Lec 3 Flashcards
Total quality framework - Transparency?
Involves communicating what went on in the research study and how the researcher drew interpretations from the analysis.
Allows reader to evaluate their confidence in the research process as well as the researcher’s final interpretations and the applicability of the research to other contexts (transferability)
Total quality framework - usefulness
Adresses the question “ what can and should be done with the study now that it has been completed?”
Function of vigorous- the attention to quality- within the credibility (data collection), analyzability (analysis), and transparency (reporting) components
What is the “golden thread”?
Coherence from what the research question is and between the participants, methods, and results of the study
What does methodological integrity ensure?
Ensures trustworthiness of a research study
What does methodological integrity address? (2 major concerns)
- Fidelity to the subject matter
- Utility in achieving goals
What is another way of thinking about methodological quality?
Rigor and validity
What is rigor?
The practice of doing something with great care, thoroughly and systematically to ensure the process and outcome is of a high quality
What is validity?
The credibility or believability of the research
(We use the word trustworthiness instead of validity)
What are Validation strategies?
-Strategies researchers can draw upon to enhance the quality of their research.
-Minimum 2/9
-Chosen in coherence with the ontological and epistemological stance of the study.
What is data triangulation?
Including different types of data or a variety of groups to represent different perspectives on the issue
What is quality research?
Reflexivity: what was the relationship between the researcher and the research carried out?
Transparency and audit trail: how clear is the research process?
Coherence (golden thread): is there a clear thread running through the research that connects it all together?
Contribution of the research: is this research useful and applicable to the context in which it was conducted?
Rigor: has the research been carried out in a systematic manner?
Design cycle
1) the research question
QI is appropriate when: (3)??
- The variables of interest cannot be easily measured
- We need a detailed understanding of a complex issue
- We want to give a voice to a particular group and empower people to share their stories
The RQ—> QI is also appropriate when (4)?
- There is a need to minimize the power relationship between researcher and participant
- The problem requires a flexible approach
- We wish to develop or refine theories or see if an existing theory applies to a particular group
4.NOT just another way to ask a quantitative question such as effects, causes, relationships - unless looking at it from participants’ perspective.
What comes after formulating a research question?
Reviewing the literature.
- what are the knowledge gaps?
- what theories have been put forth to define, explain, and measure the construct?
- what model or theory is likely to be most useful to your study?
- how can your research contribute to advancing knowledge?
Why use a theory? (4 reasons)
- Puts your research in context
- Helps guide your research study
- Allows you to justify the need for your research study
- Increases your awareness of methods that can be applied to you research question
What comes after reviewing the literature?
Developing a conceptual framework
What is a conceptual framework?
It’s a tool used to help organize the theories and their related concepts that have emerged from your literature review
What does a conceptual framework provide? (3)
Provides focus and structure to the study
Clarifies concepts being investigated and how they are related to one another
Drive the data collection procedures
What questions should you ask yourself after organizing relevant theories into a conceptual map? (3)
Does the conceptual framework correctly reflect the research question?
Does the theory fit the research question?
Does the research question need further refinement in light of the theory?
During the conceptual framework, you will have to make decisions about your specific focus. What are some questions you should ask yourself? (2)
What aspects of the construct are you interested in?
What variables do you wish to examine?
Your original conceptual framework will be derived through … reasoning. I.i., based on what you read in the literature
But it will be continually transformed through th process of … reasoning; i.e., based on what you learn in you data collection
- Deductive
- Inductive
What comes after developing a conceptual framework?
Selecting methods of data collection
The approach you choose for your methodology determines: (4)
- How you will address the research question?
- Who will participate in your study?
- How data will be collected?
- How it will be analyzed?
In terms of collecting data, there are several methods at one’s disposal, such as: (4)
- Surveys (open ended q’s)
- Interviews (group or individual)
- Observation (participant, non participant)
- Analysis of media (text, visual, auditory)
Qualitative before quantitative is to:
Explore relevant issues to be explore in a survey
Identify themes and concepts that are important to include in a survey
Fine-tune the operationalization of key variables
Guide item development based on contextual factors
Qualitative after quantitative is to:
Interpret the findings and results of a quantitative study
Understand and explain the trends observed in a survey
Illuminate the processes underlying the trend
To contextualize the behavior under study
Quantitative after qualitative is to:
Quantify the findings of the qualitative study
Generalize the findings of the qualitative study to a large group
Diversify the findings of the qualitative study to different populations
