Desk research and literature
Desk research answers a question with data that already exists: official statistics, published studies and reports. You collect no new data yourself. The quality of the result depends on the sources, so you check each one: who published it, when, and how the data was collected.
Official statistics
Statistics offices and international databases, and how to read the year and definition behind a figure.
Studies
Finding peer-reviewed studies through Google Scholar and the university library.
Judging a source
Who published it, when, with what data, and whether someone else confirms it.
Citing in APA 7
In-text citations and a reference list with page numbers.
Questions to settle first
Is the figure you found the latest one, and from which year is it?
Does the source define the term the way you use it?
Could a reader find the exact page or table you cite?
Other topics
Quantitative research
Research that collects data as numbers, usually with a survey, and analyses it with statistics: how often something occurs, how strongly people agree, whether groups differ.
- Sample size and margin of error
- Descriptive statistics and tests
Qualitative research
Research that collects data as words, in interviews, focus groups or observations, and analyses it by coding: what people say and do, and how they explain it themselves.
- Topic list and interview guide
- Coding the transcripts
Survey distribution
Getting a questionnaire to the people in your sample: building the form, testing it with a small group, sending the invitation and reminding people until enough of them have answered.
- Pilot with a small group first
- Reminders and response tracking
Let NHL Stenden students research your business
Tell us about your business and what you want to find out. We will tell you where NHL Stenden students can help.