Introduction to qualitative research Flashcards
What is realist ontology?
the study of knowledge. There is an objective reality that exists in the world.
What is positivist epistemology?
Objective reality can be studied in a value free manner.
This is often the quantitative approach.
What is social constructionist ontology?
The idea that reality is constructed by human culture e.g. language.
What is Interpretivist epistemology?
The idea that reality can be understood by studying and interpreting experience and language.
What is the process of deductive reasoning?
This is a quantitative process in which:
Start with a theory
Make a prediction based on the theory
Test the theory
What is the process of inductive reasoning?
This is a qualitative process in which: Start with specific observations Identify patterns Make a generalisation Create a theory These conclusions are tentative.
What is meant by the term tentative?
This is used in qualitative research and refers to the idea that you can only draw conclusions from your own sample.
What is meant by the term Reflexivity?
The process of acknowledging and reflecting on researcher subjectivity.
What is meant by critical subjectivity?
looks at social identities and how they can effect the research. (Reason, 1988).
What is meant by the term iterative?
the process of qualitative data evolving over time according to research experience.
Examples of methods to collect qualitative data
One to one interviews Diaries Observations Group interviews Open questionaires
What is meant by theoretical sampling?
the process of collecting a sample based on what we already know.
What is extreme sampling?
This is where you collect data from extreme cases.
What is Homogeneous sampling?
Recruiting participants who all share certain salient characteristics. Looks at a particular group e.g. biker gang.
What is maximum variation sampling?
the sampling of people who cover a wide range of positions and perspectives in relation to the interest. E.g. you sample many genders and races to look at the effect of welfare.
