Lecture 4 Flashcards
Theory use for Qualitative research
broad explanation - upfront, adopt of a particular theoretical model (eg. QOL)
use a theoretical lens or perspective (feminist, racialized, critical theory)
theory becomes end point (emerging from the data, inductive process)
no explicit use of theory (descriptive research of phenomena)
Inductive logic of research in a qualitative study steps
“Bottom Up”
- research gathers information (interviews, observations)
- researcher asks open ended questions of participants or records field notes
- researcher analyzes data to form themes or categories
- researcher looks for broad patterns, generalizations, or theories from themes or categories
- researcher poses generalizations or theories from past experiences and literature
9 Key Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Natural setting Researcher as Instrument Multiple Sources of Data Inductive Analysis Participants Meanings Emergent Design Theoretical Lens Interpretive Holistic Account
Natural Setting
in “field”, on site, face to face
Researcher as Instrument
collect data themselves - don’t rely on instruments
Multiple Sources of Data
interviews, observations, documents
Inductive Analysis
bottom up (from particular to general)
Participants’ Meanings
primacy of (vs researcher’s meaning or others)
Emergent Design
initial plan/may chance or shift once in field
Theoretical Lens
often used - identified (eg. cultural, feminist)
Interpretive
interpret what is seen, heard, and understood to be
Holistic Account
builds a picture that is complete as possible
5 Popular Strategies for Qualitative Research
Ethnography Grounded Theory Case Studies Phenomenology Narrative
Ethnography
cultural group
Grounded Theory
grounded in participant views
Case Studies
in depth, one or a few cases
Phenomenology
essence of human experience
Narative
stories of participant’s life
Role of Researcher in Qualitative Research
the “instrument”
engaged with participants (intensive experience)
What strategic, ethical, and personal issues can arise regarding the role of the researcher?
must be explicit about position (prior experience participants, setting, or research problem, how these experiences potentially shape or influence interpretations) indicate IRB (REB) steps access to participants, site (why this site, what will be done there, benefits, reporting of results) consider and plan for ethical issues that may arise
What are the four basic types of data?
Observations
Interviews
Documents
Audio-visual material
Observation (Options, Advantage, Limitation)
Options: role is hidden or known, participates, observes only
Advantage: first hand experience, record as occurs unusual things noted
Limitation: intrusive, researcher skills and abilities, rapport with some people
Interviews (Options, Advantage, Limitation)
Options: face to face, one on one, joint (2), group (focus), telephone, email/internet
Advantages: historical info, some control on questions, info provided face to face/individual, natural setting
Limitations: presence may bias what is said, quiet or domineering participants, group (may not speak of issues)
Documents (Options, Advantages, Limitations)
Options: private, public
Advantages: accessed at convenient time, written (saves times), if compiled by participant (own words, important to them)
Limitations: limited access (privacy, protected info), possibly requires scanning, retrieving data from files/charts, authenticity, accuracy
Audio-Visual (Options, Advantages, Limitations)
Options: pictures, music, sounds, art, film
Advantages: may be unobtrusive, creative, gets attention visually
Limitation: interpretation can be difficult, accessibility
