Research and Interview Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the observer effect in the context of observations?

Participants behave naturally when observed.

Participants change their behavior because they are being observed. (correct)

The observer misinterprets the actions of participants.

The environment has no impact on participants' behavior.

Which of the following practices should be avoided when conducting interviews?

Starting the interview with a solution to the problem. (correct)

Looking for inconsistencies in answers.

Documenting the interview process.

Asking for specific examples from previous experiences.

Why is it important to maintain confidentiality during interviews?

To ensure that the research remains unbiased.

To collect more data from participants later.

To comply with ethical standards of research. (correct)

To encourage participants to speak freely. (correct)

What is a key aspect of ethical interviews?

Ensuring the interview does not cause harm to the interviewee. Signup and view all the answers

Which question type is advisable to use during interviews?

Open-ended questions that allow for detailed responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is triangulation in research?

A method of data collection from different sources to validate findings. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of beneficence in ethical considerations refer to?

The need to ensure actions are beneficial to participants. Signup and view all the answers

What type of informants should you reach out to for gathering data?

Representatives of your scoped population and subject experts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the client's design brief?

To address the time and financial constraints affecting university students' diets Signup and view all the answers

Why did the project team decide to limit their focus to North American university students?

North American universities have unique challenges that differ from other regions Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended for team conversations to ensure a shared understanding?

Engaging in structured team discussions Signup and view all the answers

What type of sources is considered most credible for background research?

Government websites and academic journals Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for convincing investors of the project's significance?

Well-justified discussions about the problem's impact Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is deemed an unacceptable source for Report 1?

Wikipedia and random websites Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key skills mentioned that aids in effective research?

Efficiency in finding and understanding suitable research sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting interviews and observations in the research phase?

To internalize and articulate understanding of the need Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method for organizing research within a team?

Use a reference manager to track ideas and sources. Signup and view all the answers

Which platform is NOT mentioned as a source for peer-reviewed articles?

ResearchGate Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of conducting interviews?

Responses may be biased due to the interviewer’s influence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of user-centered design?

Involve users, clients, and experts early and frequently. Signup and view all the answers

What should an observer focus on during their observations?

Recording visible details and patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a negative aspect of observing a problem?

It may not be representative of the larger population. Signup and view all the answers

Before conducting interviews, what should be done first?

Perform thorough background research. Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective practice for making observations?

Watching without interruption. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of interviewing representative people?

Insights are shared in participants' own words. Signup and view all the answers

Which among the following is important for successful teamwork in research?

Discussing and sharing research findings is essential. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum implementation cost for the project stated?

$50,000.00 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criteria must be met to minimize student travel time?

Minimizing distances to meeting spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal regarding student stress?

To minimize student stress Signup and view all the answers

Which feature must the project ensure for conducting meetings?

Meetings must allow for sound-proof discussions Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame within which the project must be implemented?

8 months Signup and view all the answers

How should the project increase group meeting spaces?

By adding more meeting rooms compared to current Signup and view all the answers

What building standard must the project comply with?

Building Safety Codes Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is critical for the bag designed for the quadriplegic client?

It should attach securely to the wheelchair. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the university student food problem?

Addressing the lack of well-balanced diets for students Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a constraint mentioned for the university student food problem?

Must provide vegetarian options exclusively Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives for addressing the university student food problem?

Minimize time to prepare food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts must food adhere to according to the constraints?

Health Canada Safe Food for Canadians Act Signup and view all the answers

What should be maximized according to the objectives for the university student food problem?

Perceived health of food Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a major constraint in the university student food problem?

Cultural preferences of students Signup and view all the answers

What does the constraint regarding 'Maximum residue limits for pesticides' apply to?

Food safety and standards compliance Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the required functions of the food to be provided to students?

Provide all necessary nourishment Signup and view all the answers

According to the requirements, which aspect must be maximized?

Taste based on surveys Signup and view all the answers

What does the course-specific constraint primarily involve?

Maintaining a budget of $100.00 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research

Conduct thorough research before interviewing individuals or experts
Use credible sources like patents, government websites, academic journals, and conference proceedings
Do not use Google, Wikipedia, or ChatGPT as primary references
Search for relevant publications on Summon, Compendex, Google Scholar, or Scopus

Observation

Observe the problem firsthand
Be mindful of the observer effect, where individuals behave differently under observation
Focus on capturing observable facts and avoid personal assumptions
Identify patterns and repetitions in observations
Watch the video at this link: [video link provided]

Interviewing

Prepare interview questions in advance
Include "Why" questions
Ask about specific instances instead of general habits
Pay attention to inconsistencies and body language
Do not suggest answers
Don't initiate with solutions, focus on problems first
Avoid binary questions
Document every detail of the interview
Identify questions requiring clarification
Maintain ethical standards:
- Avoid causing harm, physically or mentally
- Respect confidentiality
Adhere to ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice
Determine when sufficient information is gathered through triangulation or theoretical saturation
Reach out to community members for interviews
Practice professionalism when contacting potential informants
Consider UBCO stakeholders, faculty, and TAs as potential informants

Constraints

Define project constraints related to the need statement
Identify constraints that are economic, social, political, environmental, regulatory, and unique to specific courses
Examples of constraints relating to university student food:
- Adhering to Health Canada food safety standards and guidelines
- Meeting the Health Canada Safe Food for Canadians Act
- Meeting the Health Canada Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act
- Complying with the US FDA regulations for food processing, packaging, and storage
- Following food laws of all 23 countries in North America
- Sticking to the course prototyping budget of $100.00

Requirements and FOCS

Identify functions, objectives, and constraints related to the need statement
Examples of functions, objectives, and constraints for university student food:
- Functions:
  - Provide all necessary nourishment for survival
  - Meet recommended Health Canada servings of fruits and vegetables
- Objectives:
  - Minimize food preparation time
  - Minimize cost
  - Maximize perceived health
  - Maximize taste
  - Maximize fullness
- Constraints:
  - Must follow Health Canada food safety standards and guidelines
  - Must abide by the Health Canada Safe Food for Canadians Act
  - Must adhere to course prototyping budget of $100.00

Example Warm-Up Exercise

Client: “Hello, first year engineering students. I am quadriplegic and use a motorized wheelchair controlled by a mouth piece. I am looking for you to create a reusable bag that attaches to my wheelchair so I can carry groceries home from the store easily. Currently, the bags that attach to my wheel chair are too small and fall off when I put in more than 5 lbs. I need you to design a bigger bag, that can carry more weight, that is easy to use, and easy to clean.”
Watch these videos: [video links provided]

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Description

This quiz covers essential research and interviewing techniques, emphasizing the importance of credible sources and observational skills. You'll learn how to formulate effective questions and recognize the nuances of human behavior during interviews. Enhance your skills in gathering qualitative data in various contexts.