2801 Final Flashcards
Surveys
Are correlational research. Causality may be inferred. Some survey research makes predictions (predictor variables & criterion variables). Types include questionnaires, interviews, and self-reported diaries.
Designing Good Surveys
- Consider research question 2. Define Constructs 3. Review existing instruments 4. Write items for each construct 5. Get advice 6. Pilot test items 7. Analyze stats 8. Re-work items 9. Administer final survey
Defining Constructs
The most important stage in survey design.
Types of Questions
Demographic information, open-ended items (tend to be subjective, used more in interviews), close-ended items. Note: Interval > Ordinal data for demographics
Scales
Categorical (nominal), Continuous (interval / ratio), Ranked (ordinal), Scores can either be summative or cumulative.
Likert Scaling Model
Summative scaling method with ranked values –> anchors are susceptible to bias –> Even # scale has no neutral choice
Semantic Differential Scale Model
Summative model, measures feelings by scaling between 2 extremes. Only extreme anchors labeled.
Visual Analogue Scales
Summative, only extreme anchors labelled, line of fixed length used for scale. Commonly used for pain.
Guttman Scales
Cumulative or hierarchical. Often describe functional limitations of patients.
Order of question types (in a survey)
Non sensitive (interesting), demographic (non-interesting), sensitive info, end with easy questions
Delphi survey
A survey in which participants are health-care practicioners, or experts in the field –> Develop consensus around a specific issue –> Useful for establishing norms in clinical practice.
Emic approach
Qualitative, begins with indicators & tries to determine constructs that fit. Goal is to understand.
Etic approach
Quantitative, begins with formal constructs & tries to develop empirical indicators. Goal is to predict.
Variance Questions
Focus on differences & correlations. Focus on testing predetermined solutions (Hypothesis testing)
Process Questions
Focus on how things happen. Focus on understanding –> Hypothesis generating
Qualitative research
Concern is with discovery & description. Qualitative research in health studies SDoHaD
5 Qualitative research study types
Normative-Biographical study, Phenomenological Study, Ground Theory study, Ethnographic & Case study
Normative-Biographical Study
Researchers focus on the meaning an individual finds in his/her experience.
Phenomenological Study
Studies a phenomenon. Researchers focus on recall & recounting of marker events (key experiences that shape an indiv’s life)
Ground Theory Study
Focuses on finding relationships or various interpretations an indiv applies to his/her experiences –> Researchers develop constructs grounded in daily life experiences
Ethnographic Study
Focus on cultural patterns of behavior & meanings people use to organize & interpret experiences
Case Study
Analysis of a case to invoke broader interpretations of the meaning –> Structured: Problem, context, issues, lesson learned
4 Methods of Data Collection
Interviews, Observation, Content Analysis, Focus Groups
Interviews
One method of data collection: Structured (fixed questions) or unstructured (questions develop as interview progresses)
Observation
One method of data collection: Direct determination of “here and now” experiences. Either passive or participant.
Content Analysis
One method of data collection: In depth look at qualitative materials
Focus groups
One method of data collection: Investigators act as moderators, facilitating a discussion
Analysis Process
1) Data managing (data storage) 2) Reading / memoing (read, note, form initial ideas) 3) Describe data 4) Classifying 5) Interpreting 6) Representing & visualizing
Sampling
Evaluate saturation to determine sample efficiency –> When sufficient information exists to predict responses it is saturated. Saturation is difficult to quantify.
Tracy’s 8 “Big Tent” Criteria
1) Worthy Topic 2) Rich Rigor 3) Sincerity 4) Credibility 5) Resonance 6) Research provides Significant Contribution 7) Research is Ethical 8) Meaningful Coherence
Weakness of Qualitative research
Labor intensive, involves exp-based learning, lack of formal rigor in data collection & analysis, more difficult to establish credibility.