Chapter 18-21

Question 1

non-probability sampling

Answer 1

Not every individual has an equal chance to enter the sample (in contrast to quantitative research)

Question 2

theoretical sampling

Answer 2

the process of data collection for generating theory whereby the analyst jointly collects, codes, and analyzes his data and decides what data to collect next and where to find them, in order to develop his theory as it emerges.

Question 3

purposive sampling

Answer 3

the non-probability form of sampling. The goal is to sample cases/participants in a strategic way so that those sampled are relevant to the research questions that are being posed.

Question 4

snowball sampling

Answer 4

potential respondents were then asked to refer the researchers on to other potential respondents

Question 5

sample size

Answer 5

Until theoretical saturation is reached and is often a difficult criterium! some say at least 60 interviews but no more than 150.

Question 6

Theoretical saturation

Answer 6

The key idea is that you carry on sampling theoretically until a category has been saturated with data. ‘This means, until (a) no new or relevant data seem to be emerging regarding a category, (b) the category is well developed in terms of its properties and dimensions demonstrating variation, and (c) the relationship among categories are well established and validated.

Question 7

Process of theoretical sampling

Answer 7

1) General research question
2) Sample theoretically
3) Collect data
4) Analyze data (concepts, categories)
5) Theoretical saturation
6) Generate hypothesis
7) Go back to step two

Question 8

Examples of Participant observation studies

Answer 8

Roy (1958) spent two months working as a machine operator in Chicago.

Beynon (1975) five-year study of Ford Motor company in Liverpool describing the experience of people who worked on the assembly lines.

Casey (1995) exploration of new product development workers in an American multi-national corporation

Michael (2011) nine-year study of Wall Street bankers practices of habitual overwork

Question 9

Ethnography

Answer 9

It refers to both a method of research and the written outcome of the research

Question 10

Going native

Answer 10

a plight that sometimes afflicts ethnographers when they lose their sense of being a researcher and become wrapped up in the world view of the people they are studying.

Example Beynon at Ford

Question 11

Micro-ethnography

Answer 11

Focusing on a particular aspect of an organizational culture and how the culture is reflected through this in a shorter period of time.

Question 12

overt and covert

Answer 12

Overt: known that you are there for research purposes

Covert: Unknown that you are there for research purposes

Question 13

Field notes

Answer 13

Writing down notes, however brief, as quickly as possible after seeing or hearing something interesting. This can be done at the very latest at the end of the day.

Examples: Mental notes, jotted notes,and full fieldnotes

Question 14

Types of questions

Answer 14

1) Introducing questions
2) Follow-up questions
3) Probing questions
4) Specific questions
5) Direct questions
6) Indirect questions
7) Structuring questions
8) Silence
9) Interpreting questions

Question 15

Explicit vs implicit

Answer 15

Explicit: In a direct way: generally asking further or retrospective

Implicit: in an indirect way e.g. silence

Question 16

Formulating questions for an interview guide

Answer 16

1) General research area
2) Specific research question
3) Interview topic
4) Formulate interview questions
5) Review and revise the interview questions
6) Pilot guide
7) Identify novel issues
8) Revise interview questions
9) Finalise guide

Question 17

Focus group vs group interviews

Answer 17

Focus group typically emphasize a specific theme or topic that is explored in depths, whereas group interview often span very widely.

Group interviews, unlike focus groups, are often carried out to save time and money by carrying out interviews with a number of individuals simultaneously

Focus group practitioners are interested in the ways individuals discuss issues as members of a group, rather than as individuals. Focus group researchers are interested in how people respond to each other’s view and build up a view out of interactions taking place within the group.