Compare and Contrast the Approach Taken by Researchers in Two of the Papers You Have Read in Units 1- 4.

OPTION 1 – COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE APPROACH TAKEN BY RESEARCHERS IN TWO OF THE PAPERS YOU HAVE READ IN UNITS 1- 4.

The two papers that I have chosen to compare for this assignment are the research paper by Elizabeth Coates and the paper by Aldgate and Bradley in The Reality of Research with Children and Young People Edited by Lewis et al . The paper by Coates involves the observation of children in nursery and reception classes whilst they drew pictures. The paper by Aldgate and Bradley involved the interviewing of children and their families as to their experiences of being in short term foster care (accommodation). Clearly the main difference between the two papers will be the different approaches taken to data collection. More difficult will be the formulation of comparisons between the two papers, however, both authors cited ethical concerns about involving children in research h and this could be one of the comparisons between the two papers, for example were the ethical considerations the same and what conclusions did the researchers come to.
As her research approach Coates used observations. Observation is often used to collect data; there are different types of observation techniques that can be used depending on the type of research undertaken. Naturalistic observation involves the researcher (or observer) simply observing as a by-stander trying to neither manipulate nor stimulate the behaviour or actions of those being observed. (Introduction to Social Research. Punch pg 184) the situations observed are natural and not set up for the purpose of research. Structured approaches in contrast tend to be very structured and need pre-developed observation schedules. The recording of data can vary video taping, audio taping or the use of field notes are some examples of the methods used in observational research. Coates decided on a Naturalistic approach, she required to undertake her research in schools where pupils had...