Lecture 7

Question 1

Interpretivist approach

Answer 1

People are no (or not just) molecules, atoms and electrons

Question 2

Verstehen

Answer 2

interpretative understanding of social action

Question 3

Reflexivity

Answer 3

sensitivity of and adaptation by the researcher to his or her influence in the research setting

Question 4

Credibility (≈ internal validity)

Answer 4

Good practice and respondent validation

Question 5

Transferability (≈ external validity)

Answer 5

Note the importance of contextual dependence

Question 6

Dependability (≈ reliability)

Answer 6

Keep records, fieldnotes, etc. accessible

Question 7

Sensitivity to context

Answer 7

e.g., ethics, social-cultural setting, subject’s perspective

Question 8

Commitment and rigour

Answer 8

e.g., thoroughness, skills, in-depth engagement

Question 9

Transparency and coherence

Answer 9

e.g., transparent methods, power of argument

Question 10

Impact and importance

Answer 10

e.g., practical for policy makers/community

Question 11

Triangulation

Answer 11

Combining multiple observers, methods, theories, empirical materials, analyses, respondents, informants, standpoints etc. and evaluate whether they forward the same result.

Question 12

Contradiction

Answer 12

actively search for counter evidence or deviant cases

Question 13

Respondent validation

Answer 13

Data or results are returned or discussed with participants to check their accuracy and validity

Question 14

Grounded theory

Answer 14

A systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the construction of theory through the analysis of data

Question 15

Case study

Answer 15

Detailed and extensive analysis of one case (e.g., typical cases, critical cases, deviant cases, unique cases)

Question 16

Purposive sampling

Answer 16

elements are selected because of their unique position

Question 17

Snowball sampling

Answer 17

elements are selected by informants or interviewees

Question 18

Theoretical sampling

Answer 18

sample is drawn in sequential fashion, with elements being selected for study when earlier observations indicate that these elements are influential

Question 19

Flexible interviews

Answer 19

Unstructured interview: Few or loosely defined topics, conversational style.

Structured interview: Flexible phrasing and question ordering, but specific list of topics to cover (i.e., interview guide).

Question 20

A focus group

Answer 20

• Form of group interview
• Several participants and a moderator
• Individuals in a social context - Study interaction between group members

Question 21

Ethnography

Answer 21

A method in which an observer/ethnographer immerses him- or herself in a culture or cultural group for an extended period of time, observing behaviour, listening to what is said in conversations both between others and with the fieldworker, and asking questions

Question 22

Participant observation

Answer 22

A research strategy that involves collecting data by observing people and/or interacting with them in their normal activities

Question 23

Covert observer

Answer 23

researcher does not participate in group activities and does not disclose role as a researcher.

Question 24

Overt observer

Answer 24

researcher does not participate in group activities but does disclose role as a researcher

Question 25

Overt participant

Answer 25

researcher actively participates in group activities and discloses the research role

Question 26

Covert participant

Answer 26

researcher actively participates in group activities and does not disclose the research role.