Final exam

Question 1

Reflective; Positionality

Answer 1

• Definition: Reflective practice involves critically examining one’s assumptions and biases in research. Positionality refers to how the researcher’s background influences their perspective.
  
  • Example: Acknowledging one’s privilege as a researcher and how it may affect interactions with research participants (Kovach, Margaret).

Question 2

Research methods; qualitative research and its characteristics

Answer 2

-Definition: Research methods involve systematic approaches to collect and analyze data for answering research questions. Qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through non-numerical data.
- Example: Conducting interviews and participant observation to explore the impact of social media on mental health (Saldana, Johnny).

Question 3

Ethnography, Media Ethnography, Virtual or Digital Ethnography; Autoethnography

Answer 3

• Definition: Ethnography involves immersive observation in a culture. Media ethnography studies media practices. Virtual or digital ethnography explores online communities. Autoethnography reflects on personal experiences within a cultural context.
  
  • Example: Living with a remote Indigenous community to study their culture and digital media interactions (Hine, Christine).

Question 4

Unobtrusive Methods and Interactive or Participatory Methods

Answer 4

• Definition: Unobtrusive methods observe behavior without interference, while interactive methods engage participants.
  
  • Example: Analyzing public archival data on social media trends (Merrigan, Gerianne).

Question 5

Framing Theory; Frame Analysis

Answer 5

• Definition: Framing theory examines how media frames influence understanding. Frame analysis identifies and analyzes these frames.
  
  • Example: Analyzing news coverage of political events to understand different framing techniques (Entman, Robert M.).

Question 6

Decolonizing Research, Hierarchy of Credibility Decolonizing Research, Hierarchy of Credibility

Answer 6

• Definition: Decolonizing research aims to challenge colonial legacies in methodologies. Hierarchy of credibility refers to whose knowledge is valued.
  
  • Example: Prioritizing Indigenous knowledge in environmental research (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, Sabelo).

Question 7

Interviews; Standardized, In-depth, Semi-structured and Active Interviewers

Answer 7

• Definition: Interviews involve asking questions to gather data. Standardized interviews have fixed questions. In-depth interviews explore topics deeply. Semi-structured interviews combine prepared and flexible questions. Active interviewers engage participants actively.
  
  • Example: Conducting semi-structured interviews to understand consumer behavior (van den Hoonaard, D. K.).

Question 8

Social Constructionism; Interpretive Research; Researcher as Instrument Social Constructionism; Interpretive Research; Researcher as Instrument

Answer 8

• Definition: Social constructionism sees reality as socially constructed. Interpretive research focuses on understanding constructed realities. The researcher is considered an instrument shaping research outcomes.
  
  • Example: Studying how different cultures construct gender roles (Lindlof, Thomas R.).

Question 9

Photovoice, Photo Elicitation

Answer 9

• Definition: Photovoice involves participants using photography to express themselves. Photo elicitation uses photos to prompt discussion.
  
  • Example: Using photovoice to explore experiences of homelessness (Teachman, Gail).

Question 10

Mobile Methods, Diaries

Answer 10

• Definition: Mobile methods involve collecting data using mobile devices. Diaries involve participants recording their experiences.
  
  • Example: Using smartphone apps to collect data on daily physical activity (Pink, Sarah).

Question 11

Grounded Theory

Answer 11

• Definition: Grounded theory is an approach to qualitative research that aims to develop theories grounded in data.
  
  • Example: Using grounded theory to develop a model explaining how individuals cope with chronic illness (Charmaz, Kathy).

Question 12

Critical Media Studies

Answer 12

• Definition: Critical media studies examines media structures and representations, focusing on power dynamics and social inequalities.
  
  • Example: Analyzing representations of race in reality television shows (Boylorn, Robin M.).

Question 13

Research Ethics Principles; Informed Consent and Vulnerability (Researcher and/or Participant)

Answer 13

• Definition: Research ethics principles guide ethical conduct in research. Informed consent ensures participants understand the study. Vulnerability concerns the potential harm to participants or researchers.
  
  • Example: Ensuring participants understand the risks and benefits of a study before providing consent (Sugiura, Lisa).

Question 14

Qualitative Research Questions (RQs)

Answer 14

• Definition: Qualitative research questions guide the inquiry process in qualitative studies.
  
  • Example: “How do individuals perceive their experiences of unemployment?” (van den Hoonaard, D. K.).

Question 15

Inductive, Deductive Reasoning

Answer 15

• Definition: Inductive reasoning involves deriving general principles from specific observations. Deductive reasoning applies general principles to specific cases.
  
  • Example: Inductive: Noticing a pattern of behavior and forming a hypothesis. Deductive: Applying a theory to predict specific outcomes.

Question 16

Recruitment, Gatekeepers and Sponsors, Storylines

Answer 16

• Definition: Recruitment involves selecting participants for a study. Gatekeepers control access to participants. Sponsors fund research. Storylines refer to narrative themes in research.
  
