Focus Groups, Archival Research, Process Tracing Flashcards
What is a focus group?
A group interview method where a moderator facilitates discussion among a small group on a specific topic.
What is the purpose of focus groups?
To explore a range of opinions, collective sense-making, group dynamics, and generate ideas.
What are the strengths of focus groups?
Efficient data collection, reveals group interactions/norms, and can spark richer responses through discussion.
What are the weaknesses of focus groups?
Less researcher control, group dynamics can bias results, logistical challenges, and complex data analysis.
What is archival research?
Research using existing historical records and documents found in archives.
What are the sources of archival research?
Government documents, organizational records, personal papers, photos, recordings, etc.
What is process tracing?
A within-case method for analyzing causal processes by examining the sequence of events linking a potential cause to an outcome.
What is the purpose of process tracing?
To test hypothesized causal mechanisms by looking for diagnostic evidence predicted by different explanations.
What are the types of evidence tests in process tracing?
Straw-in-the-Wind, Hoop Test, Smoking Gun Test, Doubly Decisive Test, and Auxiliary Outcome Test.
