Lecture 11 Flashcards
What is right censoring
- subject leaves before event occurs OR study ends before event occurs
What is left censoring
- event has already occurred before enrolment
What happens if you ignore censoring
“overestimate survival rate”
- this bias gets worse when there is more censoring
When to use qualitative research methods
- emphasis on meanings, experiences, and views
- identify intangible factors
- focus on process, interpretation, meaning
- methods more flexible, greater spontaneity and adaptation
What are the qualitative research steps
- design, plan, collect
- code material, identify themes
- Analyze material
What is ethnography
studies patterns of behaviours, language, and actions of cultural group in a natural setting over prolonged period of time
What is narrative research
Combines views from participant’s life
What is phenomenology
Describes lived experiences of individuals about a phenomenon
What is grounded theory
Using multiple stages of data collection to discover patterns and new theories
1. development of theory from data
2. iterative/recursive approach
- data collection until theoretical saturation
What are case studies
In depth analysis of a ‘case’ (program, event, individual, group)
What is theoretical saturation
Point at which there is nothing to be gained by collection of new information
What are types of qualitative data collection
- focus groups discussions
- interviews
- observation
- Visual methods
What are focus groups
- group of individuals selected and assembled by researchers to discuss and comment on, from personal experience, the topic that is the subject of the researcher
- typically purposive
When to use focus groups
- exploratory or preliminary studies
- to uncover factors relating to complex behaviour or motivation
- when you want ideas to emerge from the groups
When not to use focus groups
- detailed probing of behaviour, attitudes, or needs is required
- subject matter under discussion is confidential or emotionally charged
- certain strong, socially acceptable norms exist and the need to conform in a group discussion may influence response
Advantages and disadvantages of focus groups
advantages
- enable larger sample size
- time and cost efficient
- large amount of data obtained
- participants may feel secure in a group environment
disadvantages
- group think
- summarization and interpretation may be challenging
- subjective responses
- groups can vary considerably
- groups can be difficult to assemble
responsibilities of moderator
- clear explanation of purpose
- guide discussion, probe, steer
- ensure good time keeping
- ensure people are relaxed and comfortable
- avoid showing personal opinion
What are interviews
researchers pose questions in neutral manner
What is an unstructured interview
Participant tells story
What is a semi-structured interview
Specific questions asked, but interviewers are flexible to explore responses
What are structured interviews
Questions and order predetermined
What are advantages of interviews
- flexible and responsive method
- can explore additional research questions and issues as they arise
- ability to gain rich and descriptive data
- most participants will accept
- ability of follow up research participants for clarification or further exploration if needed
- decreased distractions
What are disadvantages of interviews
- time consuming, expensive
- difficult to ensure anonymity
- potential for bias
What is observation
observer participates in daily life of people under study, either openly or not
- may use multiple observers, teams
- may include multiple observations under varying conditions
