Qualitative Research Flashcards
(24 cards)
Characteristics Of Qualitative Research
- Natural setting
- Researchers collect data themselves
- gathered in multiple forms (observations, interviews and documents)
- Inductive data analysis (build patterns bottom up)
Characteristics of Qualitative Research pt2
- Participant meaning (ps voice)
- Emergent Design (research process is emergent)
- Theoretical lens
- Interpretive (make an interpretation of what we see,hear and understand)
- Holistic account ( develop complex picture of the problem)
Ontology Reality
Our perception of “Truth”.
do we think that reality exists entirely separate from human practices/ behaviours and understanding
Ontology Existence
our views on the relationship between the world and our human interpretations and practices
Ontology Positivism
Person (researcher) and reality and separate
Epistemology Positivism
Objective reality exists beyond the human mind
Ontology Positivism
Person (researcher) and reality and inseparable (life-world)
Research objects - Positivism
Research object has inherent qualities exist independently of the researcher
Epistemology Interpretivism
Knowledge of the world is intentionally constituted through a person’s lived experiences
Research objective- interpretivism
Research object is interpreted in light of meaning structure of person’s (researcher’s) lived experience
Method- positivism
statistics, content analysis
Method- interpretivism
Hermeneutics phenomenology etc
What is a research interview?
Professional conversation
Interviewees story (in-depth)
Used for follow-up questions/ further research
describe and explain meaning of central themes
Structured interview
Predetermined questions
No flexability
Semi-structured interview
Predetermined questions
Flexible-topics can change
Driven by participants
Unstructured interviews
Few predetermined topics
Strongly participant lead
(good for sensitive topics)
Positives of semi-structured interviews
- Rich and detailed data about experiences and perspectives
- Flexiable- probe for more/ unplanned questions
- Smaller sample
- Good for sensitive topics
- Accessible- can use on different people
- Researcher control over data, therefore more useful data
Limitations of semistructured interviews
- time consuming- organise conduct and transcribe
- time consuming for participants
- lack of breadth- small sample
- Not always good for sensitive topics = may want to be anonymous
- No anonymity
- Not empowering for participants- ps have less control over data produced
Preparing for an interview
Develop and interview guide/ schedule
chronological order
start with easy questions then go to harder ones
general to specific
flow between topics
probe and prompt
open ended
non directive
Intro to interview
- welcome and introduction
- purpose of research + interview
- no right or wrongs
- no requirement to answer all questions
- its more of a conversation
- length of interview
- say if recording and why
- explain about notes/ guide if applicable
Focus groups
- data collected for multiple ps at same time
- relatively unstructured but guided by RQ
- leader of session- moderator
- typically face to face
- social interaction- complex - extroverts, challenges in opinions, asking qs
Advantages of focus groups
- Flexible - unanticipated issues
- gather new knowledge
- ecological validity = conversation situation
- interaction+ meaning-making process
- can facilitate disclosure
- empowerment for ps (incontrol of data + agree with each other)
What is the role of a moderator in a focus group?
Stimulate discussion and to keep the conversation on track
