Lecture 11A: Qualitative research methods (Definitions and types) Flashcards
What are the main differences between quantitative and qualitative research?
- Quantitative research: measurable variables, follows a linear model
- Qualitative research: words/ideas, follows a circular model.
Define qualitative research.
Involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data that are not easily reduced to numbers.
human behaviour = a product of how people interpret the world
What are the paradigms that help understand the difference between quantitative and qualitative research?
Positivist paradigm and interpretivist paradigm.
What is the research process in quantitative research?
State a research question, formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, collect data, analyze data, draw a conclusion.
What is the research process in qualitative research?
Start with a priori assumptions, collect data, analyze data, and develop theories.
What type of research question is typical in quantitative research?
What causes Y? What is the effect of X on Y within a population of cases?
What type of research question is typical in qualitative research?
What Xs explain Y for one or more specific cases?
e.g. What factors contribute to anxiety in
patients undergoing dental treatment?
Fill in the blank: Quantitative research uses _______ variables.
measurable
Fill in the blank: Qualitative research uses _______ as its data.
words/ideas
What are the types of data used in quantitative research?
Measurable variables (numerical data), statistical analysis.
What are the types of data used in qualitative research?
Concepts and variables as words/ideas, thematic analysis.
What can qualitative research reveal about people’s experiences?
How people feel, what people say, what people think, what people perceive.
Involving feelings and impressions
What is ontology?
The study of reality or being, exploring the nature of existence.
What is epistemology?
The study of knowledge, focusing on what we know and how we know it.
True or False: Qualitative research starts with theories to generate hypotheses.
False
True or False: Quantitative research involves an inductive process.
False
What are the two views of ontology?
Realistic ontology and idealistic ontology.
What does realistic ontology assert?
The world has qualities that are independent of our ideas (objective) and are available to us
What does idealistic ontology assert?
We only have access to our own ideas and subjective experiences
Fill in the blank: Qualitative research involves _______ materials.
empirical
What are some methods used in qualitative research?
Case studies, personal experiences, introspection, life stories, interviews.
What is the purpose of the qualitative research process?
To describe phenomena, routines, problematic moments, and meanings in people’s lives.
What is the ‘wheel of science’ concept?
Inductive
- Observation -> empirical generalization -> theory)
- For qualitative research
Deductive
- theory -> hypothesis -> observation as confirmation)
- For quantitative research
What is a paradigm in the context of knowledge?
A model to generate knowledge, showing patterns.
Refers to an organizational framework to generate knowledge, containing tools, methods, and scope
What is ontology?
- The study of reality or being
- Explores the nature of existence
In realistic ontology, how can one ensure that data corresponds directly to reality?
By using the right methodology to avoid bias from one’s perspective and/or values
In idealistic ontology, what do researchers study?
Their mental constructs of the world - data does not correspond directly to reality
What is epistemology?
- The study of knowledge
- Explores what we know, how we know what we know
What is the relationship between epistemology and ontology?
Epistemology is linked to ontology as it shares beliefs about what exists and how it may be known
What does positivist epistemology (positivism) focus on?
Empirical facts that correspond directly to reality independently from the observer’s expectations or ideas
What is pragmatic epistemology (pragmatism)?
A middle ground that assumes phenomena operate independently from our ideas but must be apprehended through our ideas
In interpretive epistemology, how is the world understood?
Arises from idealistic ontology - As a world of ideas about ourselves, society, or nature
What do critical and ideological epistemologies share?
Idealistic ontological assumptions
What is the aim of critical and ideological epistemology?
To construct new knowledge ideologically or creatively
True or False: Positivist epistemology is predominant in health-related research.
True
What is commonly assumed about the scientific approach to health-related research?
That it is positivist epistemology using quantitative methods
Fill in the blank: Knowledge can be generated by _______ facts that correspond to reality independently from researcher expectations.
empirical
Fill in the blank: Knowledge can also be generated ideologically and creatively using _______.
interpretation, change, and reinterpretation
What do paradigms or models guide us through?
The process to generate knowledge
What does the summary state about exploring phenomena?
We can explore what is real (ontology) or what we know and how we know what we know (epistemology)
