Terms (HL) Flashcards
(34 cards)
Representational generalization
Findings from qualitative research can be applied to populations outside of the population of the study.
Inferential generalization
Findings of qualitative research can be applied outside if the setting of the study.
Theoretical generalization
Theoretical concepts derived from the study can be used to develop further theory.
Ethical considerations (LIST)
Anonymity/Confidentiality Informed consent Voluntary participation Protection from harm Given clear understanding Comfortabilty
*watch for very sensitive topics
Purposive sampling
Sampling that targets a specific group or people.
- Quick
- For rare/difficult to find populations
- *SAMPLING MAY BE BIASED
Snowball sampling
Researcher asks participants if there are other possible participants that they know of.
- Quick, effortless sampling
- Can locate hidden populations
- Cost-efficient
- *MAY BE BIASED (same opinions)
- *CONFIDENTIALITY CONCERNS (participants know each other)
Convenience sampling
Selects a group of people who happen to be there.
- Quick, convenient
- *SIMILAR RESEARCH IS NEEDED (may be biased after)
Participant expectations
Also known as reactivity, it is the participants’ ideas of the research and the researcher. Trustworthiness of data may be affected.
Researcher bias
Researcher does not pay enough attention to participants, so the researchers’ own beliefs determine the research process.
Triangulation
Cross-checking of information/conclusions in research. Usage of multiple procedures/sources is needed.
Needs multiple perspectives/sources/methods to support data.
Types of triangulation (list)
Method triangulation: comparing data that come from the use of different methods (qualitative/quantitative)
Data triangulation: comparing data gathered from other participants/sources (qualitative)
Researcher triangulation: use of several observers/interviewers/researchers to compare data
Theory triangulation: looking at data from different theoretical perspectives
Types of reflexivity
Personal reflexivity: reflecting on ways in which factors in researcher’s values, beliefs, experiences, interests, and political commitment have influenced the research.
Epistemological reflexivity: reflecting on ways in which knowledge has been generated in the study. (*Look at the limitation of a question that was asked; how many answers could possibly be found)
Participant observation
Observer takes part in the situation being studied while doing the research.
- To gain more intimate familiarity
- To understand the setting (literal/emotional) of participants (avoids bias)
- Must create relationships with people they may/may not like
- Researcher may change in process
- *WATCH REFLEXIVITY
Non-participant observation
Observer is not part of the situation being studied.
- Easier and faster to gather data
- Much less energy consuming
- *WATCH REACTIVITY, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND DECEPTION
Naturalistic observation
Observation takes place in the participants’ natural environment. Researchers avoid interfering with behaviour of participants.
- Good ecological validity
- Good for generally unethical/impossible cases
- Need multiple observers
- *WATCH DECEPTION AND REACTIVITY
Unstructured observation
Researcher records all relevant behaviour.
- No checklist
- Behaviour is unpredictable
- Difficult
Semi-structured observation
Data collection is open-ended, with the researcher having general areas to look for.
- Easier than unstructured.
- Allows for deep/detailed analysis
Structured observation
Researcher records specific, predetermined features of behaviour.
- Checklist developed before observation
- Easy
- Data analysis restricted to preset categories
Overt observation
Participants know they are being observed.
- Ethical considerations are reduced
- Some deception may be used, but participants know that the researcher is there
- Used to create a good relationship between researcher/participant (if needed)
- *WATCH REACTIVITY
Covert observation
Participants do not know they are being observed.
- Used in settings in which it would normally be difficult to access
- May be dangerous, if researcher chooses to observe a particularly violent group
- *WATCH ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS (NO CONSENT)
Semi-structured interview
Researcher has a guide to structure the interview, but it’s very open-ended. No restricted; researcher may use either closed or open-ended questions.
- To get insight into personal experience while following a guide
- Informal structure
- Researcher may ask participant to elaborate
- Checklist so all participants may respond to the same general questions
- *WATCH RESEARCHER BIAS (may lead interview on toward their intended result) AND ECOLOGICAL VALIDITY
Focus groups
Group discussion used possibly instead of one vs. one.
- Allows participants to explore/clarify their views toward a question
- 6-10 people generally, or else it may be difficult to get all of them to participate
- Purposive sampling used often (so the group will interact as they normally would)
Reflexivity
Where the researcher should reflect on their own background and beliefs, and how that could play a roll in the research process (bias)
Narrative interview
Participants are asked to tell stories to the researcher.
- To see the order in which an individual experiences life (sense)
- Should be taken as the individual’s interpretation of the context.
- Good with exploring complexity of a context
- Can be used with all types of people
- Time-consuming
- *WATCH TRUSTWORTHINESS
