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Primary Research: How much is too much?

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jenae.madden:
Hello everyone, so, I recently decided to kind of tweak my question, so much so that my introduction mostly applies and my intense secondary research does as well. I had only done my first chapter (dont judge) and I will mostly be able to apply this to my new question. Anyway, I have decided to change my question for primary research sake, so I have chosen a topic (An investigation into contemporary representation of low and high SES students and its influence on a scholars academic achievement) because it will allow me to use the skills markers are looking for.

So I wanted to do 4 primary research methodologies, focus group, interview, case study, and content analysis alongside my already conducted questionnaire and small interviews that are integrated throughout.

Is this too much? It shouldn't take me too long to do but is it excessive. However, I may not even use some methods as when editing they may become less relevant. I just don't know, thoughts?

beatroot:
Hey there!

First of all, good work on getting your first chapter so early in the year! This time last year, I was still getting responses for my questionnaire ahah so don't worry too much :)

Second of all, there is no such thing as too much primary research. Both my cousin and my friend had to do a minimum of six primary research methods as instructed by their teacher. They found it really helpful having a wide range of primary sources from the research. Even though they didn't use all primary sources, they still added this in their appendix. You will not get marked down just for using a lot of primary research methods. In fact, it will show the markers the time and dedication you've put towards your PIP.

I honestly think that the quantity of your primary research methods is perfect- not too little and not too much. But at the end of the day, it's all about taking as many primary research methods to find your results- do whatever it takes. As long as you manage your time well, you can do as many research methods as much as your heart desires. I did 3 research methods (1 questionnaire, 2 focus groups and 2 interviews) so it felt like I did 5.

As for excessiveness and relevance, just do it anyways. You don't know what you will discover in a research method, as long as you manage your time well :) Just put everything in your appendix afterwards.

Mada438:

--- Quote from: jenae.madden on March 24, 2018, 12:39:21 pm ---Hello everyone, so, I recently decided to kind of tweak my question, so much so that my introduction mostly applies and my intense secondary research does as well. I had only done my first chapter (dont judge) and I will mostly be able to apply this to my new question. Anyway, I have decided to change my question for primary research sake, so I have chosen a topic (An investigation into contemporary representation of low and high SES students and its influence on a scholars academic achievement) because it will allow me to use the skills markers are looking for.

So I wanted to do 4 primary research methodologies, focus group, interview, case study, and content analysis alongside my already conducted questionnaire and small interviews that are integrated throughout.

Is this too much? It shouldn't take me too long to do but is it excessive. However, I may not even use some methods as when editing they may become less relevant. I just don't know, thoughts?

--- End quote ---
Just to add to beatroots answer
Quality over Quantity i reckon. It sounds great that you're doing so many, but make sure you explore them in a reasonable amount of depth. Better to do less methodologies and make them more detailed then lots that are brushed over.
But i agree that if you explore them well, doing more is great!  ;D

owidjaja:

--- Quote from: jenae.madden on March 24, 2018, 12:39:21 pm ---Hello everyone, so, I recently decided to kind of tweak my question, so much so that my introduction mostly applies and my intense secondary research does as well. I had only done my first chapter (dont judge) and I will mostly be able to apply this to my new question. Anyway, I have decided to change my question for primary research sake, so I have chosen a topic (An investigation into contemporary representation of low and high SES students and its influence on a scholars academic achievement) because it will allow me to use the skills markers are looking for.

So I wanted to do 4 primary research methodologies, focus group, interview, case study, and content analysis alongside my already conducted questionnaire and small interviews that are integrated throughout.

Is this too much? It shouldn't take me too long to do but is it excessive. However, I may not even use some methods as when editing they may become less relevant. I just don't know, thoughts?

--- End quote ---
Hey there,
Just like everyone is saying, the more the better! More research means you're validating your results.
My teacher suggested at least 5-7 primary methods, but as long as these results are relevant, then it should be fine :)

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