Enquiry Skills Investigating

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Enquiry Skills Investigating

• Methods of Enquiry

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Method 1 Using a CD-Rom

• A CD-Rom is sometimes called an encyclopaedia on
  CD.
• They include newspapers, Scotsman and Herald.
• CD-Roms provide vast amounts of relevant, topical
  information on almost every subject.

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CD-Rom Advantages
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CD-Rom Disadvantages
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Method 2 Database

• A collection of information about a particular
  topic e.g. Census, Govt report.
• A system for filing information on a computer.
• Contains a data file, records and fields of
  information.

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Database Advantages
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Database Disadvantages
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Method 3 Internet

• Requires a computer and modem.
• Provide access to the World Wide Web and Email.
• Uses a search enquire e.g. Google, Yahoo to find
  information.
• An On-line encyclopaedia of virtually unlimited
  information.
• Means of communicating with people world wide at
  low cost and high speed.

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Internet Advantages
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Internet Disadvantages
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Method 4 Interview

• A conversation between 2 people, either
  structured or informal.
• Effective way of getting information from an
  expert e.g. Social Worker.
• Questions can be prepared in advance.
• Answers can be recorded.

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Interview Advantages
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Interview Disadvantages
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Method 5 Writing a Letter

• Written for a specific purpose.
• To get information or arrange a meeting.
• Good letters are specific not general -
  structured letters.
• E.g. Elderly - Social Work Dept, Employed - Job
  Centre.

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Letter Writing Advantages
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Letter Writing Disadvantages
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Method 6 Library

• Holds information on many formats e.g. video,
  audio, CD-Rom, Internet, newspaper, magazine,
  book.
• Found in school, college and local community.

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Library Advantages
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Library Disadvantages
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Method 7 Survey

• Set of questions to discover public opinion e.g.
  best type of elderly housing.
• Must be a sample with a good cross section of the
  community e.g. male, female, age.
• May contain open or closed questions.
• 4 stages - write questions, identify sample,
  record answers and result.

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Survey Advantages
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Survey Disadvantages
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Method 8 Questionnaire

• Questions you make up to ask somebody who knows
  about your investigation.

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Questionnaire Advantages
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Questionnaire Disadvantages
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The End