Quali Revisions Flashcards
(59 cards)
What is the primary focus of qualitative research?
Understanding human nature and gaining insights from participants
Qualitative research emphasizes the subjective experiences of individuals.
What are two strengths of qualitative research?
- Deeper understanding of the impact of nursing on patients
- Provides vital information on attitudes and satisfaction
These insights can lead to improvements in care.
What is a common weakness of qualitative research?
Perceived as non-scientific and often expensive to conduct
Qualitative studies typically involve smaller sample sizes.
How can qualitative and quantitative research be used together?
To explore issues from different perspectives, such as patient views and providing managers with dependable information
This combination can enhance decision-making in healthcare.
Define empiricism.
A general approach suggesting that only knowledge gained through experience and senses is acceptable
It emphasizes rigorous testing of ideas before considering them knowledge.
What is the difference between grand theories and middle-range theories?
- Grand theories operate at a more abstract level and are of limited use in social research
- Middle-range theories focus on understanding specific aspects of social life
Middle-range theories are more applicable for empirical inquiry.
Describe the deductive approach in research.
Involves drawing on current knowledge to develop a hypothesis to test
It typically follows the process: Theory -> Hypothesis -> Data Collection -> Findings -> Theory Revision.
What is the inductive approach in research?
Theory is formed from observations, often involving iterative strategies
It is commonly associated with qualitative research.
What does the abductive approach entail?
Starting with an observation and explaining it by switching back and forth between the observation and existing literature
This method is also known as dialectical shuttling.
True or False: Positivism argues for the use of natural science methods to study social sciences.
True
Positivism emphasizes the importance of empirical data in forming knowledge.
What is critical realism?
A form of realism that acknowledges the reality of social structures and events, advocating for their identification to understand and change the social world
It contrasts with naive realism, which assumes a direct correspondence between reality and descriptions.
What is interpretivism in social research?
An epistemology that emphasizes understanding the subjective experience of social action and the meanings behind it
It is influenced by hermeneutics and phenomenology.
What are the two main ontological positions in social research?
- Objectivism: social phenomena exist independently of human perception
- Constructivism: social phenomena are created through social interactions
These positions influence how researchers interpret social reality.
What is intersectionality?
The idea that individuals occupy multiple social categories that influence their experiences
Understanding these intersections helps to address unique experiences shaped by overlapping identities.
List the three views on how values should influence research.
- Value-free approach
- Reflexive approach
- Conscious partiality approach
Each view represents a different stance on the role of researcher values in the research process.
What are the three key practical considerations in research?
- Nature of the research question
- Previous research on the topic
- Nature of the topic and people being investigated
These factors can constrain research design and methodology.
What are the two main approaches to qualitative interviews?
- Semi-structured: guided questions with flexibility
- Unstructured: informal conversation with topics to cover
Each approach serves different research needs.
What is the primary purpose of qualitative interviews?
To gain rich and detailed insights from participants
They allow for spontaneous discussion and focus on the interviewee’s perspective.
What is a potential limitation of qualitative interviewing?
Contact with participants may be brief and formal, affecting the honesty of responses
Power dynamics can influence how participants share their views.
Fill in the blank: The _______ approach aims to completely suppress personal beliefs and feelings in research.
Value-free
This approach is rooted in the idea of objectivity in research.
What type of interview format is favoured for addressing specific issues?
Semi-structured
Semi-structured interviews allow for flexibility while ensuring consistency across multiple interviews.
What is a potential drawback of qualitative interviewing compared to participant observation?
Less immersion, leading to potential untruthfulness from participants due to fear of judgment
Participants may not share sensitive information openly.
What kind of sampling involves strategically selecting cases likely to provide relevant information?
Purposive sampling
This method focuses on specific characteristics that align with research goals.
What is the minimum number of interviews typically required for qualitative studies to be published?
Between 20 and 30
Some qualitative approaches may accept fewer interviews depending on the study’s purpose.