Interviews, Focus Groups & Analysing Data Flashcards
What is an interview?
A professional conversation aimed at gathering a participant’s experiences and perspectives on a specific topic.
What are the three types of interviews?
●Structured
●Semi-structured
●Unstructured
List three strengths of interviews:
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Rich, detailed data
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Flexible approach
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Suitable for sensitive topics
List three limitations of interviews:
Time-consuming
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Limited breadth of data
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Potential lack of anonymity
When are interviews most useful?
Exploring participant experiences and perceptions
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Conducting qualitative surveys
What are key considerations when designing an interview guide?
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Opening and closing questions
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Question order
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Question wording and structure
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Use of prompts and probes
What are the characteristics of effective interview questions?
Singular focus
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Concise wording
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Clarity and precision
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Linguistically appropriate
What practical aspects should be considered when preparing for interviews?
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Participant scheduling
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Providing estimated interview duration
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Number of interviews per day
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Time intervals between interviews
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Transcription or recording method
What is the interviewer’s role in a face-to-face interview?
Show interest without excessive empathy
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Maintain a non-judgemental stance
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Interact appropriately, avoiding over-affirmation
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Recognise the interviewee as the expert on their experiences
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Avoid asserting “expert” authority
What is a focus group?
Data collection from multiple participants simultaneously through an unstructured, moderated discussion on a specific topic.
When are focus groups a suitable research method?
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When an open and supportive environment is desired
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To stimulate detailed discussions through participant interaction
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To capture real-life vocabulary and perspectives
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To gather diverse viewpoints
List three strengths of focus groups:
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Exploring issues in depth
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High ecological validity
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Participant empowerment
List three weaknesses of focus groups:
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Lack of in-depth individual follow-up
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Management and logistical challenges
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Unsuitability for geographically dispersed participants
What participant characteristics should be considered in focus groups?
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Existing relationships (friends, acquaintances, strangers)
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Potential impact on disclosure and confidentiality
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Shared history and interactional familiarity
What is the recommended sample size for focus groups?
3-8 participants, balancing manageability with viewpoint diversity.
What factor determines the ideal focus group size?
Saturation, ensuring sufficient data richness.
What type of topic may warrant smaller focus groups?
Sensitive topics.
What are the key ethical considerations in focus groups?
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Participant’s right to withdraw and data removal
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Confidentiality and disclosure risks
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Maintaining participant confidentiality
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Obtaining informed consent
What are the key principles for designing a focus group guide?
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Similar structure to an interview guide
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Clear questions addressing a single issue
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Questions serving as prompts for discussion
What are essential moderator skills for conducting focus groups?
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Encouraging participation
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Guiding conversations to cover key topics
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Facilitating rather than controlling discussions
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Balancing active and passive moderation
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Integrating as part of the group
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Mindful body language and facial expressions
How should a focus group be concluded?
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Provide an opportunity for participants to add further information
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Express gratitude to all participants
What are the steps involved in analysing qualitative data?
- Data collection
- Data management and organisation
- Reading and memoing
- Coding and theme organisation
- Data interpretation
- Data representation, including findings account
What is the initial step in managing and organising qualitative data?
Transcribing the data.
What is the purpose of reading and memoing data?
To write reflective notes and guide subsequent analysis steps.
What are the two main approaches to content analysis?
● Deductive approach: Uses predefined codes based on existing theory or expectations.
● Inductive approach: Derives codes and themes directly from the data without preconceived notions.
What is the starting point of a deductive approach to content analysis?
Predefined framework or theory
What is the starting point of an inductive approach to content analysis?
Raw data
What is the goal of a deductive approach to content analysis?
Test/validate existing theories
What is the goal of an inductive approach to content analysis?
Explore and develop new insights
What is the coding process for the deductive approach to content analysis?
predefined categories
What is the coding process for the inductive approach to content analysis?
categories emerge from the data
What is the Use Case for the deductive approach to content analysis?
Focused research questions
What is the Use Case for the inductive approach to content analysis?
open-ended explanatory studies
What is the flexibility for deductive approaches to content analysis?
Limited to framework boundaries
What is the flexibility for inductive approaches to content analysis?
Highly flexible and adaptable
What is a code in qualitative data analysis?
A word or phrase that concisely describes a segment of data.
What is a theme in qualitative data analysis?
A pattern or concept that emerges from the coding, categorisation, and analysis of data.
List the steps involved in coding and organising themes:
1.
Listen to audio recordings while reviewing transcripts
2.
Code the transcripts using CAQDAS software, Word comment boxes, or manually
3.
Organise themes and supporting quotes, potentially using Excel for collation
