Deck 7

Question 1

What are the features of qualitative observation?

Answer 1

• It is fairly unstructured/ unfocused, i.e. no predetermined rules about what to observe and what kind of notes to take. The data is qualitative, i.e. a narrative description of qualities.

Question 2

How do you record a qualitative observation?

Answer 2

• 4 columns:
  
  • observation notes - raw description:
  • theoretical notes - interpretation
  • methodological notes - reflection on research choices;
  • reflective notes - feelings and experiences.
    at the level of observation interpretation is already happening ie. you make assumptions already.

Question 3

What are the features of quantitative observation?

Answer 3

• It is structured/focused: predetermined rules about what to observe, how to code what is observed and what kind of notes (interpretive, methodological etc.) to take; - deliberate and consistent choices about what information to lose. Data are quantitative: observations are reduced to numbers.

Question 4

What are the benefits of structured vs, unstructured observation?

Answer 4

• Unstructured observation - explore nature and diversity (e.g. different kinds of behaviors)
• Structured observation:
  
  • assess incidence, duration, frequency probability
  • investigate associations with other variables of interest (e.g. gender, time, location)

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of structured observation?

Answer 5

• The observations that are reduced to numbers are more comparable for analysis but also less rich in detail. Besides, the interpretation of the categories can still be different between the different observers.

Question 6

What is overt vs. overt observation?

Answer 6

• Covert people (or animals) are unaware that they being observed. Issues: no informed consent - ethical issues.
• Overt: people (or animals) are aware they are being observed. Issues: reactivity

Question 7

What is natural vs. controlled observation?

Answer 7

• Natural: observing without interfering.

- Controlled: observing while introducing a stimulus, i.e. provoking an activity. Issues: validity.

Question 8

What are some of the most common problems with observation?

Answer 8

• Getting access; obtrusiveness and disturbance of the situation (reactivity);
• reliability and measurement validity issues in observation and interpretation;
• ethical concerns.

Question 9

What are the problems with subject responses?

Answer 9

• “Describe what -> you understand -> they said -> they think -> is/will be/ they thought -> good to do/ was. “. At each point there may be hiccups.

Question 10

What is meant with standardization with regard to asking questions?

Answer 10

• It is the extent to which the interviewer is kept to the:
  
  • choice of questions;
  • order of questions;
  • formulation of questions, instructions (introduction, ending, probing, etc.).
• The unstructured interview leaves much more room for the perspective of the interviewee.

Question 11

What is content analysis?

Answer 11

• It is an analysis method in which “ texts “ are analyzed. Texts can be signs (speech, written text) or scenes (pictures, videos). Content analysis does not equal Literature study.
• Content analysis aims to produce new knowledge: it aims to decipher detect patterns in human communications that may or may not be intended by the author.
• It can be used in any study design.
• Subject responses is the proxy through which we study the world. Construct analysis is the study of the proxy.