What type of research method did Dobash and Dobash use in their study?

Dobash and Dobash conducted informal interviews in their study, which involved gathering qualitative data from women who had experienced domestic violence. This method allows researchers to delve deeply into individuals' personal experiences, feelings, and perspectives, providing rich, detailed insights that are often unattainable through more structured methods.

Informal interviews are characterized by a conversational style, enabling participants to express their thoughts and experiences freely, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the complex social issues surrounding domestic violence. This approach aligns well with the aims of Dobash and Dobash, as they sought to capture the emotional and psychological impacts of such experiences, as well as the societal factors contributing to domestic abuse.

Structured interviews, on the other hand, consist of predetermined questions with limited scope for elaboration, which would not have provided the depth of data the researchers required. Focus groups are designed for group interactions rather than individual experiences, potentially diluting personal narratives. Laboratory experiments typically involve controlled environments and quantitative measures, which would not suit the exploratory nature of Dobash and Dobash's research on sensitive social issues such as domestic violence.