Chapter 9 - Field Research and In-Depth Interviews

Question 1

in-depth interview

Answer 1

a type of formal interview intended to yield deep responses through open-ended questions and a flexible format

Question 1

ethnography

Answer 1

an alternate word, derived from cultural anthropology, to describe field research, especially when it focuses on the culture of a group of people

Question 2

reflexivity

Answer 2

a common practice in qualitative research, whereby researchers reflect on how their characteristic and presence shape the research process

Question 3

participant observation

Answer 3

field researcher participates to some degree in the activity or group being studied

Question 4

non-participant observation

Answer 4

field researcher does not participate in the activity or group being studied

Question 5

overt observation

Answer 5

researchers identify themselves as a researcher to those who are being observed

Question 6

covert observation

Answer 6

researchers conceal their identity as a researcher

Question 7

unstructured interview

Answer 7

guided by broad objectives in which questions are developed as the interview proceeds

Question 8

semi-structured interview

Answer 8

a type of interview that, while having specific objectives, permits the interviewer some freedom in meeting them

Question 9

focus group

Answer 9

interview method in which a researcher collects data from group by moderating a group discussion on a particular topic

Question 10

netnography

Answer 10

method used to study people/groups on the internet, but it differs from traditional ethnography in that the data are usually textual and observations may not be in real-time

Question 11

guiding question

Answer 11

relatively broad research question that guides the initial stages of qualitative research

Question 12

key informant

Answer 12

a person from whom field researchers acquire information who is selected on the basis of knowledge, expertise, or status within the group

Question 13

field jottings

Answer 13

brief quotes, phrases, and key words that are recorded by field researchers while in the field

Question 14

field notes

Answer 14

detailed written accounts of field observations plus reflections and primary analyses

Question 15

analytic memos

Answer 15

adjunct to field notes in field research that consists of recorded analyses that come to mind in going over notes and observations

Question 16

interview guide

Answer 16

list of topics and specific questions to be asked in a qualitative interview

Question 17

probes

Answer 17

follow-up questions used to gather more information about a respondent’s answer

Question 18

grand tour question

Answer 18

broad opening question in in-depth interviews that asks for a general description of the people, processes, or events being studied