The main research topic chosen for the assignment is gender identity and stereotyping in childhood. Based on the studies evaluated, the most common data collection patterns identified included the use of observation methods, questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. In particular, surveys and interviews seemed to be utilized to a greater extent when assessing the impact of gender stereotyping in childhood on the development of gender identity in individuals in later years. In most of the studies, the researchers combined multiple methods during the collection of data. In other areas of study, observations and records were more common in other areas of study concerned with culture, social movements, and class conflict, and inequalities. This is because these methods help illustrate and understand how these social actors work and the difference in inequalities associated with these factors. The use of specific data collection methods can affect the credibility of the results and findings obtained during the research process. Credibility is affected by the level of depth and relevance associated with a specific data collection method. For certain study areas, there is a need to collect well-defined and in-depth data, which calls for highly structured protocols. Hence, if the wrong data collection method is utilized, it can affect the results of the study and ultimately result in invalid results. The use of varied data collection methods mainly supports the collection of a wide range of data that will enable the answering of the stated research questions. The main purpose of using this method is to ensure that there is a comprehension of the contradictions that exist between different methods. Ultimately, the main purpose of using varied data collection is to expand and strengthen the conclusion of a study and, therefore, support its contribution to published literature. The use of multiple methods in research presents several advantages to a study. One of the advantages includes the provision of a more holistic and textured picture. This holistic perspective is provided by establishing strengths that offset the limitations of the different methods utilized. Hence, the use of multiple methods establishes a more structured comprehension of the research problem as opposed to just using one method. A second advantage of using multiple methods is that they present an approach for the development of better, more context-specific instruments. The use of multiple methods concerning a certain construct supports the development of an instrument with greater construct validity. On the other hand, the use of multiple methods in research also poses several disadvantages and limitations. One such disadvantage is the research process can be highly complicated. As more than one method is implemented, the collection of data has to be defined by several protocols. The use of multiple methods also takes a greater amount of time and resources to plan. Due to the variety of factors and requirements in each method, a loner schedule and greater budget have to be utilized. Thirdly, it may be difficult to apply one method while being dependent on the findings of a separate method. The use of multiple methods to collect data was highly common in the studies assessed. For instance, Manea (2013) used both observation and interviews to assess the availability of gender representations among pre-school kids. I tend to think that some social sciences often favor certain methods of collecting data over others due to the depth and sensitivity of the information that is needed. The preference for specific data collection methods is dependent on the type of data that needs to be collected.
References
Casad, B. J., Hale, P., & Wachs, F. L. (2017). Stereotype threat among girls: Differences by gender identity and math education context. Psychology of Women Quarterly , 41 (4), 513-529.
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Manea, C. N. (2013). Gender stereotypes. A comparative analysis: Pre-school children from Romania and France. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences , 78 , 16-20.
Martinez, M. A., Osornio, A., Halim, M. L. D., & Zosuls, K. M. (2020). Gender: Awareness, Identity, and Stereotyping. In Encyclopedia of infant and early childhood development . Elsevier New York.
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