Getting Started with Qualitative Research

Question 1

What are the key characteristics of qualitative research?

Answer 1

Flexibility
Priority of data-no hypothesis
Context sensitivity-crucial for full understanding
Thick description-detailed to inc. feelings and meanings
Immersion in the setting (natural setting)
Insider / outsider perspectives
Reflexivity-critical stance to own assumptions

Question 2

What is a good reserach question?

Answer 2

. non-biased
. answerable
. relevant 
. intriguing
. pertinent
.focussed

Question 3

What is a literature review and aims

Answer 3

A literature review ‘reviews’ published knowledge in a
particular subject area
Allows you to familiarise yourself with the relevant literature
• To establish what is already known
• To identify gaps in the knowledge - (how does YOUR
research fit)
• To support your choice of study

Question 4

In terms of study design, what ethical issues must be considered throughout the research process?

Answer 4

Gaining access to participants
– Informed consent
– Deception in research
– Confidentiality
– Avoiding harm
– Authentic representation of the data
–
⚫ Sensitive Research?
– Method of data collection?

Question 5

In terms of study design, what are some sampling types?

Answer 5

. Purposive Sampling
. Theoretical sampling.
. homogeneous sampling
. Heterogeneous Sampling

Question 6

What is purposive sampling?

Answer 6

A sample is built up which enables the researcher
to meet the needs of the project and create understanding
• Information-rich cases

Question 7

What is theoretical sampling?

Answer 7

The sample will consist of those individuals who

are most likely to provide theoretical insights

Question 8

What is homogeneous sampling?

Answer 8

A sample of individuals who belong to the same subculture or have similar characteristics.

Question 9

What is heterogeneous sampling?

Answer 9

Also know as ‘maximum variation sampling’ the sample

will include participants with differing experiences

Question 10

What are some sampling strategies?

Answer 10

. Snowball sampling

. Convenience sampling

Question 11

What is snowball sampling?

Answer 11

A small number of known members of the target

populations are asked to introduce you to other members to assist-nominate those with knowledge of the research question

Question 12

What is convenience sampling?

Answer 12

. researcher exploits any opportunity they can, however unexpected, to collect data.
. Does not produce representative findings

Question 13

What are some sampling decisions?

Answer 13

. Inclusion/exclusion criteria
. Sampling parameters-time and place
. Sampling size
. Saturation point-all data of significance has been collected