Qualitative stats

Question 1

describe quantitative data.

Answer 1

Measurement (quantity)

• ‘Simple’ numerical data

• Experimental methods (hypothetico-deductive
approach, hypothesis testing)

• Focus: explaining behaviour (relationship between variables, causes and effects, predictions)
• Typically large samples (generalisability)

Question 2

describe qualitative data

Answer 2

Description (quality)

• ‘Rich’, often text-based data
• Not experimental (inductive, exploratory approach, theory building)
• Focus: understanding meaning (subjective perspectives and experiences, processes, explore complex issues, interpretations)
• Typically small samples (aim for depth, not breadth)

Question 3

what are criticisms of quantitative research?

Answer 3

Testing predefined hypothesis closes all other avenues.
Control of variables in the lab reduces ‘ecological validity’.
Participants isolated from real-world contexts.
Science itself is a human activity and part of society.
An experiment/questionnaire survey is an interaction.
No research is completely objective or value free (Qualitative researchers generally accept the subjectivity of all research – reflexivity)..

Question 4

what does qualitative research address?

Answer 4

1. What are the characteristics of the social phenomenon in question?
2. What are participants’ perceptions of the causes of the social phenomenon in question?
3. What are the consequences of the social phenomenon in question?

Question 5

what are criticisms of qualitative research?

Answer 5

Non-scientific/ atheoretical/ overly subjective
Variables not controlled, no predictive power
Understanding of causes and effects not underpinned by large datasets
Not generalizable or replicable
Non-cumulative
Difficulty judging reliability/validity
Small sample, researcher interpretation

Question 6

what are disadvantages of qualitative research?

Answer 6

Time consuming
High potential for participant and researcher bias
Potentially intrusive
Can be harder to convey message to ‘research-minded’ people
Impact in the world/influencing policy?

Question 7

what are advantages of qualitative research?

Answer 7

Addresses the ‘why’ or ‘how’ instead versus ‘how many’
Affords insight into phenomena
new perspectives  theory-building
‘gives voice’ participants who might not otherwise be heard ‘empowerment research’
gets behind façade
Role of the researcher as an insider
may be positive ‘insider perspective’

Question 8

what is a mixed methods approach?

Answer 8

“Mixedmethodapproachis
oneinwhichtheresearcher
collects,analyzes,and
integratesbothquantitative
(quant)andqualitative
(qual)datainasinglestudy
orinmultiplestudiesina
sustainedprogramof
inquiry”

Question 9

what is triangulation?

mixed method

Answer 9

different methods used to measure same phenomenon and increase confidence in conclusions reached.

Question 10

what is complementarity? (mixed method)

Answer 10

Differentmethodsinvestigatedifferent
aspects/dimensionsofsamephenomenato
deepen/broadeninterpretationsandconclusions

Question 11

what is development? (mixed method)

Answer 11

Resultsfromonemethodusedtoinform

developmentofothermethod

Question 12

What is initiation? (mixed method)

Answer 12

Differentmethodsusedtoinvestigatedifferent

aspects/dimensionsofsamephenomenon

Question 13

what is expansion? (mixed method)

Answer 13

Differentmethodsusedtoassessdifferent

phenomenatoexpandscope/rangeofstudy

Question 14

what is ethnography?

Answer 14

studying social groups in context over time.
Changes in attitudes, behaviours, roles

Understanding cultures (patterns of behaviour, systems of meaning)

use insider perspectives.
ie photographs, films, journals.

Question 15

what is participant observation?

Answer 15

To observe activities, people, physical aspects of phenomena in natural setting

3 degrees of participant observation:
Passive
Active
privileged?

Question 16

what are the types of interview?

Answer 16

structured.
semi structured.
unstructured/open

advantages and disadvantages on lecture 9