves sectors such as education, economic activities, employment, and political involvement. Nardi (2018) comments that a researcher would need to analyze multiple dimensions of data to have a good range of information to obtain valid answers means that a survey would be required. In addition to the large data sample, the information required is entirely personal. For instance, a researcher would need to determine how a respondent’s family life has been affected by racial discrimination. It would be logical to develop a close connection with the subject to reduce bias and encourage them to open up on more profound issues. Essentially, the survey would be conducted through physical and electronic questionnaires, the latter being limited to inaccessible subjects.
Market researchers utilize an online tool to conduct survey research, which is a robust method for gathering data. Survey solutions are available from advanced survey software suppliers for all types of survey approaches, including online surveys, paper questionnaires, phone surveys, and the more recent advent of mobile surveys. Quantitative surveys are now widely used across all survey types to collect, evaluate, and apply data to create plans for a more excellent business model, establish focused marketing tactics and improve the customer experience (Story & Tait, 2019). Survey research, when done effectively, may provide market researchers with reliable and usable data while also increasing study ROI. The survey’s availability of resources, tools, and solutions makes it ideal for studying internal discrimination against African American women.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Survey
Surveys are a comparatively low-cost option since the cost per respondent for web and mobile assessments, in particular, is relatively low. To describe the features of a significant population, surveys are helpful (Nardi, 2018). No other research approach can offer such a broad range of capabilities, ensuring a more precise representation to derive results and inferences. Because surveys are anonymous, respondents are able to provide more direct and accurate responses. Respondents must be as transparent and upfront as possible in their responses in order to obtain the most accurate data. Anonymous surveys allow for more straightforward answers than other forms of research methodology, especially if it is explicitly specified that survey responses would be kept entirely confidential.
If a survey is used to obtain information, there is a chance that specific questions will go unanswered or be overlooked. Respondents may choose not to clarify a few things if they are not needed. When researchers employ a survey rather than other study methodologies, much information could get lost in translation (Siedlecki, 2020). If no one is around to thoroughly explain a study, the findings can be pretty subjective. A survey does not capture an individual’s emotional response to the questions; hence it must be countered.
Solutions to Weaknesses and Type of Approach
Using online surveys can ensure that respondents do not skip some questions since they would be required to complete one query before proceeding to the next. Since the respondents would be from different backgrounds, the questions would be made so simple that an interpreter would not be needed (Story & Tait, 2019). Since researching the impact of discrimination has an emotional dimension, it may be beneficial to have online surveys to gauge a subject’s emotions. This type of research lies more in the qualitative approaches category than quantitative research. This is because the information generated is descriptive and does not involve numerical values.
Case Study
Case studies are in-depth examinations of a single person, group, time period, or event. They would be an appropriate research method for the racial discrimination among African American women because they focus on a particular group. They include a variety of descriptive and exploratory for investigating principles of an event in a real-world setting. A case study is a research approach that entails a close, in-depth, and extensive examination of a research topic and its surrounding context (Ridder, 2017). A case study would aid the understanding of racial discrimination in this case and broaden experience or strengthen existing knowledge. Their contextual analysis is focused on a small sequence of circumstances or conditions and their relationships. Scholars have applied the case study for many years and in a variety of areas. It has been extensively employed in the sociology field as a descriptive research design to explore current real-life circumstances. It has served as a basis for applying concepts and procedures.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study
The most significant advantage of case studies is that they allow for a comprehensive review. Unlike solitary research approaches that provide a snapshot, such as surveys, case studies will enable a researcher to apply various tools on a single topic. This gives one more time and space to develop a thorough understanding of the subject, laying a solid foundation for investigating the factor affecting the case study in more depth. In contrast to a single vision of an individual obtained from survey results or an interview, case studies gather a variety of viewpoints (Schoch, 2020). This allows for a better grasp of the subject at hand while also reducing the possibility of prejudice by dispersing the objective of a single individual.
The inability to generalize the conclusions of a case study is a typical critique. When used as part of a more extensive study, however, case studies have been found to be more effective at delving deeper into everyday issues. It can take a long time to complete a case study. Ridder (2017) asserts that it can take a long time to schedule several interviews, wait for data, and possibly coordinate focus groups. This may happen mostly if one depends on a subject that is frequently acting in a volunteer capacity and is preoccupied with day-to-day responsibilities.
Solutions, Applicability, and Type of Approach
Although case studies have been criticized for the lack of generalizability, the study sample can be carefully selected to include many aspects, making the results applicable to different sectors. Time is a significant constraint in the case of studies since they require in-depth data collection (Schoch, 2020). However, this drawback can be addressed by structuring the case study to include the most relevant points. This will ensure that quality data is collected in significantly short periods. Since the research must require respondent permission, it would be essential to create a rapport with the respondents to motivate them to participate willingly (Atmowardoyo, 2018). Case studies apply to the research on African American women, which would be conducted by selecting samples of black women from different geographical locations. A case study can be described as both qualitative and quantitative since the data collected can be descriptive and numerical.
Comparison between Survey and Case Study
Conclusion
In conclusion, although a study can be conducted using different methodologies, the researcher needs to consider their population, target sample, time, and data required to gain high-quality data. This research was based on African American women and the effect of racism. Surveys are the most appropriate approach as they allow the researcher to use questionnaires on a large sample and do not necessarily require close contact. A case study is also a viable option, in this case, allowing the researcher to sample black women from various locations and use them to collect data. Conclusively, each method used has limitations that can be handled to ensure that quality results are obtained.
References
Atmowardoyo, H. (2018). Research methods in TEFL studies: Descriptive research, case study, error analysis, and R & D. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(1), 197-204. Web.
Nardi, P. M. (2018). Doing survey research: A guide to quantitative methods. Routledge.
Ridder, H. G. (2017). The theory contribution of case study research designs. Business Research, 10(2), 281-305. Web.
Siedlecki, S. L. (2020). Understanding descriptive research designs and methods. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 34(1), 8-12. Web.
Schoch, K. (2020). Case study research. Research Design and Methods: An Applied Guide for the Scholar‐practitioner, 245-58. SAGE
Story, D. A., & Tait, A. R. (2019). Survey research. Anesthesiology, 130(2), 192-202. Web.