Module A Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is research?
A systematic process by which we know more about something than we did before engaging in the process
What are the steps in academic research?
1) Narrow topic
2) Define research question
3) Literature review
4) Choose research design
5) Data collection
6) Data analysis
7) Reporting
What is qualitative research?
A situated activity that locates the researcher in the world to find meaning of certain naturally occurring phenomena in the social world
What is the aim of qualitative research?
To build theory by inductively analysing social phenomena and understanding people´s interpretations and experiences
Where does the research take place?
It is primarily naturalistic: a study takes place in a real-world setting rather than a lab, and whatever is being studied is allowed to happen naturally
Interpretivism
Reality is socially constructed; data is subjective, contextual, and language based
Positivism
Reality is objective and external; data is numerical, generalisable, and measurable
How do researchers collect data of meaning?
They collect data of meaning via:
- Interviews
- Ethnography
- Case Studies
- Document analysis
What do Quantitative researchers want?
They want the truth, what is real and consistent in different contexts
What do Qualitative researchers want?
They want the meaning
Which perspective does Qualitative research use?
An emic/insider perspective; researcher’s intuition can be valid.
What is the purpose of qualitative analysis?
Understanding, not predicting
What logic does quantitative research follow?
Deductive logic: Start with theory → hypothesis → test → confirm or reject
What logic does qualitative research follow?
Inductive logic: Start with observations → identify patterns → propose new theory.
What are examples of qualitative data sources?
- Quotes from documents
- Field notes
- Interviews
- Excerpts from videos
- Electronic communication
- etc.
What are the stages in identifying a research topic?
1) Initial Curiosity
2) Bigger picture
3) Reconnaissance
4) Opportunity
5) Just-right project.
What makes a research topic “too hot”?
Too specific and narrow
What makes a research topic “too cold”?
Too broad and vague
What makes a research topic “just right”?
Balanced scope and relevance