  • Example: Working with community leaders to recruit participants for a study on healthcare access (van den Hoonaard, D. K.).

Question 17

Online Research and Ethics Concerns and Debates: Public/Private Data*

Answer 17

• Definition: Online research involves studying data collected or available online. Ethical concerns include privacy and consent issues related to public and private data.
  
  • Example: Analyzing public social media posts while respecting users’ privacy settings (Markham, Annette).

Question 18

Meaning-Making Meaning-Making

Answer 18

• Definition: Meaning-making refers to the process of constructing meaning from experiences or information.
  
  • Example: Exploring how individuals make sense of traumatic events through narrative analysis (Ellingson, Laura).

Question 19

Participant Observation; Complete Observation; Complete Participant; Observer Participant, Participant Obs.

Answer 19

• Definition: Participant observation involves observing and participating in a setting to understand its dynamics. Complete observation is when the researcher immerses themselves in the setting the are studying. Observer participant is where the researcher mainly observes however may participate here and there. Participant observation involves the researcher actively participating and keeping notes of their experience
  
  • Example: Living in a homeless shelter to study social interactions among residents (Lindlof, Thomas R.).

Question 20

Field Site; Field Work; Field Notes; Transcription

Answer 20

• Definition: The field site is the location where research is conducted. Fieldwork involves data collection in the field. Field notes document observations. Transcription involves converting audio/video recordings into written form.
  
  • Example: Conducting fieldwork in a rural village to study agricultural practices (Hine, Christine).

Question 21

Coding; Open/Initial and Focused; Coding Worksheets

Answer 21

• Definition: Coding involves organizing and categorizing data for analysis. Open coding identifies initial themes. Focused coding narrows down to specific themes. Coding worksheets are tools used to organize coding processes.
  
  • Example: Using open coding to identify broad themes in interview transcripts, then using focused coding to analyze specific aspects of those themes (Charmaz, Kathy).

Question 22

Subjugated Knowledge

Answer 22

• Definition: Subjugated knowledge refers to marginalized or suppressed forms of knowledge that challenge dominant narratives.
  
  • Example: Recognizing and validating Indigenous knowledge systems in environmental research (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, Sabelo).

Question 23

Research Data Management; Data Management Plans

Answer 23

• Definition: Research data management involves organizing, storing, and sharing research data. Data management plans outline how data will be collected, managed, and shared throughout the research process.
  
  • Example: Creating a data management plan detailing how research data will be securely stored and made accessible to collaborators (Mannay, Dawn).

Question 24

The Sociological Imagination

Answer 24

• Definition: The sociological imagination is the ability to understand personal troubles in the context of broader social structures.
  
  • Example: Understanding individual experiences of unemployment as a result of economic shifts and labor market conditions (Ragin, Charles C.).

Question 25

Brainstorming Strategies

Answer 25

• Definition: Brainstorming involves generating ideas or solutions through group discussion or individual reflection.
  
  • Example: Conducting a brainstorming session with colleagues to generate research topics for a project (Kearney, Mary Celeste).

Question 26

Emergent Design, Research as Process

Answer 26

• Definition: Emergent design allows research to evolve based on emerging insights. Research is seen as a dynamic, iterative process.
  
  • Example: Modifying interview questions based on early findings to explore emerging themes more deeply (Pink, Sarah).

Question 27

Mixed Methods Research; Triangulation and Crystallization

Answer 27

• Definition: Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Triangulation involves using multiple methods or data sources to validate findings. Crystallization involves considering multiple perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding.
  
  • Example: Using surveys and interviews to explore the impact of a health intervention on patient outcomes, then comparing and integrating findings to develop recommendations (Hesse-Biber, Sharlene Nagy).

Question 28

Case Study Research; Descriptive, Representative; Comparative Case Study Research; Descriptive, Representative; Comparative

Answer 28

• Definition: Case study research involves in-depth exploration of a particular case or phenomenon. Descriptive case studies provide detailed descriptions. Representative case studies aim to represent broader populations. Comparative case studies analyze similarities and differences across cases.
  
  • Example: Conducting a case study of a successful community health program to understand factors contributing to its effectiveness (Merrigan, Gerianne).

Question 29

Talking/Sharing Circles and Focus Groups; Facilitation Techniques

Answer 29

• Definition: Talking/sharing circles and focus groups involve group discussions to gather insights. Facilitation techniques are strategies used to guide and manage group discussions.
  
  • Example: Using open-ended questions and active listening to facilitate a sharing circle discussing experiences of discrimination (Boylorn, Robin M.).

Question 30

Sampling Methods; Non-random and Random Sampling Methods

Answer 30

• Definition: Sampling methods involve selecting participants or data for study. Non-random sampling methods involve non-probabilistic selection, while random sampling methods involve probabilistic selection.
  
  • Example: Using purposive sampling to select participants with diverse experiences for an in-depth interview study (Kimmerer, Robin Wall).