6B Tools and Methods

To gain a clear insight of the tools/methods I could potentially use to conduct my Inquiry, I reviewed both Merits and Limits for each one. I decided that 'observations' would be an unsuitable method of data collection due to the nature of my inquiry. 

Interviews

Merits:

• As the interviewer, I will have full control of the topics discussed and the style of interview. If I feel the interviewee is discussing something interesting I can delve deeper and ask why?
• I will have the power to select interviewees with expertise in my area of study.
• Answers will be detailed.
• Can record the interview using a dictaphone to later analyse as well as jotting notes, this way I will be able to pick aspects up which I missed in the first instance.
• Capture verbal and non verbal communication.

Limits:

• Can be time consuming
• Interviewee may be unable too attend
• Interviewee may be nervous and therefore be reluctant to answer honestly or be open.
• Interviewee may disprove of the interview being recorded.

Surveys

Merits:

•  People may be more honest if they are anonymous and don't have the pressure of an interview environment.
• Can gain information from a wider range of people. 
• Easy to share via web 2:0, Survey Monkey Etc.
• Quick and easy method too collect data

Limits: 

• Would have to really on the appropriate people to take part in my survey.
• Questions would be specific therefore I may not get all the information I require.
• It will be difficult too ask questions that are not too general or detailed.

Documents

• Merits:  
• Literature could supply me with more knowledge and back up my findings.
• Could potentially use sites such as spotlight too see if there is a correlation between where people have trained and working in different mediums.

Limits:

• There is a limit to the amount of documents I could view. 
• I would have too know more about the professional CV's I was viewing as people have different career choices.