intro to qualitative research

Question 1

grounded theory

Answer 1

an inductive approach involving a systematic set of procedures to arrive at a theory about basic social processes
- used to construct a theory where no theory exists or when theory fails to explain a set of circumstances
goal is to discover underlying social forces that shape human behaviour

Question 2

ethnographic method

Answer 2

focuses on a scientific description of interpretation of cultural or social groups and systems
goal: to understand the participants view of their world
- contrasted with the outsiders view

Question 3

case study

Answer 3

investigates a contemporary phenomenon over time to provide an in-depth description of essential dimensions and processes of the phenomenon

Question 4

participatory action

Answer 4

combines exploration of, reflection on and action on social and health problems
- community-based
goal: to facilitate change within a community with the participants involved in all steps of the change process

Question 5

phenomenological method

Answer 5

a process of learning and constructing the meaning of human experience through intensive dialogue with persons who are living the experience
goal: to understand the meaning of the experience as it is lived by the participant