Descriptive Research Methods

Question 1

Qualitative methods

Answer 1

Psychological reality is socially constructed
Psychological knowledge is constructed through investigative practices
Psychological research seeks an understanding of people’s subjective experience
Psychological research is value laden

Question 2

Qualitative interview

Answer 2

Inquiring about the meaning of people’s subjective experiences through engaging them in dialogue

Question 3

Reasons for qualitative interviews

Answer 3

Find out
people’s feelings thoughts and intentions
How people organize their experience of the world and the meanings they attach to it
Behaviors that took place at a previous point in time
Situations that preclude the presence of an observer

Question 4

Unstructured interviews

Answer 4

The interviewer engages the respondent in an open ended conversational dialogue

Question 5

Semi structured interviews

Answer 5

The interviewer engages in directed conversation with the respondent according to a structured interview guide.

Question 6

Biographical questions

Answer 6

Questions concerning simple descriptive or demographic info about respondents

Question 7

Grand tour questions

Answer 7

Substantive questions concerning the main topic of the research

Question 8

Grand tour questions the rule of w

Answer 8

Who what when where why how

Question 9

Floating prompts

Answer 9

Spontaneous unplanned communicative gestures directing the respondent to elaborate
Eyebrow flash or repetition of key term

Question 10

Planned prompts

Answer 10

Pre arranged communicative gestures directing the respondent to elaborate 
Contrast prompts
Category questions 
Exceptional incidents 
Auto driving 
Hypothetical 
Summary questions

Question 11

Interview procedure

Answer 11

Opening, question development

Critical listening- key terms conversational dodges implications and assumptions

Question 12

Focus groups

Answer 12

Small group discussion of a given topic as moderated by a facilitator

Question 13

Group interviews

Answer 13

The interviewer systematically questions several individuals simultaneously according to a structured semistructured or unstructured format

Question 14

Functions of focus groups (4)

Answer 14

Gather info
Generate insight
Explore decision making
Encourage group interaction

Question 15

Types of focus groups (3)

Answer 15

Traditional focus group
Brainstorming groups
Delphi groups

Question 16

Ethnographic research

Answer 16

Field studies of naturally occurring groups in another culture or subculture

Question 17

Features of ethnographies (4)

Answer 17

Holistic perspective
Naturalistic orientation
Prolonged field activity
Use of prior knowledge

Question 18

Historical research (historiography)

Answer 18

Studies of past events based on historical records

Question 19

Stages of historical inquiry (3)

Answer 19

Collection of facts
Interpretation of facts
Evaluation of consequences

Question 20

Sources of historical data (2)

Answer 20

Primary sources

Secondary sources