This document provides guidance for students on evaluating research methods. It instructs students to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the method they chose. A table is provided to list the advantages and disadvantages of two example methods: searching the internet and using yellow pages. For each method, students should consider factors like time, resources needed, and reliability of information found. The document emphasizes being prepared for potential problems and considering alternative methods.

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 - The internet is fast - You may not have - You could go to the
Internet internet library or an internet
- You can use advanced cafe if you don’t have
search, this is very - Not all of the internet.
reliable because you can information found is
click on the information reliable - Go to reliable websites
from the past week, (not Wikipedia) e.g. the
month, year etc… - You might find website of the actual
information that was place.
- It is easy to find made a long time ago.
information and lot of - You can also use
information can be books to find your
found. information.
© 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
- Yellow page - Information found is - Not all information - You can call the place
reliable. can be found on the up to see if the
yellow page. information found is
- Information found correct.
might be old.
- You can try and use
different yellow pages
to find the information
if you are having
difficulty.
You should consider all of the methods you employ in your research in this way.
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.