This document discusses evaluating research methods for a task. It provides a template to list the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen research method. Some examples given are searching online, which is fast but may have unreliable information, and using the yellow pages, which has reliable information but may be outdated or missing listings. The document stresses considering alternatives in case problems arise with the initial method. It encourages weighing practical factors like time, resources, and variables outside your control for the method.

1. Creative and Media: Level 2 Higher Diploma Unit 1: Scene
Level 2 Higher Diploma Creative and MediaUnit 1: Scene
1.1.1a Evaluating your choices
Student Book
pp 14–23
Extension activity
Often there is more than one way to investigate a particular subject.
Think carefully about the research method you chose at the beginning of this task, then fill
in the grid below, listing the advantages and disadvantages of using this method.
Considering carefully the potential drawbacks of your chosen method will help to prepare
you for any problems that may arise, and will mean that you have considered alternative
ways to find this information.
When weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, consider the time this method will
take, the practical considerations (e.g. bad weather if you are going to be outdoors), what
resources your method needs and the chances that something beyond your control will
affect your ability to use this method.
Method chosen Advantages Disadvantages Alternative method
should problems occur
Searching on the Fast, easy to find May not have internet, Go to the library or and
Internet information and lot of not all information are internet cafe if you
information can be reliable, maybe old don’t have internet, go
found. information. to reliable websites (not
Wikipedia) e.g. the
website of the actual
place.
Not all
Yellow page Information found is information/places can You can call the place
reliable. be found on yellow up to see if the
page. Information found information found is
might be old.
right.
You should consider all of the methods you employ in your research in this way.
© Pearson Education Ltd 2008. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 1

2. Creative and Media: Level 2 Higher Diploma Unit 1: Scene
Level 2 Higher Diploma Creative and MediaUnit 1: Scene
Sometimes you will find that there is a quicker, safer, more efficient or more reliable way
to do a task if you consider it carefully enough.
2 © Pearson Education Ltd 2008. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.