Lecture 4

Question 1

Theory use for Qualitative research

Answer 1

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)

Question 2

Inductive logic of research in a qualitative study steps

Answer 2

“Bottom Up”

1. research gathers information (interviews, observations)
2. researcher asks open ended questions of participants or records field notes
3. researcher analyzes data to form themes or categories
4. researcher looks for broad patterns, generalizations, or theories from themes or categories
5. researcher poses generalizations or theories from past experiences and literature

Question 3

9 Key Characteristics of Qualitative Research

Answer 3

Natural setting
Researcher as Instrument
Multiple Sources of Data
Inductive Analysis
Participants Meanings
Emergent Design
Theoretical Lens
Interpretive
Holistic Account

Question 4

Natural Setting

Answer 4

in “field”, on site, face to face

Question 5

Researcher as Instrument

Answer 5

collect data themselves - don’t rely on instruments

Question 6

Multiple Sources of Data

Answer 6

interviews, observations, documents

Question 7

Inductive Analysis

Answer 7

bottom up (from particular to general)

Question 8

Participants’ Meanings

Answer 8

primacy of (vs researcher’s meaning or others)

Question 9

Emergent Design

Answer 9

initial plan/may chance or shift once in field

Question 10

Theoretical Lens

Answer 10

often used - identified (eg. cultural, feminist)

Question 11

Interpretive

Answer 11

interpret what is seen, heard, and understood to be

Question 12

Holistic Account

Answer 12

builds a picture that is complete as possible

Question 13

5 Popular Strategies for Qualitative Research

Answer 13

Ethnography
Grounded Theory
Case Studies
Phenomenology
Narrative

Question 14

Ethnography

Answer 14

cultural group

Question 15

Grounded Theory

Answer 15

grounded in participant views

Question 16

Case Studies

Answer 16

in depth, one or a few cases

Question 17

Phenomenology

Answer 17

essence of human experience

Question 18

Narative

Answer 18

stories of participant’s life

Question 19

Role of Researcher in Qualitative Research

Answer 19

the “instrument”

engaged with participants (intensive experience)

Question 20

What strategic, ethical, and personal issues can arise regarding the role of the researcher?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What are the four basic types of data?

Answer 21

Observations
Interviews
Documents
Audio-visual material

Question 22

Observation (Options, Advantage, Limitation)

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Interviews (Options, Advantage, Limitation)

Answer 23

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)

Question 24

Documents (Options, Advantages, Limitations)

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Audio-Visual (Options, Advantages, Limitations)

Answer 25

Options: pictures, music, sounds, art, film
Advantages: may be unobtrusive, creative, gets attention visually
Limitation: interpretation can be difficult, accessibility